HISTORY 



( )F 




rovidence (Bounty, 



RHODE ISLAND 



Edited by 



RICHARD iVL. BAYLES 

Assisted by a corps of writers. 



Ii) hwo volumes Illustrated. 

VOU IME I. 



New York: 
W. W . PRESTON & CO. 

1891. 



•01 



PREFACE. 



Rhode Island history is peculiar. It occupies a place in the annals 
of America quite distinct from that of any other civil organization. 
To the founders of this state, and particularly to Roger Williams, be- 
longs the honor of having realized for the first time the grand idea of 
a civil government, securing to its citizens a full liberty in religious 
matters — a liberty which implied an emancipation of reason from the 
thralldom of arbitrary authoritv, and the full freedom of inquiry in 
all matters of speculative faith. Here that great idea which con- 
stituted the very soul of' that religious movement which for many long 
years agitated all Europe, first took an organic form, crystalized into 
a living reality, and expressed itself in a social compact, binding the 
signers " in active and passive obedience to all such orders or agree- 
ments as shall be made for public good of the body * * ' :: " only in 
civil things." 

A free and absolute charter of incorporation for the Providence 
Plantations was brought by Roger Williams from England, in 1644; 
but owing to the claims of Massachusetts, or other obstructions, it did 
not go into effect until May, 1647. This charter granted the most 
ample power to the inhabitants to establish such a form of civil gov- 
ernment as the greater part of them should deem most suitable to 
their estates and conditions; and to that end to make such civil laws 
and .to inflict such punishment for their violation, as they or the 
greater part of them should bv free consent agree to. 

In the earlv days of this unique commonwealth, the whole people 
formed the General Assembly, and met annually, for the enactment 
of general laws, and for the choice of general officers, which consisted 
of a president, a general recorder, and an " assistant " from each town, 
nominated by the town. A general code of laws, which concerned all 
men, was first approved by the towns, but before it could go into ef- 
fect it was ratified by the whole people. All legislative power was 
ultimately in the whole people in General Assembly convened. 
Towns had the liberty to propose laws, and the approval of a General 
Court of Commissioners might give them a temporary force; but it 
was only the action of the General Assembly that could make them 
general and permanent for all persons in the Colony. Each town. 
however, had its local laws, and also had its town courts, which had 
exelusive original jurisdiction over all causes between its own citi- 
zens. The president and assistants composed the general court of 
trials. They had jurisdiction over all aggravated offenses, as well as 
in all matters that might be submitted to them by the town courts as 
too weighty for the lower court to decide. They also had jurisdiction 
over all disputes between different towns, as well as between citizens 
of different towns and strangers. 



IV 



I' R E FA C E . 



From the beginning which we have just reviewed in briefest out- 
line the spirit of this commonwealth has gone steadily forward, pro- 
pelled as it were by unseen forces and guided by an unseen hand, de- 
veloping amid the sunshine and the tempests of political vicissitude, 
the most perfect model of human government as well as the most 
noble types of social conditions to be found among the civilized peo- 
ples of the earth. Least powerful of all the colonies of America in 
physical forces, it remained for Rhode Island to be the exponent of 
the moral forces which should yet predominate the nation. Who can 
doubt that the impulse that moved Roger Williams to give the name 
he did to his primitive settlement was an inspiration, prophetic in 
very fact of the unseen forces and the guiding hand, which like the 
ancient pillar of cloud and fire, should go with the enterprise through 
the coming centuries. Surely no intelligence less than a Divine 
Providence could develop a plan so grand in conception, so unique in 
design, so faithful m execution, and so bountiful in results. We can 
but commend the pride which fills the bosom of those who have in- 
herited nativity in the lap of such a scheme. 

And it is no matter of wonder to the editor of this work that he 
should have found some traces of prejudice against him in his work 
of reviewing the history of this locality on account of his not being 
identified with it by native or residuary interests. The fact that he 
has found so little of this prejudice, is to him but additional evidence 
of the liberality of sentiment which has grown up from the planting 
of Roger Williams. It has been said that the true soul of Providence 
history could not be faithfully portrayed by a historian not identified 
with it by personal ties. We believe the candid mind will recognize 
in this volume the refutation of such an assertion. We do not mean 
that our work is without defects. We only claim that it is a no less 
faithful representation than could have been expected even from a 

of the soil. In common with all historic efforts it has its defects, 
all of which we freely submit to the gracious consideration of the 
candid critic. 

We cannot, however, close the volume without making grateful 
mention of the fact that we have been assisted by the labors or kind 
offices of many Providence county men. among whom it gives us pleas- 
ure to mention: Honorable Amos Perry and Mr. Smith, of the Histori- 
cal Society Cabinet; Reuben A. Guild, LL.D.,of the University Library; 
the librarian of the Public Library; Honorable Thomas Ik Stock v 

mmissioner of Public Schools; Reverend T. Edwin Brown, D.I)., of 
the First Baptist church; A. D. Xiekerson and Charles A. Lee, of 
Pawtueket; the officials of the various State and City Departments; 
Messrs. J. A. & R. A. Reid. Snow & Parnum, Sidney S. Rider, and the 
publishers of the Daily Journal. 



15 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION. PJ 

Political Geography.-Watercourses.-Manufacturing Industries. -Agriculture >.- 
Railroads-Population and Growth. -Schools of the County.-Geology of the 
County, Rocks. Soils, Minerals. Timber, etc 

CHAPTER II. 

DEVELOPMENT OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 
Roger Williams, the Founder of the Settlement. -His Experiences in New England. 
-Purchases from tl.e Indians and Transfers to his Associates.-H.s Character. 
-His Burial Place.-Rev. William Blackstone. -Other Purchases of the Natives. 
-Enlargement of the Borders of the Town.-Fixing the Boundary Lines.- 
Division of the Town— Formation and Annexation of other Towns.-< nanges 
in Town Boundaries.-County ( )rganization. -Subsequent changes 

CHAPTER 111. 

THE BENCH AND BAR. 

Establishment of Courts-Successive Court Houses— Practitioners in the early 
Courts— Earlv Bar Compact.-Prominent Lawyers of a Half Century a*o. 
Their Location ami Habits.-Some Woonsocket Lawyers-Prominent Men oi 
the last Generation.— Lawyers of the Present Time 

( HAPTER IV. 

THE PROFESSION "I S1EDICINE. 

Early Practitioners. -First Licensed l»,uto, of Medicine.-Medical Societies formed. 
-The Rhode Island Medical Society.-The Providence Medical Association.- 
The Rhode Island Homeopathic Society.-The Hahnemann Society oi Rhode 
Island -The Providence Clinical Club. -The Rhode Island Dental Society - 
Physicians of Providence Fifty Years Ago— Some Physicians oi an Earner 
Period.-Former Physicians of Scituate.-Old-time Physicians of Woonsocket. 
-The Thompsonian Interest-Introduction of Homeopathy.— Later Physicians ^ 

of Providence County 

CHAPTER V. 
TOWN OF PROVIDENCE— SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 

Thesiteof Providence selected bj Williams and his Companions.-The title secured. 
-The Settlement hegun.-Building and Planting—The Settlement named— 
Williams ami the Indians— Signing the Civil Compact— The Town Govern- 
ment—Plot of the Settlement— Brief notice of the Settlers individually— 
Divisions of the Land— Establishing the Bounds— Delegating Town Powers— 
The Town Constitution.— Organization of Government under the Charter- 
Appointing Delegates— The " Towne Streete. "-Condition of the Early Settlers. 



vi TAB] I I i] CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

—Internal Improvements. Military Officers chosen.— Fort on "Stamper's Hill." 
—Discord in the Settlement.— Proprietors Distinct from Inhabitants.— New 
Charterin 1663. Changes Under it. A double Town Meeting.— Discord in the 
Town.— King Philip's War.— Burning of the Town. — Indians taken Prisoners 
and sold as Slaves. Under Edmond Andros. — A Prison built.— Training Ground. 
— Weybosset Bridge.— The Small-pox.— Growth of the Town.— Bridges, Lotter- 
ies. Fire Apparatus.- Alarm by the French and Indians.— Market House built. 
— Lotteries, Printing Office, Theatrical Exhibitions 134 

CHAPTER VI. 
THE TOWN <)F PROVIDENCE DURING THE REVOLUTION. 

Meeting the Stamp Act. -Arguments against the Action of Parliament.— The first 
Town to assert the Rights of the Colonists.— Repeal of the Stamp Act. — Popular 
Rejoicing at the News. Second Attempt of Parliament to Impose a Tax. — 
Dedication <>r the "Tree of Liberty." — Non-importation Agreements and Action. 
— Concessions of Parliament. — Burning of the "Gaspee." — Town Action con- 
cerning Tea. Bold Declaration of Rights.— Steps toward Convening a Conti- 
nental Congress. S\ tnpathy with Boston. — Efforts to Maintain Public Order. — 
Committee of Inspection. — Abstinence from the Use of Tea.— Military Com- 
panies Organized.- Erecting Fortifications. — Washington and his Army pass 
through. — Declaration of Independence. — Troops Centered Here. — Capture of 
the Pigot.— General Sullivan is Succeeded by Gates.— Visit of Washington. — 
Barton's Capture of Prescott. — Close of the War. — Protection of Commerce. — 
Adoption of the Constitution. — Commercial Importance of Providence. — Last 
Visit of Washington 171 

CHAPTER VII. 
GROWTH OP PROVIDENCE Town AND CITY. 

Business Enterprises and Prosperity. — Yellow Fever. — Presidential Visit. — War of 
1812.— Great Storm of 1815. Visit of President Monroe. —Providence in 1S20. — 
Temperance Movements. — Riots of September, 1830. — The City Charter and 
Government under it. The Town Dissolved and the City Established. — Review 
of the new City. Streets. -Finances. — The Dorr War. — Adopting the State 
Constitution.— A long Period of Prosperous ( S-rowth 192 

CHAPTER VIII. 

PROVIDED E CITY DURING THE REBELLION. 

Opening of the Rebellion. Recruiting.— Establishment of Camps. —First Regiment 
R. I Detached Militia. General Burnside. — Second R. [. Volunteers. — Fourth 
P. I. Volunteer,. Ninth R. 1. Volunteers.— Tenth R. I. Volunteers. -Seventh 
R. [. Volunteers. Eleventh R. 1. Volunteers.— Twelfth R.I. Volunteers.— Hos- 
pital Guards. Firsi R. I. Cavalry.— Seventh Squadron R. I. Cavalry.— Second 
R. I. Cavalry.— Third P. I. Cavalry.— Third R. 1. Heavy Artillery.— Fifth R. I. 
Ile.iw Artillery. Fourteenth R. I. Heavy Artillery. First Light Battery R. I. 
Volunteers.— Tenth Lighl Batten R. I. Volunteers. First R. I. Light Artillery. 
Batteries A, P. < !, I >. E, F, c and II. —Close of the War. The City Prosper- 
•Return of the Soldiers. Soldiers and Sailors' Monument.— Dedication 

Mr- Whitman's Hymn 209 

CHAPTEB IX. 

PR( iVIIU •. , \H COMMERCE. 

Favorable Sit< f< mmerce. Early Commercial Importance. Growth and 

Declineof Foreign « I tnerce.- Prominent < Jommercial Houses.— Statistics and 

Reminiscent n Voyages. Providence Pusiness Establishments in 

1814.- Shipping Statistics after the War of 1812.- Merchants of that Time.— 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. ' Vll- 

PAGE 

Shipbuilding.— Early Bank Directors.— Packet Lines.— To Coastwise Cities.— To 
Points on the Bay.— Whale Fishing Enterprises.— Fish Barges.— Decline of the 
Shipping Interests.— First Steps toward Railroad Building.— Boston and l'rovi- 
aence.—New York, Providence and Boston.— Providence and Worcester.— 
Hartford, Providence and Fishkill.— Providence and Bristol.— Seekonk Branch. 
—Providence and Springfield.— Union Horse Railroad 264 

CHAPTFK X. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— PARKS, CEMETERIES. OLD BUILDINGS TAVERNS AND HOTELS. 

Roger Williams Park.-The Cove Park.-Blackstone Park.-Tock wotteu Park.— 
Washington Park.— Roger Williams Square.— Hay ward Park.— Franklin Square. 
—Prospect Terrace.— Abbott Park.-The Heater Piece.— Dexter Training 
Ground.— Field's Point Farm.— Arnold Square.— Elm wood Avenue Park.- 
Cemeteries.— North Burial Ground.— Grace Church Cemetery.— Swan Point 
Cemeter v.— Locust Grove Cemetery.— Hebrew Cemetery.— St. Patrick's Ceme- 
tery.— St. John's Churchyard.— West Burial Ground.— Historic Buildings.— Old 
Business Houses.— Antique Churches.— Ancienl Dwellings and Bomesteads.— 
Old Public Buildings.— Old Buildings now Unknown.— Old Inns and Taverns.— 
Hotels of the Present Time ~ , °° 

CHAPTER XI. 
PROVIDENCE CITY — STATISTICS \M> OFFICIAL LISTS. 

Statistics.— Growth in Property Valuation.— Taxation,— Population.— Division of 
the Citv into Wards.— Later Wards Created or Annexed.— Present Ward Boun- 
daries.— List of Aldermen.— The Common Council.— Successive Mayors.— Clerks 
of Town and City.— Presidents of Boards of Aldermen and Common Council.— 
Treasurers of Town and City.— City Marshals and ( 'hiefs of Police.— Supervision 
of Public Works.— Judges and Clerks of Municipal and Police Courts.— Other 
City Officers.— Representatives in General Assembly from 1648 to 1889.— Senators 
from the Citv 



313 



CHAPTER XII. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 

The Police Department. -Early Constables.-A Night Watch Established. -Various 
Orders and Regulations Governing Them.-Special Watchmen Authorized.— 
Regulations Concerning Late Hours. -Volunteer Watch Established.-Marme 
Watch Established.-Smoking Segars in the Streets at Night Prohibited. -The 
Force Increased. -The Watch at the Organization of the City.-Incendiarism 
Prevailing Calls for Increase of Watch. — First Appointment of Day Police 
Force in 1851.— Police Stations Established.— Present Police System ( >rganized. 
—Uniforms First Provided in I860.— Present Composition and Condition.— 
Beginnings of the Fire Department. -Early Fire Engines. -Firewards and 
Volunteer Firemen.— Fire Engine Companies Organized. -A Paul Department 
Organized.-Tests of Capacity and Power.-New Companies Orgamzed.- 
Steam Fire Engines Introduced. -Manual Force Reduced. -Fire Alarm Tele- 
graph.-Introduction of Pawtuxet Water. - Hose Companies Organized.- 
Chemical Engines Introduced. -The Present Department. -Buildings Occupied 
bv It-Important Fires. -Military History of Providence. -Early Trainings. 
-The United Train of Artillery.-The Light Dragoons.-The First Light 
Infantry.-The Infantry Armory.-The Marine Corps.-Veteran Associations. 
—The Mechanics' Rifles.— Slocum Light Guards.-Providence Horse Guards.— 
First Battalion of Cavalry .-Burnside National Guards.-The Meagher Guards. 
—The Wolfe Tone Guards.— The Emmet Guards 



Vlii TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
PROVIDENCE CITY— A GENERAL RETROSPECT. PAGE 

Growth as Shown bj Directories. -Some Old Residents.- Pers il Reminiscences of 

FormerOld Residents. The General Appearance of the Town a Century Ago. — 
Customs of thai Time. Roads and Mails.— Early Stages.— Packet Lines.— Cold 
Winter of 1779-80.— The -Dark Day" of 1780.— Town Action Forbidding 
Smoking in the Streets. Streel improvement. — Origin of Streel Names.— Part 
of the City Site Reclaimed from the Water. — Comparative View of the Citj in 
1846. Growth during the last Quarter Century.— Streets and Bridges.— Salu- 
brity of Site. -City Expenses. — The Brook Street District. — Vita) Statistics. — 
Building Progress Streel Lighting 383 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND WATER WORKS. 

The Old State House.— Providence County Court House.— The City Hall.— The Old 
Market House. TheCustom House. -The Old Stale Prison. -The Old Arsenal. 
-Public Waterworks. Sockanosset Reservoir.— Pettaconse! Pumping Station. 
-Hope Reservoir and Pumping Station. — The High Service. — Fruit Hill Reser- 
voir.- -The Sewerage System 406 

CHAPTER XV. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— BENEVOLENT AND REMEDIAL [NSTITUTIONS. 

The Dexter Donation.— Dexter Asylum. — Butler Hospital for the Insane. — The Rhode 
Island Hospital.- Home for Aged Women. — Home for Aged Men.— The Chil- 
dren's Friend Society.- St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum. — Association for the Bene- 
fit of Colored Children. — Various Benevolent Societies. — The Homeopathic 
I lospital.— Women's ( Christian Association.— The Little Sisters of the Poor. — St. 
Vincent de Paul Society.- St. Elizabeth's Home. — Public Charities in t lie Past.. 419 

CHAPTER XVI. 

CHURCHES OP PROVIDENCE CITY. 

Religious Matters in the Settlement. Firs! Baptist Church. — Friends' Societj and 
Meeting House. First Congregational Church. St. John's Episcopal Church.— 
Beneficent Congregational Church. Richmond Street Congregational Church. 
High street Congregational Church. — Pilgrim Congregational Church.— 
Beginnings of Methodism in Providence.— The Fine Street or Central Baptist 
Church. Thud Baptisl Church.- Brown street Baptist Church.— Union Baptist 
church. Fourth Baptist Church.— First Universalis! Society. -Church of Sts. 
Peter and Paul. Westminster ( iongregational Society. < >lney Street ( Jongrega- 
tional Church. Grace Church. Roger Williams Free Baptisl Church. -Paw- 
tuxel Street Christian Society. Meeting Streel Baptist Church. -Congdon Street 
ptisl Church. Hope Streel M. F. Church. New Jerusalem Church.- St. 
|)hen*s Episcopal Church. -Fifth, South and Friendship Street Baptist 
Churches. Wesleyan Society. St. Patrick's Church. Seamen's Bethel.— 
Church of the Mediator. Second Free will Baptist. Zion M. E. Church.— Bethel 
Methodist. Jefferson Streel Baptist. Stewart Street Baptist. Free Evangelical 
Congregational, church of the Yahveh. All Saints' Memorial Church.— 
M.ithexvson street M. E. Church. Fn-t United Presbyterian. Broadway Metho- 
disl Episcopal. Central Congregational. Park Streel Free Baptisl Church.— 
St. Mary's R. ( '. Church.- St. Joseph's R. C. Church.— Church of the Messiah, 
Episcopal.— Trinity M. F. Church. Church of the Immaculate Conception. - 
Jewish Congregation. Church of the Redeemer. Christ Church.— Church of 
the Epiphany. Sain! Paul's Episcopal Church.— Greenwich Street FreeBaptist. 
- st. Michael's R. C. Church of the Saviour.— Sea and Land .Mission.— North 
Congregational C'mrch. St. James' Episcopal Church.— Broadway Baptis! 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE 
Church.— South Baptist,— Elm wood Congregational. — African Union Metho- 
dist.— Asbury Methodist Episcopal.— Mt. Zion M. E. Church.— St. Paul's M. E. 
Church.— Cranston Streel Baptist.— St. Charles', French. R. C, Church.— 
Union Congregational. — Academy Avenue Congregational Church.— Advent 
Christian Church.— Plymouth Congregational.— Church of the Assumption, R. 
C— First Presbyterian.— Roger Williams Baptist.— St. Edward's, R. C. Arling- 
ton Free Baptist. St. Thomas', Episcopal.— Allen Mission. Free Religious 
Society.— Latter Day Saints.— Union Am. M. E. Church.— Mount Pleasanl Bap- 
tist.— Branch Avenue Baptist,— St. John's R. C. Church.— St. Theresa's R. C. 
Church.— Church of the Holy Name.— Our Lady of the Rosary.— Cranston 
Street M. E. Church. — Harris Avenue M. E. Church. — Ebenezer Baptist - 
Swedish Mission.— Church of the Blessed Sacrament.— Ballon Ohiversalisl 433 

CHAPTER XVII. 

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 

Early Action in Regard to Schools.— First Schoolmaster.— Early Schools.— The 
Town Votes to Build School Houses.— Efforts to Establish Free Schools.— 
School Law Passed by Assembly.— Free Schools Established in Providence.— 
Regulations Concerning Them.— More School Houses Built.— The System Re- 
organized.— Statistics up to 1840.— The High School Established.— The Public 
Schools of the Present.— School Buildings.— Evening Schools.— Statistics Con- 
cerning the Schools.— Brown University.— Friends' Yearly Meeting School.— 
State Normal School.— Rhode Island School for the Deaf.— The School of De- 
sign.— The Berkeley School.— Private Classical and Business Schools.— Provi- 
dence Reform School.— St. Xavier's Academy.— Other Schools 495 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— LITERARY AND KINDRED INSTITUTIONS. 

First Public Library.— The Athenaeum.— The Franklin Lyceum.— Providence Frank- 
lin Society.— Rhode Island Historical Society.- Soldiers and Sailors" Historical 
Society.— Providence Public Library.— Union for Christian Work.— Young 
Men's Christian Association.— Secular Newspapers.— Religious and Moral Peri- 
odicals.— Literary Papers.— Almanacs and Directories.— First Theater in Provi- 
dence.— Law Against Theatrical Representations.— The Law Repealed.— Later 
Theaters.— Theaters and Public Halls of the Present 527 

CHAPTER XIX. 

HANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 

Banking Facilities.— Board of Trade.— First Banking Institutions.— The Providence 
Bank.— Exchange Bank.— Roger Williams Bank.— Union Bank.— Merchants' 
Bank.— Eagle Bank.— Manufacturers' Bank.— Mechanics' Bank.- Mechanics 
and Manufacturers' (5th National! Bank. High Street Bank.— Arcade (R. I. 
National) Bank. Weybo$se1 Bank. Blackstone Canal Bank.— Globe Bank.— 
National (Old) Bank.— City Bank. American Bank.— Commercial Bank- 
Bank of North America. Phenix Bank.— Traders' Bank. -Pawtuxet Bank.— 
Lime Rock Bank.— State Bank.— Bank of Commerce. What Cheer Bank.— 
Continental (4th National) Bank.— Bank of America.— Atlantic Bank.— Grocers 
and Producers' Bank.— Butchers and Drovers' Bank.— Liberty Bank.— Atlas 
Bank. — Westminster Bank.— Mercantile (1st National) Bank.— Jackson Bank.— 
Marine (3d National) Bank.— Northern Bank.— Second National Bank— Other 
Banks.— Providence Institution for Savings. Peoples' Savings Bank.— Me- 
chanics' Savings Bank.— City Savings Bank.— R. I. Hospital Trust Company. 
Jackson Institution for Savings.— Citizens' Savings Bank. -Merchants' Savings 
Bank.— Franklin Institution for Savings.— Other Savings Institutions.— Begin- 
ning of the Insurance Business.— The Providence Washington.— The Providence 



X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Mutual.— The American.— The Manufacturers' Mutual.— The R. I. Mutual.— 
The RogerWilliams.— The Merchants'.— The Atlantic Fire & Marine.— The Com- 
mercial Mutual. --Tli.' Franklin Mutual.— The Firemen's Mutual.— The State 
Mutual.— The Equitable Fire & Marine.— The Slater Mutual.— The Butler Mutu- 
al.— The Gaspee Fire & Marine.— The Tridenl Mutual.— The National Mutual.— 
The Hope.— The Providence Fire & Marine.— The City Fire & Marine.— The 
Narragansett Fire & Marine.— The Union Mutual.— The Blackstone Mutual.— 
The Newport Fire & Marine.— The Mechanics' Mutual.— The What Cheer Mutu- 
al.— The Enterprise Mutual.— The Merchants" Mutual.— The American Mutual 
Steam Boiler Insurance ( !ompany. — Other Insurance Companies 550 

CHAPTER XX. 
MANUFACTURING IN PROVIDENCE. 

Early History of Manufacturing, statistics Soon After the Revolution.— Beginnings 
of the Jewelry Manufacture.— Hat Making.— Card Making.— Saddlery.— Be- 
ginnings of Various Other Manufactures. — Leather and Paper Making. — Manu- 
factures in 1824.— Progress of a Quarter Century Succeeding 1820. — Establish- 
ments in Operation About 1840.— Progress of Manufactures. 1855, 1875, 1880. — 
Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers. —Men Who Were Promi- 
nent in Its History 581 

CHAPTER XXI. 
PROMINENT MANUFACTURING CONCERNS OF PROVIDENCE (ITY. 

The Allen Fire Department Supply Co. — American Enamel Co. — American Electrical 
Works. American Multiple Fabric Co. — American Screw Co. — American Ring 
Traveler Co. American ship Windlass Co.— American Supply Co. — American 
Tubing & Manufacturing Co. -Atlantic Mills. — Atlantic Manufacturing Co. — 
W. F. Barrett & Co. Barstow Stove Co. -R. Berry & Co. R. B. Bannister.— N. 
C. Briggs. -Henrj Blundell & Co. — Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. — Build- 
ers' Iron Foundry. Corliss Safe Manufacturing Co. Corliss Steam Engine Co. — 
Chatterton's File Work.. City Machine Co.— H. J. & H. F. Campbell.— Geo. E. 
Cole & Co. -George M. Cruikshank. — Davol Rubber Co.— Perry Davis & Son. — 
Davenport Arms Co. Diamond Machine Co.— J. C. Dodge & Son. — George C. 
Douglass. Elmwood Mills. Henrj W. Ellis.- The Elizabeth Mill. — Elm wood 
Paper Box Co. — Wm, H. Fenner & Co.— Fletcher Manufacturing Co.— Wm. A. 
Harris Steam Engine Co. \. J. I larris.— Franklin Machine Co. — Fuller Iron 
Work.. Granger Foundry & Machine Co. — John Gillington. -G. F. Glauner. — 
The Gorham Manufacturing Co.— J. A. Gowdey & Son. John Heathcote. — Hea- 
ton Mutton Fastener Co. Hicks Boiler Works. — A. & C \V. Holbrook.— John 
Hope.- Hope Webbing i o. George Hawes & Sons. L. F. Joslin & Son. -Kend- 

rick I u Harness Co. King & Richards. — Reliance Flour and drain Mills. — 

Macnair& Burlingame.— Martin & Norris. Thomas Mabbett. Manton steam 

Steerer Work-. Miller Iron Co. Dutcher & Eai 3.- Volnej W. Mason.— 

McWilliams Manufacturing i 'o. Miles Uarm-till Manufacturing ( !o. Moulton & 
Ingraham. New England Coffee and Spice Mills.— National Tubing Co. Nation- 
al Worsted Mills. Nayatl Brick Co.— N. E. Butt Co.— Nicholson File Co.— Nott- 
ham Mills. Thos. Phillips & Co.— Phenix Iron Foundry.— Presbrey & Myrick. 
Providence Machine Co. Providence Steam Engine Co. — Household Sewing 
Maehin, Co. Providence Worsted Mills.— E. R. Randall.— R. I. Bleach & Dye 

Works. R. I. Braiding and Macl ^ Co.— R. I. Concrete Co. R. 1. Coupling 

1 '"• R- I- Loco ti\e Work,, i;. [, Macliinery Agency. -R. 1. Malleable Iron 

Works. William B. Rider. Royce, Allen & Co. slater Mill and Power Co.— 

Spicers<S Peckham. S. S. Sprague & Co.— Geo. W.Stafford Manufacturing Co. 

-Stedman & Fuller M'f'g Co. -Stillman White. Horace Thurston.— Towel Rack 

<S Noveltj Co. Union Eyelet Co. Union Oil Co.- Valley Worsted Mills.— What 

i Paint Works. Rice & I tayward 607 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XXII. 
THE MANUFACTURE OP JEWELRY IN PROVIDENCE CITY. PAGE 

Providence the Leading City. — Magnitude of the Interest. — Before the War of 1812. — 
Later Progress.— Location of the Shops.— In Time of the War.— Short-lived 
Jewelry Houses.— Brief notices of the Principal Manufacturing Establishments 
now in Operation 636 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

VARIOUS FRATERNAL SOCIETIES. 

Early history of Free Masonry here. — Grand Lodge formed. — St. John's Lodge. — 
Prominent Masons of that Day. — Thomas Smith Webb. — The anti-Masonic up- 
rising in 1828. — Revival of the Order. — Differenl Masonic Lodges. — Royal Arch 
Masons. — Other Departments of the Order. — < lolored Masons.— Rise and Progress 
of the Odd Fellows. — Different Lodges.— Goo< I Samaritans.— Grand Army of the 
Republic— Knights of Pythias.— Knights of Honor.— Knights and Ladies of 
Honor.— Knights and Ladies of the Mystic Circle.— Ancient Order of Forresters. 
— American Legion of Honor. — United Friends.— N. E. Order of Protection. — 
Royal Arcanum.— Royal Society of Good Fellows.— Order of Elks.— Ancient Or- 
der of United Workmen.— Alfredians.— Sons of St. George.— Pilgrim Fathers.— 
Caledonians.— Scottish Clans.— Orders of Lucilius, the Colden Cross, Improved 
Red Men, and Harugari. — German and Hebrew societies.— Temperance organi- 
zations 651 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

PROVIDENCE CITY — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Albert Lee Anthony.— Eli Ay lsworth. — Joseph Banigan.— Jerothmul B. Barnaby. — 
William B. Blanding.— Obadiah Brown.— Henry R. Barker.— John Park Camp- 
bell.— Henry C. Clark.— William Corliss. —Perry Davis.— Daniel Eugene Day.— 
Charles Fletcher.— William A. Harris.— William S. Hay ward.— Thomas J. Hill. 
— William Henry Hopkins.— Hiram Howard.— Oliver Johnson.— Benjamin Bray- 
ton Knight.— Robert Knight.— Herbert W. Ladd.— Henry Lippitt.— Isaac M. 
Potter.— Fitz James Rice.— Gilbert F. Robbins.— Elisha H. Rockwell.— Samuel 
Stearns Sprague.— Royal Chapin Taft.— Harvey E. Wellman.— Henry B. Win- 
ship 677 

CHAPTER XXV. 

THE TOWN OF CRANSTON. 

Description.— Organization.— Town Meetings.— Officers, etc.— Settlement and Set- 
tlers.— Militia.— Industries.— Cranston Print Works.— Knightsville.— Pa wtuxet 
Village.— Oak Lawn.— Fiskeville. — Arlington.— Auburn. — Howard Station. — 
Corliss Safe Company.— Education.— State Farm.— Early Fairs and Cattle 
Shows. — Biographical sketches 746 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TOWN OF JOHNSTON" . 

Description. — Early Manufacturing.— First Town Officers.— Highway Districts. — 
Schools. — Johnston in the Rebellion. — Town Farm. — Horse Detective Society. — 
Prominent Families. — Olneyville. — Merino Village. — Hughesdale. — Manton. 
— Thornton. — Upper Simmonsville. — Graniteville. — Centerdale 785 



xii TABLE OF C< "NTEJS IS. 

PORTRAITS. page. 

Angell, Enior .) 808 

Antlu.m . Albert L 677 

Arnold, Barnard 88 

Aylsworth, Eli 564 

Banigan, Joseph 682 

Barker, Henrj R 69a 

Barnaby, Jerothmul B 684 

Beane, George F. A 810 

Blanding, William 13 657 

Bradley, < lharles S 42 

Brown, < >badiah 688 

Budlong, John (' 88b 

Burges, Walter S 52 

Calef, George C 812 

Campbell, John P 6!>2 

Clark, Henry C 094 

Cooper. Robert W 802 

Corliss. William 612 

Davis, Perry 614 

Day, Daniel E 558 

Fletcher, Charles 624 

Hall. Robert 88d 

Hall. William If 774 

1 [arris, William A 616 

Bayward, William S 708 

Hill, Thomas J ■ 626 

Hopkins, William H 710 

Johnson, Oliver 714 

Kenyon, < reorge II 88f 

Knight, Benjamin B 720 

Knight, Robert 724 

La. 1.1. Berber! W 728 

Lippitt, Henrv 732 

Pond. I >aniel"B 46 

Potter, tsaac M 734 

Rice, Fitz James 635 

Robbins, Gilbert F 736 

Rockwell. Elisha II 738 

Sprague, Samuel S (>33 

Tali. Roval 553 

Tucker. Henrv (i 782 

Van SI vck. Nicholas 56 

Wellman, I [arvey E 560 

Westcott, AmasaS 50 

W I it -a ton. James 1 130 

Wheeler, Jonathan M 784 

Winship, I [enry !'. (i7<; 

VIEWS. Etc. 

Map of Providence Count} 1 

Residei of Wm. H. Hopkins 711 




MAP OF 

Providence County, 

r. I. 

W. W. PRESTON & CO., 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



Political Geography.— Watercourses. — Manufacturing Industries. — Agriculture. — Rail- 
roads. — Population and Growth. — Schools of the County. — Geology of the Count}-, 
Rocks, Soils, Minerals, Timber, etc. 



PROVIDENCE COUNTY occupies the entire northern part of the 
state of Rhode Island. It is bounded on the north by Worces- 
ter and Norfolk counties, in Massachusetts; on the east by Nor- 
folk and Bristol counties, of Massachusetts; on the south by Bristol 
and Kent counties, of Rhode Island; and on the west by Windham 
county, Connecticut. In shape it is nearly square, its greatest meas- 
urement being from east to west, near the south side, where it reaches 
a distance of 24 miles. The length for the most part, however, has 
an average of about 22 miles, while its width from north to south is 
twenty miles throughout most of its length, the distance being some- 
what less in the eastern part. The county has an area of 380 square 
miles. It has an uneven surface, which, however, nowhere reaches 
any considerable elevation. Its soil generally is fertile. 

The county is drained by the Blackstone river, which runs partly 
along its eastern border, and by the Pawtuxet river, which forms a 
part of its southern boundary. These rivers and their numerous 
branches afford water power for a great number of manufactories, 
which industry is the chief interest of the county. Of these tributa- 
ries one of the chief ones is the Chepachet, which waters the north- 
western part, through its branch, called the Clear river, furnishing 
power at Pascoag, and after their union giving power at Slatersville 
and other factory villages, and flowing into the Blackstone at Water- 
ford on the northern boundary of the county. Blackstone river below 
Pawtucket takes the name of Seekonk, and below the city of Provi- 
dence is known as Providence river. The Moshassuck rises in the 
town of Lincoln, and flows nearly parallel with the Blackstone and 
about two miles from it, on the west, and empties into Providence 
river at the Cove, where it meets the larger stream, the Woonasqua- 
l 



2 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tucket, the latter stream rising in the northern central part of the 
county and driving numerous mills on its way. The Pawtuxet river 
drains almost the entire southern half of the county. It has numer- 
ous branches: in the town of Foster, Shippe and Killy's brooks, Pona- 
ganset river, Hemlock brook, and Westeonnaug reservoir; in Scitu- 
ate, Hunting House brook, and Moswansicut pond and stream; and in 
Johnston and Cranston numerous brooks which unite to make the 
important tributary known as the Pochasset. On the east the Black- 
si. me receives the waters of Seven Mile river and Ten Mile river. 
The southwestern corner of the county is drained by the Moosup 
river, which flows southwest into the Quinnebaug, in Connecticut. 
The last mentioned stream also receives waters from the western 
border of this county through the Chestnut Hill brook in the vicinity 
of East Killingly. 

All these streams are copious in their flow, and for the most part 
rapid in their descent, affording a great amount of available water 
power. The county contains some three or four hundred factories 
and mills, outside of the cities, and most of these are located on sr.d 
supplied with water power from some of these streams. Including 
those of all kinds in the cities, this county has some 1,700 establish- 
ments engaged in some kind of manufacturing. These establish- 
ments have invested an aggregate capital of some sixty million dol- 
lars, and give employment to about 50,000 operatives. The greatest 
single industry in this class is the manufacture of cotton goods. 
There are about 80 establishments in the county engaged in this 
manufacture. The capital invested would reach about $15,000,000. 
The amount of power utilized from the streams noticed, used in this 
manufacture alone, is about 12,000 horse power. In these factories 
there are employed about one and a quarter million spindles, and 
eighteen thousand looms. There are thus manufactured annually, 
about 60,000,000 yards of print cloths, 70,000,000 yards of sheetings, 
shirtings and twills, 5,000,000 pounds of cotton yarn, and a great 
variety of other goods in smaller quantities, consuming a grand total 
of 25,000 tons of cotton, and producing annually gocds to the value of 
si i'.. i mm 1,000. The woolen manufacturing of the county is, carried on in 
about 40 establishments, employing a capital of about six million dol- 
lars, 3,000 horse power of water wheels, 1,500 looms and about 8,000 
operatives. These mills consume about 15,000,000 pounds of wool, 
and manufacture some 10, 000,000 yards of woolen cloths and 1,000,< 00 
pounds of yarn, all the products being worth in the aggregate about 
S14,ooo,000. The iron manufactures of this county are also important, 
the bulk of them, however, being confined to Providence city. There 
are in the county some $10,000,000 capital invested in this branch of 
manufacturing. Over 6,000 hands are employed in it, and over 2,000 
tons of iron and steel are annually used, making products valued at 
about $1 1. 01 h 1,000. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. S 

The agricultural productions of this county in 1880 were: 2,S71 
bushels of barley, 867 bushels of buckwheat, 96,402 bushels of corn, 
7,484 bushels of oats, 4,861 bushels of rye, 124 bushels of wheat, $28,- 
670 worth of orchard products, 34,408 tons of hay, 256,094 bushels of 
Irish potatoes, 439 bushels of sweet potatoes, 785 pounds of tobacco, 
3,846 pounds of wool, 2,734,774 gallons of milk, 327,697 pounds of but- 
ter, and 24,029 pounds of cheese. 

The county is intersected by several railroads, centering at Provi- 
dence. These are mainly in the eastern part of the county, while the 
western half is almost without railroad communication, the towns of 
Foster and Glocester being entirely destitute. The Providence Divi- 
sion of the New York & New England railroad crosses the southeast- 
ern part; the Providence & Springfield railroad runs up the valley of 
the Woonasquatucket, to Pascoag in the northwest part, and the 
Providence & Worcester railroad runs up the valley of the Black- 
stone, through the eastern part and leaving the county on its north- 
ern border. The Providence & Warren railroad runs southerly from 
the city, on the east side of the river, and the Boston & Providence 
runs out of the eastern side of the county, running northeasterly from 
the city. 

The population of the county is shown by the following figures, 
which are given for the years preceding the numbers: 1708, 1,446; 
1730, 3,916; 1748, 7,142; 1755, 10,947; 1774, 19,233; 1776, 18,479; 1782, 
17,540; 1790, 24,391; 1800, 25,854; 1810, 30,869; 1820, 35,736; 1830, 47,- 
020; 1840, 58,073; 1850, 87,526; 1860, 107,799; 1865, 122,022; 1870, 149,- 
190; 1875, 184,924; 1880, 197,874; 1885, 220,606; 1890, 255,066. Of the 
total population in 1880, there were 94,921 males, and 102,953 females. 
Of that population 139,052 were natives of the United States, 100,298 
having been born in Rhode Island, while of the 58,822 foreign born 
population, 13,979 were natives of British America; 10,271 of England 
and Wales; 29,047 of Ireland; 2,237 of Scotland; 1,542 of the German 
Empire; 216 of France; and 402 of Sweden and Norway. 

The state of Rhode Island looks with just pride upon her school 
system. In some mat:ers pertaining to public education she can 
-claim to have been a pioneer. The office of city superintendent was 
first introduced in Providence in 1839, that city being the first in the 
Union to employ the services of such an official. In many other re- 
spects the people of the state and especially of Providence county 
have shown themselves in the fore-front of the army of educational 
progress. In the original polity of Rhode Island, however, there was 
no provision for education. Like religion it seems to have been con- 
sidered not the concern of the public, but matter for individual con- 
science and parental duty. The first movement toward the introduc- 
tion of a different policy was made by the Providence Association of 
Mechanics and Manufacturers. In October, 1798, a committee of that 
body was appointed to inquire into the most desirable method for the 



4 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

establishment of free schools. Upon their report application was 
made to the general assembly in February, 1799, and that body took 
steps at once to further the progressive ideas set forth by their peti- 
tioners. As a result an act passed both houses and became a law in 
February, 18(H). This " Act to Establish Free Schools " was intro- 
duced by the following preamble: 

" Whereas, the unexampled prosperity, unanimity and liberty, for 
the enjoyment of which this nation is eminently distinguished among 
the nations of the earth, are to be ascribed, next to the blessing of 
God, to the general diffusion of knowledge and information among 
the people, whereby they have been enabled to discern their true 
interests, to distinguish truth from error, to place their confidence in 
the true friends of the country, and to detect the falsehoods and mis- 
representations of factions and crafty pretenders to patriotism: and 
this General Assembly being desirous to secure the continuance of 
the blessings aforesaid, and moreover to contribute to the greater 
equality of the people, by the common and joint instruction and edu- 
cation of the whole: — 

■' SECTION 1. Be it enacted &c; — That each and every town in the 
State shall annually cause to be established and kept, at the expense 
of such town, one or more free schools, for the instruction of all the 
white inhabitants of said town, between the ages of six and twenty 
years, in reading, writing, and common arithmetic, who may stand 
in need of such instruction and apply therefor." 

The schools were by this act placed in charge of the town council 
in each town. The cities were required to keep their schools for 
eight months in the year, some of the towns for six months, and others 
for four months. Twenty per cent, of the state taxes of the previous 
year were to be distributed from the general treasury to encourage 
the project, provided such sum should not in any year exceed $6,000. 

The passage of this law met with great opposition, and it was re- 
pealed in February, 1803, Providence being the only town in the state 
that carried the act into effect'. Again, at the June session of 1821, a 
committee was appointed by the general assembly, to inquire into 
the state of education in the several towns, but no report of their work 
appears to have been made. In 1827 the subject was again brought 
before the assembly, and at the January session in 1828 an act was 
passed "To Establish Public Schools." This act provided that cer- 
tain monies accruing to the state should be set apart for public school 
purposes, and that each town should be empowered to raise money to 
double the amount of its apportionment from such public funds. This 
act was the basis upon which the present school system, modified 
from time t<> time as the need appeared, has been built. 

At the same session the town of Providence was authorized to 
raise any amount for free schools, notwithstanding the limitations of 
the law. In 1831 the school age was limited to 15 instead of 16 years, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 5 

as had been the case previously. In 1832 the provisions of public 
education were extended to colored children under the age of 10 
years, together with five-fourteenths of such population between the 
ages of 10 and 24 years. In October, 1834. the several school districts 
of the town of Cumberland were authorized to assess and collect taxes 
to build and repair school houses. The same authority was granted 
to Burrillville in January, 1836; to North Providence in October of 
the same year, and again in May, 1838; to Smithfield in January, 1838; 
and to the Fourth district of Cumberland in October of the same 
year. In January, 1839, a thorough revision of all the legislation of 
the state since 1828, was made. ''An Act Relating to Public Schools," 
being a further revision of the school laws, was passed at the June 
session of the general assembly in 1845. 

According to the census of 1840 there were in Providence county 
then, 7,359 children under 5 years of age; 19,593 under 15 years; be- 
sides 468 colored children under 15 years of age. There were then 
in the county 8,448 men engaged in agriculture; 1,042 in commerce; 
14,302 in manufactures and trades; 484 in navigation; and 269 in the 
learned professions and as engineers. Out of a total population of 
58,073, there were 1,059 white persons over 20 years of age who could 
not read or write. The aggregate of real and personal property was 
valued at $8,505,652. In 1822 the estimate of real and personal prop- 
erty had been made at $5,080,000. In 1855 there were attending the 
public schools of the county 16,101 scholars. The total amount of 
money paid for instruction in schools was $80,688. There were then 
employed 367 teachers, in 214 .schools, kept in the 179 districts of the 
county. In 188S there were attending the public schools of the 
county 38,044 scholars. The total amount paid for instruction in 
schools was $378,891. There were then employed 857 different teach- 
ers, the average being 750 employed for the whole time taught. 
There were then 684 schools in the county. 

In the following description of the geology of this county we have 
mainly followed the report of Charles T. Jackson, M.D., who under a 
resolve of the legislature in 1839, made a very particular and minute 
study of the subject. Providence is based upon conglomerated rocks, 
alternating with carboniferous clay slate, or shale; latter rocks occu- 
pying the lowest position in the series. In this formation are found 
occasional remains or impressions of vegetables, chiefly of the fern 
tribe of plants, and a few beds of anthracite of an unknown extent. 
The coarse conglomerate composes the upper or overlying stratum. 
This consists of various rounded or oval shaped pebbles of the pri- 
mary rocks cemented together by an argillaceous paste, derived from 
the decomposition and attrition of similar materials, the whole being 
compactly indurated, doubtless by heat of the underlying rocks and 
by the pressure of a formerly superincumbent ocean. The coarse 
conglomerate graduates into a very fine and compact reck, composed 



6 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of the fine particles of the same materials, which are so clcsely com- 
pacted as to give it sufficient firmness for the construction of build- 
ings and stone walls of great durability. 

The same rocks continue to form the sub-stratum until we reach 
Cumberland, and in that town give place to huge masses of granite, 
quartz, hornblende, and other rocks of an unstratified nature, which 
have been thrown up in an incandescent state by subterranean power, 
producing various chemical and mechanical changes in the stratified 
rocks resting upon them. At Pawtucket, the conglomerate or grau- 
wacke alternating with clay slate, occurs abundantly in regular 
strata, which run north and south, and dip 80 degrees to the east- 
ward. The slate is glazed with carbonaceous matter, similar to indu- 
rated plumbago. On the exposed surface of this ledge, where the soil 
has been recently removed, diluvial furrows or scratches are quite 
distinctly seen, running in a course north 10° east, or south 10° west. 
Between Pawtucket and Valley Falls there occurs a red slate, which 
derives its color from the presence of peroxide of iron, and which 
alternates with the fine grauwacke rocks. The strata at Valley Falls 
run northeast and southwest, and dip 80 degrees to the southeast. 
The superincumbent soil is light and sandy, bearing a natural growth 
of pitch pines. On the borders of the Blackstone near the latter place 
the grauwacke rocks also occur, and there are seen to run northeast 
and southwest, with a dip of 80 degrees to the southeast. 

Between the latter point and Cumberland the strata of rock runs 
north 10° east, and dips to the northward 45 to 50 degrees. Anthra- 
cite coal beds have been explored here, but have never been worked 
to any great extent. Some years ago a shaft was sunk to the depth 
of G7 feet. The soil here was found to be 28 feet thick. In the north- 
eastern part of Cumberland Diamond hill is an abruptly precipitous 
mountain of quartz rock, agatized in some places, and interrupted 
with fragments of jasper and other accidental minerals, such as druses 
of quartz crystals, phosphate of lime, and veins of red hematite iron 
ore. The iron ore occurs on the southern slope of the hill, about half 
way from its base to its summit. The veins are about six inches wide, 
and their cavities often contain beautiful botryoidal and stalactical 
groups of the ore, forming interesting specimens. This hill has been 
much visited by mineralogists for the sake of the beautiful specimens 
of agate chalcedony and quartz crystals, which abound in it. The 
former minerals constitute the principal mass of the hill, and are espe- 
cially beautiful at its summit, where they can be easily broken off 
from the huge detached masses of rock. The country around is level, 
presenting intervales of much fertility. 

Iron Mine hill is a mountain mass of porphyritic magnetic iron 
ore, 462 feet in length, 132 feet m width, and 104 feet in height above 
the adjoining meadow. From these measurements it will appear that 
there are more than six million cubic feet of iron ore above natural 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 7 

drainage. The weight of this mass to the cubic foot is 240-J pounds. 
On the northern side of the hill the rocks are gneiss and sienite. and 
on its southern side granite and hornblende. The rock contains 27 
per cent, peroxide of iron, 12 per cent, protoxide of iron, 23 per cent, 
silicic acid, 15 per cent, titanic acid, and 13 per cent, alumina. 

This ore is remarkable both on account of its geological situation 
and its mineralogical and chemical composition. It appears to have 
been protruded through the granite and gneiss at the same epoch 
with the elevation of numerous serpentine veins which occur in this 
vicinity. This will appear the more probable origin of this mass 
when we consider its chemical composition in comparison with the 
iron ore thrown up with the serpentine on the estate of Mr. Whipple, 
and the fact that the ore of Iron Mine hill is accompanied by serj z n- 
tine mixed with its mass in every fart, still further strengthens this 
belief. On the summit of this hill are a few spots covered with a thin 
soil, and the trees are generally small oaks. On the southern decliv- 
ity the soil is sandy and the trees borne by it are pines. 

Limestone beds also occur at Cumberland hill. These run north 
25° west, and dip to the northeast 35 degrees, their width being from 
six to ten feet. They slope in such a manner that it is supposed to 
be overlaid in part by the granite rocks which have been protruded 
through its strata. They run over the hill in a direction north 20 
west. In this limestone occur numerous particles of copper pyrites, 
scattered through its mass. Tremolite, asbestos, actinolite, and a 
number of curious minerals common to such limestones, also occur. 
Near " Sneech pond " an ancient mine was apparently sunk for the 
purpose of extracting ores of copper, which are found there mixed 
with veins of granular magnetic iron ore. The shaft, when measured 
some years ago, was twenty to thirty feet wide, but it had been for a 
long time filled with water, so that its depth could not be ascertained. 
Near the pond occurs a very thick bed of a remarkable ore of manga- 
nese, which is peculiar in its composition, but most nearly resembles 
the Knebelite of Beudant. The bed is about 40 feet thick. Its com- 
position is about 27 per cent, silicic acid, 36 per cent, protoxide of 
iron, and 30 per cent, protoxide of manganese. Associated with this 
mineral occur crystals of green quartz, and veins of quartz penetrated 
by delicate green crystals of actinolite, forming a kind of ornamental 
stone. Sulphuret of molybdena also occurs in the manganese ore. 
and the yenite formerly discovered near this place is said to have 
been found in the accompanying quartz veins. Ligneous actinolite 
abounds in veins with the quartz above mentioned. 

Several excavations of considerable extent have been made in this 
vicinity, and were probably prompted by the discovery of masses of 
yellow copper pyrites, which was doubtless mistaken for gold, as it 
generally is by persons unacquainted with mineralogy. No less than 
50 different mine holes have been counted in this hill, and it was esti- 



Ill 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ated years ago that more than half a million dollars had been ex- 
pended in these fruitless searches for the precious metals. It was 
evidently intended in these searches to send the ere to England, and 
one of the casks in which it was packed was years afterward found on 
the spot, partly filled with the illusive ore, which contained nearly 
equal parts of copper, iron and sulphur. 

Beacon Pole hill, in Cumberland, is composed of a variety of gran- 
ite, having hornblende substituted in the place of mica, constituting 
a rock called sienitic granite. This stone is a beautiful material for 
building, splits well, and is free from pyrites or other injurious sub- 
stances. The elevation of this hill is estimated on the basis of the 
barometer at 200 feet above Cumberland hill, and 556 feet above the 
sea level. During the war of the revolution a light was placed upen 
its summit whenever it became necessary to call out the minute men 
fr< .in the surrounding country, the*light here being visible for a great 
distance around. The elevation of Woonsocket hill has, however, 
been proved, both by barometrical and trigonometrical measurements, 
to be still greater. 

Taking- another route northward from Providence the strata of 
grauwacke, belonging to the anthracite coal formation, are found pre- 
vailing for a distance of four miles. They uniformly dip to the 
northeastward. A large granite vein is also found in close associa- 
tion with the latter. Just beyond the North Providence line is found 
a hill composed of metamorphic or altered grauwacke rocks, of fine 
texture and compact in structure. Porphyritic granite is then found, 
which is intersected by a narrow dyke of greenstone trap rock. In 
Smithfield and vicinity quite extensive beds of limestone have been 
found. Some of this is found included immediately in greenstone or 
hornblende rock of a dark brownish green color, compact in structure 
and exceedingly hard. The hornblende rock itself is imbedded in 
granite, and has probably exerted a powerful chemical influence upon 
the limestone, whether we consider it as a rock of igneous injection 
:ke the limestone, a metamorphic stratified rock, altered by the 
igneous power of the subjacent granite. The hornblende is supposed 
to have been protruded from below the granite. Its occasional slaty 
structure is accounted for by the supposition that it retained those 
particles from its union with rocks of sedimentary origin, such as the 
clay slates. The limestone has strata marks more or less contorted, 
showing that it was originally an aqueous deposition but has since 
undergone partial fusion. The Harris lime rock was considered the 
best for working. About ten feet from the hornblende rock the lime- 
stone graduates into pure granular carbonate of lime, occasionally 
colored with plumbaginous matter, oxides of manganese, and iron. 
The bed runs west-northwest, and dips to the north-northeast about 
To degrees. Lime kilns were established for burning these rocks 
into commercial lime, more than half a century ago. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 9 

The rocks in Woonsocket and its vicinity are chiefly micaceous and 
talcose slates, and an important deposit of granular quartz, passing 
into talcose slate, occurs, forming a mass of considerable elevation. 
Northwest of the city, as we approach the state line, the talcose slate 
is seen running north 35° east, and dipping east-northeast 12 degrees. 
A boulder of granite was at some time brought from the north by the 
diluvial current of ice and water, and placed here upon a ledge of 
mica slate. The micaceous slate has for a long time been extensively 
wrought for the manufacture of scythe stones, in numerous places in 
this vicinity. Those beds that have been most wrought are gener- 
ally of a brownish, or of a silvery grey color, having a basis of very 
fine granular quartz, which is bound together by fine scales of mica 
and talc. Half a century ago the manufacture of whetstones was car- 
ried on here to the extent of 17,000 dozen annually at times. 

At Woonsocket Falls the rocks are stratified, consisting of blue 
mica slate, and the strata run northeast, dipping to the southeast 60 
degrees. Woonsocket hill, one of the highest points in the state, is 
composed of granular quartz, mica and talc, the quartz greatly pre- 
dominating. It is stratified, and the strata run northwest, the dip 
beino- to the northeast 20 degrees. This rock is one of the most re- 
fractory substances, and is extensively wrought for hearthstones to 
furnaces. The rock extends to the northwest until it reaches the 
town of Uxbridge, where it crops out near the old Douglas turnpike. 
It appears to belong to the group of stratified rocks which are classed 
as belonging to the primary series, and is geologically a part of the 
mica slate formation. The summit of Woonsocket hill is 340 feet 
above its own base, and 570 feet above high water mark at Provi- 
dence. 

On Pascoag river, a little north of the village, gneiss and mica 
slate occur, dipping to the northeast. In Chepachet, near the turn- 
pike, a variety of compact, thick bedded gneiss is quarried and is 
known by the name of the Pine Orchard grit. It occurs two miles 
west of the village. Eastward from this place a large bed of black 
mica was found, associated with a little granular quartz. It presents 
itself on the roadside, included in gneiss, and is cut through by a 
granite vein. 

In Greenville the rocks are entirely of the primary class, consist- 
ing of gneiss, mica slate and granite. The soil is generally good, 
especially in the meadow lands. The same rocks continue through 
Glocester,and the soil originated entirely from granite diluvium, and 
frequently contains large quantities of granite boulders. The soil-of 
the intervales is of good quality, containing a considerable quantity 
of vegetable matter. 

Aeain startingf from Providence, and striking westward, tertiary 
and diluvial banks of gravel and sand are found in the immediate 
vicinity of Providence. Next are seen argillaceous slates, belonging 



10 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

to the coal formation, of the grauwacke series; and then gneiss ap- 
pears. The slate rocks run north and south, and dip to the east, 
while the gneiss dips to the northeast, and runs northwest and south- 
east. The soil generally is good, consisting principally of dark black- 
ish gray loam, especially in Johnston and Scituate. Peat is found in 
most of the low lands. Thick beds of granite gneiss are found in 
Scituate, dipping to the northeast 30 degrees, and numerous boulders 
of the same rocks are also found in the soil. 

In Foster, gneiss is the predominant rock, and is here and there 
cut through by granitic veins. A considerable bed of bog iron ore 
was found in the southwest part of the town, which was estimated to 
contain 26,000 cubic feet of bog iron, containing 34 per cent, of metal. 
In a swamp in the same locality another bed, of a pulverulent' kind' 
of iron ore, was found upon the estate of Mr. Hopkins. Another bed 
of bog iron in the vicinity was estimated to contain 47,600 cubic feet. 
The native forest growth over this part of the county consists of 
maple, elm, birch, chestnut and hornbeam. In the southern part of 
Scituate, near Rockland, there occurs a beautiful variety of porphy- 
ritic granite gneiss. It has a flesh-red colored felspar for its basis, and 
contains black mica and a little quartz. A hill a hundred feet high is 
composed of this rock, much of which is suitable for building purposes. 
The gneiss runs north 10° east, and dips west 55 degrees. In Crans- 
ton appears hornblende rock, obscurely stratified, and dipping to the 
northwest. On Neutaconkanut hill may be found mica slate, alter- 
nating with hornblende rock. The conglomerate of the grauwacke 
series prevail. Durfee's ledge, in Johnston, is composed of grau- 
wacke slate and clay slate, which dip to the southeast, and run nearly 
north and south. In Cranston the grauwacke terminates, and is seen 
resting upon the mica slate and gneiss. 

In South .Scituate the rocks are entirely primary, and there gneiss 
has been largely quarried, this being known as Xipmuck granite. 
The rock splits in natural seams, and is quite easily wrought. Slabs 
are obtained from five to eight feet square and eight inches in thick- 
ness. The strata here dip to the northwest 15 degrees, running 
northeasterly. A little oxide of iron in the seams appears to have 
resulted from the decomposition of mica containing pyrites. Farther 
west the strata of this rock have a thickness of one to three feet, and 
dip to the northwest 10 degrees. A few veins of smoky quartz and 

i >arse granite cut through the strata, and quartz crystals are found 
in the veins. 

( )n the east side of Seekonk river the ledges are composed of very 
fine and compact grauwacke, indistinctly stratified and dipping to 
the southeast 60 or 70 degrees. Diluvial scratches abound on the re- 
cently uncovered surface of the ledges, and run north 5° east. The 
rock is very hard and compact, and splits into blocks of a cubic foim, 
and is thus quite readily utilized for building purposes and stone 
walls. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 11 

Neutaconkanut hill is a remarkable eminence, in Johnston, and 
commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The rocks on this 
eminence are alternate strata of micaceous and hornblende slate, the 
former being very much contorted. On the south side of the hill 
Doctor Jackson reports a huge boulder of hornblende rock, poised 
upon the mica slate. He says: " This rock must have originated else- 
where; and it now rests in an accidental position, as will be evident 
to any one who examines the situation in which it is placed. Since 
hornblende rocks do occur at the northward, and not to the south- 
ward of the place where this block is now found, we feel confident 
that this immense rock has been removed southwardly from its parent 
ledge and deposited on the rocky strata where we now find it. So 
frequent do examples of similar displacements occur, that every ob- 
serving man must have noted them in all parts of New England." 

Another example of the movement of geological matter in the 
past ages and by agencies now unknown, is given in the following 
paragraph quoted from Doctor Jackson's description of rocks in War- 
wick Neck: 

"We noticed a number of boulders of magnetic iron ore in the 
soil, and they are evidently a portion of the diluvial detritus srd de- 
tached fragments brought by ancient currents from the iron hill in 
Cumberland. Some of the boulders are two feet in diameter, and are 
rolled and polished on their surfaces as if from long continued action 
of water. Thus we see that the diluvial blocks which were derived 
from Cumberland Hill are scattered along the shores on both sides of 
the bay, and in a mean direction south of their parent ledge." 

The following paragraphs relating to the geological conditions in 
Cranston are quoted from the same author: 

•' I examined the estate of Air. Joseph Harris, on Sockanosset Hill, 
in Cranston, where some imperfect explorations have been made for 
coal, to the depth of seven or eight feet. Around these openings I 
found numerous fragments of slate, graphite and impure anthracite; 
but the pits were generally filled with loose stones and soil, so that I 
could not discover the rocks in place below, but I have no doubt that 
they belong to the coal formation. 

"At the homestead of Mr. Harris I examined a remarkable spring 
of water, which was in one of his fields, and gives rise to a little rill 
running through the meadows. Along the banks of this rivulet, and 
around the spring, clover grows spontaneously, and is very luxuriant, 
while it is wanting in other parts of the field. 

"The water I have since analyzed, and find it to contain a great 
abundance of crenic acid, both in a free state and in combination with 
peroxide of iron, alumina and lime. The water also contains a small 
proportion of the sulphate of lime. A deposit of the percrenate and 
apocrenate of iron is found in the bottom of the spring and along its 
course." 



12 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Soils composed of disintegrated hornblende rock are found in the 
towns of Cumberland, Smithfield and Johnston. These are the only 
tracts of the kind found in the state. Hornblende rock soils are 
formed by the decomposition of a dark green or black rock, composed 
chiefly of the minerals hornblende and compact felspar, with variable 
proportions of protoxide of iron and oxide of manganese. Soils of 
this class are generally of a dark red brown color, and are of fine 
texture, possessing a slightly adhesive feel when pressed together in 
the hand, but are not clayey. They are very warm and retentive in 
their nature, and are among the best soils of the state, though quite 
scanty, as we have already intimated. This kind of soil is particu- 
larly adapted to the growth of orchards. It is remarkable for the 
large proportions of oxide of iron, manganese and magnesia, which 
it contains. 

In Smithfield there are soils of granular magnesian limestones 
mixed somewhat with argillaceous matter, making a good kind of 
soil. There is also in that town a mixture of the detritus of horn- 
blende rock and limestone, making a very luxuriant soil, on which 
spring up spontaneously, white and red clover, with other sweet grass- 
es such as are common on limed soils. 

In the vicinity of Providence there are numerous instances where 
sectional cuts have been made through cliffs of sand and gravel, 
arranged in nearly parallel zones. Rarely is the clay found to be of 
sufficient purity for pottery or for the manufacture of good bricks. 
On Seekonk river, upon the shore, may be observed a bed of plastic 
blue clay, that crops out from beneath Seekonk Plain, where it is 
about 20 feet below the bed of pebbles that exists immediately be- 
neath the top soil. Generally the clayey bands in the tertiary cliffs 
near Providence, are too much mixed with fine sand to become plas- 
tic. There are beds of a very fine variety of this clay and sand, that 
are frequently mistaken for calcareous marl, but they are not charged 
with a sufficiency of lime to deserve such a name. The tertiary soils 
of this region are generally poor and light, and are wanting in veget- 
able matter and lime. They are, however, of easy tillage, and may 
be much improved by the application of the proper fertilizing ele- 
ments. 

Some explanation of certain geological phenomena, applicable to 
this section, is contained in the following quotations from the opin- 
ions expressed by Doctor Jackson, after careful and extended study 
of the subject. He says: — 

"By the last great geological deluge, which took place after the 
elevation and consolidation of all the rocks, and subsequent to the 
deposition of the tertiary clays, much of the loose detritus on the sur- 
face of the earth was removed southwardly from its original localities. 
Not only were soils removed to great distances by this current, but 
even large blocks of stone and masses of iron ore were swept far to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 13 

the south of their parent beds, and in their transit over the ledges 
they cut grooves and scratches which still remain to indicate the 
course of the waters, such marks being found very frequently where 
exposure to the weather has not effaced them. Thus when a ledge is 
uncovered of its top soil, the scratches may generally be found in 
great abundance. 

"Such appearances prove that the boulders were not freely floated 
on icebergs, but were driven over the surface of the rocks by the 
force of the current. Nor can we allow that any glaciers could have 
produced them by their loads of sliding rocks, for in that case they 
should radiate from the mountains instead of following a uniform 
course along hillsides and through valleys. It will also be observed 
that such marks are common on table land where there are no moun- 
tains from which glaciers could extend. There are abundant proofs 
that a diluvial current swept the whole surface of the New England 
states and all the northern portions of Europe, and it is probable that 
the phenomena proving such a cataclysm will be found in every por- 
tion of the northern hemisphere. 

"By diluvial causes soils were also removed, commingled, and de- 
posited far to the southward of their native locations, so that we 
rarely find any large deposits of soil excepting such as have under- 
gone diluvial transportation. A few instances of soils truly indige- 
nous to the rock on which they rest have already been noted, and it 
is probable, since they are very thin, that they are of post-diluvian 
origin. 

"Recent alluvions consist of the fine particles washed down from 
more elevated land by the action of running water; rain, rivulets, 
and larger streams being continually engaged in such operations. 
When a river overflows its banks, the channel being thus widened, 
its velocity is diminished, and alluvial matters are deposited on the 
low land overflowed. - " " " :f * Alluvial soils are not always 
remarkably fertile, much depending upon the nature of the materials, 
and on the bottom upon which it is deposited. If this is porous, then 
alluvium, unless clayey, will want retentive properties, and will soon 
run out." 

Near the village of Chepachet, in Glocester, the soil is of a light 
yellow color, and originated from the decomposition of granite, 
gneiss, and mica slate rocks, boulders of which are abundantly scat- 
tered over its surface. The top soil is generally light and loose in 
texture, but it is underlaid by beds of clay which are from five to 
twenty feet below the surface. There are also hills of diluvial sand 
and clay in regular layers, sloping in curved lines to the northeast. 
The soils generally, in this town, when not too rocky, are of easy 
tillage, and if properly fertilized produce good crops. 

In the southwest part of Smithfield, about the village of Green- 
ville, the soil is decidedly good. That of the uplands is of a yellow 



14 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

color, and owes its origin to the decay of granite rocks. The inter- 
vales are charged with considerable quantities of black, peaty matter, 
making rich bottom for the growth of luxuriant grass, or good re- 
turns of cultivated crops. In the central part of the town the soil is 
somewhat charged with lime. The native forest trees here are oak, 
chestnut, black and white birch, and pines, the chestnut prevailing. 
Peat abounds in the vicinity. In some places the top soil is of a 
blackish color, and is about eight inches deep, and rests upon a sub- 
soil of a yellow color, derived from granitic rocks. 

In Johnston there are some excellent farms, situated on horn- 
blende rock, and they have a dark colored soil, mixed' with peaty 
matter. The meadows contain layers of peat, and the soil generally 
is well charged with vegetable matter. 

The soils of Scituate are formed of the detritus of the primary 
rocks, and where well cultivated they yield ample returns. Foster 
has also a soil derived from the decay of primary rocks. There are 
considerable forests in the town, and some deposits of bog iron have 
been found. The prevailing trees are chestnut, birch, maple, elm 
and hornbeam. 

In East Providence the soil originated chiefly from the detritus of 
grauwacke rocks, and is light and of easy tillage. It is similar to 
many soils in Rhode Island. 



CHAPTER II. 

DEVELOPMENT OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 



Roger Williams, the Founder of the Settlement. — His experiences in New England. — 
Purchases from the Indians and Transfers to his Associates. — His Character. — His 
Burial Place. — Rev. William Blackstone. — Other Purchases of the Natives. — Enlarge- 
ment of the Borders of the Town. — Fixing the Boundary Lines. — Division of the 
Town. — Formation and Annexation of other Towns. — Changes in Town Boundaries. 
— County Organization. — Subsequent changes. 



THE most conspicuous figure in the early history of this whole 
section of Rhode Island, known as the Providence Plantations, 
was Roger Williams. And two and a half centuries have 
served to intensify the prominence of his standing. A history of 
Providence county may fittingly begin with a review of the life of 
him whose name is from its very beginning so inseparably connected 
with it. 

Roger Williams was born in Wales, jn 1598, where his early years 
were spent. After being educated at the University of Oxford he 
was admitted to orders in the Church of England, and for some time 
officiated as a clergyman of that church. He afterward rendered him- 
self obnoxious to the laws against non-conformists, having embraced 
the doctrines of the Puritans, and embarked for America. Here he 
arrived on the 5th of February, 1631, his wife, Mary, accompanying 
him. About two months later he was employed as teaching elder in 
the church of Salem, under Reverend Mr. Skelton, who was then its 
pastor. The governor and assistants of Massachusetts Bay did not 
approve this arrangement, and he soon removed to Plymouth, where 
he was engaged as assistant to Mr. Ralph Smith, the pastor of the 
church at that place. His views of religious toleration here gave of- 
fense to some of his hearers, and he returned again to Salem, where, 
after Mr. Skelton's death, in 1634, he was settled as preacher. Both 
in England and in these churches he acquired the reputation of "a 
godly man and a zealous preacher." But his preaching was not in ac- 
cord with the government of that colony. He publicly opposed the 
right of the king to grant a patent for lands which belonged to the 
natives, consequently denying the right of the patent under which 
the colony held its lands. He reprobated "the calling of natural men 
to the exercise of those holy ordinances of prayers, oaths, &c," and 
other customs of the people. He insisted that the magistrate had 



16 HIS TORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

no right to deal in matters of conscience and religion. His outspoken 
conduct in expressing these and other views not in harmony with 
the popular sentiment, at last incurred the displeasure of the author- 
ities to such an extent that in the autumn of 1635, an edict of banish- 
ment was pronounced, and he was ordered to depart the jurisdiction 
in six weeks. This order was afterward modified, however, so far as 
to permit him to remain until spring, on condition that he should not 
attempt to promulgate his opinions or induce others to embrace them. 
But this action of the authorities probably served to arouse sympathy 
for Williams and itself influenced others to adopt his opinions. It is 
said the people were "much taken with the apprehension of his god- 
liness." The governor and assistants, seeing that Williams' offensive 
opinions were gaining ground among the people, sent an officer to 
apprehend him and carry him on board a vessel then lying at Nan- 
tasket, bound to England. Williams being apprised of this fled in 
time to escape the offi'cer. 

The determination referred to was reached by the general court 
of Massachusetts on the 11th of January, and the officers sent to 
execute it, when they arrived at Salem found that Williams had left 
three days before. In mid-winter he thus fled into the wilderness and 
wandered for fourteen weeks from place to place, doubtless existing 
much of the time by the hospitality of friendly Indians with whom 
he came in contact. In his own graphic words he was "sorely tossed, 
for fourteen weeks, in a bitter winter season." As the mild weather 
of spring began to approach he found himself at Seekonk, later known 
as Rehoboth, and there he began to build and plant. But he had not 
pursued this work far when he received word from Governor Wins- 
low of Plymouth, that this land was in his jurisdiction, and although 
he was a friend of Williams, yet he was also a friend of the governor 
of Massachusetts, and feared his displeasure if he allowed Williams 
to settle within his own jurisdiction after having been banished from 
that of Massachusetts. In compliance with his request, Williams 
accordingly moved forward. 

During his stay at Seekonk a few friends joined him in the attempt 
at making a settlement. When he moved thence five companions 
were with him in the canoe in which they floated down the river. 
Paddling toward the western shore they landed and exchanged greet- 
ings with the Indians, whose exclamation as they approached, 
"What Cheer, Netop," has become a familiar word in all the locality. 
The names of these five companions were William Harris, John 
Smith, Joshua Verin, Thomas Angell and Francis Wickes. From 
this preliminary landing they re-embarked, and passing around the 
southerly point of land at the junction of the rivers, now known as 
India and Fox Points, they proceeded up the Providence river and 
disembarked at a place where they found a spring of water gushing 
from the hillside. This spot they selected for the site of their pro- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 17 

posed settlement, and in grateful remembrance of God's merciful 
kindness to him in distress, Roger Williams named the future town 
Providence. 

The time of this removal and the planting of the settlement here, 
is uncertain, but is supposed to have been in the summer, as it was 
too late for regular spring planting, that having been done at the aban- 
doned spot on the Seekonk. Negotiations had no doubt been al- 
ready made with the chief sachems of Narragahsett, for land and a 
peaceable settlement. 

Roger Williams had early imbibed the spirit of a missionary, in 
relation to the Indians. "My soul's desire," said he, "was to do them 
good." He regarded a knowledge of their language as essential to 
enable him to conciliate their affections and preach to them with 
effect. For several years he gave much time to the study of their 
language. While he lived in Plymouth and Salem, he says, "God 
was pleased to give him a painful, patient spirit to lodge with them 
in their filthy, smoky holes, to gain their tongue." A knowledge of 
their language, a just notion of their rights, and the means which he 
employed to gain the affections of the natives, enabled him to pro- 
cure from Canonicus and Miantinomo, the chief sachems of the Nar- 
ragansetts, the land which first constituted the realm of the Prov- 
idence colony. The natives were shy and jealous, and money alone 
would hardly tempt them to sell their lands, but by the persuasions 
which he was able to bring to bear upon them, by means of the ad- 
vantages just noticed, he succeeded in obtaining from them valid 
title to the land upon which the settlement was to be made. To en- 
able him to adjust the financial part of the transaction, he mortgaged 
his house in Salem, "worth some hundreds." The agreement was 
made with the chiefs before mentioned, but the writing was not done 
until March 24th, 1G3S, new style, some two years after the transac- 
tion. This deed covered the vaguely described "lands and meadows 
upon the two fresh rivers, called Moshassuck and Wanasquatucket," 
"from the river and fields of Pawtucket, the great hill of Notaquon- 
canot, on the northwest, and the town of Mashapaug, on the west." 
By this deed they also confirmed to Roger Williams "all that land 
from those rivers reaching to Pawtuxet river; as also the grass and 
meadows upon the said Pawtuxet river." 

The rights thus acquired were transferred by Roger Williams to 
his twelve associates in consideration of 30 pounds in money. This 
deed was executed in October, 1638, and conveyed the equal owner- 
ship with himself to his twelve associates and "such others as the 
major part of us shall admit into the same fellowship of vote with 
us." Another instrument executed on the same day contained the 
agreement that the Pawtuxet lands should be divided equally be- 
tween them, and that each should pay an equal proportion of 20 
pounds, a failure to do which would forfeit the right to the company. 

2 



18 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

This agreement contains the acknowledgment by Roger Williams, 
dated December 3d, 1638, that he had received of "the neighbors 
above said, the full sum of £18, Us. 3d.," being twelve-thirteenths of 
the 20 pounds, the other thirteenth being his own share. Thus the 
Pawtuxet lands became the property of the original thirteen, while 
other lands were held in common and divided among the settlers, the 
new comers being required to pay 30 shillings each on joining the 
company, the payment of which entitled them to the common pro- 
prietary rights of the company. Out of the general fund thus arising 
Roger Williams was paid the expense which he had incurred in the 
original purchase of the Indians. Some question afterward arising 
in regard to the title, Roger Williams gave another deed reciting and 
confirming the facts contained in those already mentioned, the last 
mentioned deed bearing date December 22d, 1666. 

As further details in regard to the settlement and the settlers will 
be found in connection with the history of the town and city of Prov- 
idence, in another chapter of this work, we will leave that branch of 
the subject now to follow more intimately the life of the illustrious 
founder and leader of the colony. A short time after his settlement 
here we find Roger Williams embracing some of the leading opinions 
of the Baptists. In March, 1639, he was baptized by immersion, at 
Providence, by Ezekiel Holliman, whom he afterward baptized. He 
formed a society of this order, and continued preaching to them for 
several months, and then separated from them, doubting, it is said, 
the validity of all baptism because a direct succession could not be 
traced from the Apostles to the officiating ministers. 

In 1643 Williams went to England as agent for the colonies at 
Providence, Rhode Island and Warwick, to solicit a charter of incor- 
poration, which he finally procured, signed by the Earl of Warwick, 
then governor and admiral of the English plantations, and by his 
council, bearing date March 14th. 1G44. Returning from England he 
landed at Boston, September 17th, 1644, bringing a letter of recom- 
mendation to the governor and assistants of the Massachussetts Bay, 
from some of the most influential members of the Long Parliament. 
This saved him from the penalty incurred in entering their bounds, 
which he had avoided on his departure by taking ship at New York. 

In 1651, serious difficulties having arisen by Coddington's procur- 
ing a charter which gave him almost unlimited authority over the 
islands of Narragansett bay, Williams and Clarke were dispatched as 
agents of the colony to procure its revocation. This they effected in 
October, L652. Williams returned in 1654, but Clarke remained in 
England, and afterward procured the second charter of 160;]. While 
in England on the mission referred to, Williams resided most of the 
time at Belleau,a seat of Sir Henry Wane, in Lincolnshire; and on his 
return, brought a letter from him, inviting the planters to a closer 
union, one with another. This letter maybe found among the rec- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 19 

ords of Providence. Through its means, urged by the perseverance 
of Williams, peace and union were finally restored to the colony, which, 
during his absence had been rent by many divisions. He was sev- 
eral times, both before and after this period, elected to the office of 
president or governor of the colony. 

Very few incidents in his life are to be collected from the writings 
of Williams, and the prejudices of contemporary and even later his- 
torians who have mentioned him, render it difficult to form a true es- 
timate of his character. Enough, however, has been shown to pro\'e 
him to have been a man of unblemished moral character, and of ar- 
dent piety, unyielding in opinions which he conceived to be right, 
and not to be diverted from what he believed to be duty, by either 
threats or flattery. In proof of his Christian temper we may point to 
the fact that after he was banished, though he conceived himself to 
be an injured, persecuted man, no purpose of revenge seems ever to 
have been harbored by him. For he had abundant oportunities for 
giving exercise to any such feelings, had he been so disposed. In- 
stead of that, the next year after his banishment, he gave to his per- 
secutors information of the Indian plot which would have destroyed 
their whole settlement. He concluded treaties for them, which in- 
sured their peace and prosperity, "employing himself continually in 
acts of kindness to his persecutors, affording relief to the distressed, 
offering an asylum to the persecuted." In his political transactions, 
self interest does not appear to have had any influence in opposition 
to the public good. After acquiring the title to the land, which 
vested in himself exclusively, one of his first acts was to divide the 
land among his "loving neighbors," reserving to himself only a right 
as one of them. In the charter procured by him no office of trust or 
honor or profit was conferred on him. The history of the settlement 
of our country presents but few such instances of devotion to the 
common weal to the utter exclusion of personal interests, in the con- 
duct of those who led the settlements and controlled their affairs. 
Calender, the historian, has with some show of reason called him 
"the most disinterested man that ever lived." 

In literary acquirements Roger Williams gained considerable dis- 
tinction among the men of his time, though his publications were not 
numerous. The public services in which he was engaged, and the 
personal difficulties which he encountered occupied his attention to 
the exclusion perhaps, of work in that direction which might have 
been his choice had he been at liberty to follow it. His "Key to the 
Language of America" was written about 1643, and printed in Lon- 
don very soon after its completion. It presented the character of the 
natives in a new and favorable light, and appears to have been ad- 
mirably calculated to facilitate that intercourse with them which the 
safety of the settlers and the interests of both settlers and natives 
urgently demanded. His next published work was the "Bloody 



20 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Tenent," an answer to Cotton's argument in favor of the regulation 
of church doctrines by the civil magistrate. Cotton's reply to this 
was followed by the publication by Williams of "The Bloody Tenent 
yet more bloody, by Cotton's endeavor to Wash it White." These 
were published in London, in 1652. About 20 years afterward Wil- 
liams had a controversy with the Quakers. He maintained a public 
dispute with them at Newport, on the 9th, 10th, and 12th of August, 
L672, and at Providence on the 17th of the same month. He after- 
ward published a work entitled "George Fox digged out of his Bur- 
rows," in answer to a work of Fox. 

Xo description of the person of Williams has reached us, but 
Rhode Islanders will always remember his name and his deeds, and 
revere him as the father of their state, and the world will ever regard 
him as one of the earliest and boldest champions of the right of all 
men "fully to have and enjoy their own judgments and consciences 
in matters of religious concernments." He died at Providence, in 
April, 1GS3, and was buried under arms, in his family burying ground, 
with every testimony of respect that the colony could manifest. He 
was the father of six children — Mary, Freeborn, Providence, Mercy, 
Daniel, and Joseph — the descendants of whom at this time maybe 
numbered by thousands, and are scattered far and wide over this 
broad continent. 

But with all the respect which Rhode Island has for the name of 
its pioneer, and with all the cause for family pride which his numer- 
ous descendants had, the founder of a state and the bold exponent of 
religious freedom rested in his grave until the ruthless hand of neglect 
had well nigh obliterated the last traces of anything by which the lo- 
cation of his sepulture could be identified. The greensward had set- 
tled to a level over his bones, the stones which had been placed to 
mark his grave had been the sport of thoughtless boys until they were 
broken down, and it was only with considerable antiquarian skill and 
research that the identity of his bones could be established. This 
was accomplished about 30 years since, Stephen Randall, one of Wil- 
liams' descendants, being a leader in the enterprise. Touching the 
subject of the discovery and exploration of the grave of Roger Wil- 
liams we venture to insert here the following extracts from a descrip- 
tion given by Mr. Zachariah Allen in an address in 1860. 

"After the lapse of 177 years of obvious neglect, the researches for 
the identification of the grave were finally commenced on the 22d day 
<>f March, 1860, in the presence of several gentlemen, who were in- 
vited to witness the processes of the disinterment. •■ * * * * * 
After the removal of the turf and loam, down to the hard surface of 
the subsoil, the outlines of seven graves became manifest, the three 
uppermost on the hillside being those of children, and the four lower 
ones, those of adults." 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 21 

"The utmost care was taken in scraping- away the earth from the 
bottom of the grave of Roger Williams. Not a vestige of any bone 
was discoverable, nor even of the lime dust which usually remains 
after the gelatinous part of the bone is decomposed. So completely 
had disappeared all the earthly remains of the Founder of the State 
of Rhode Island, in the commingling mass of black, crumbled slate 
stone and shale, that they did not 'leave a wreck behind." ' 

"By the side of the grave of Roger Williams was another, which 
was supposed to be that of his wife; for wonderfully preserved there- 
in was found a lock of braided hair, being the sole remaining human 
relic. All else had disappeared in the lapse of more than 170 years, 
during which this tress of hair had survived every other portion of 
the body equally exposed to the wet earth. 

"The reason for which this location had been so soon abandoned 
as a burial spot became evident in the almost impenetrable hardness 
of the soil, composed of shale, which rendered necessary the use of 
steel pointed bars and picks to penetrate it. So near the surface of 
ground is the sub-stratum of shale rock, which constitutes nearly the 
whole mass of Prospect Hill, that water was found percolating the 
soil at the bottom of one of the excavations which were made. 

"It appears that in this vicinity, on the gravelly soil a few hun- 
dred feet below on the hillside, the Indians once had a cemetery. At 
the foot of Bowen street, skeletons with the remains of Indian im- 
plements, and a copper kettle, were found. Many of the early set- 
tlers of Providence were there buried. 

"Alono- the whole range of Benefit street were a succession of or- 
chards planted on the hill-side, above the garden lots. In these or- 
chards were the burial lots of the families which occupied the homes 
below on the east side of North and South Main streets, commencing 
with the burial lot of the family of Whipple, at the junction of Con- 
stitution hill with Benefit street; next was that of Roger Williams' 
family— of Olney, Waterman, Crawford, Tillinghast, Cooke, Ashton, 
and others. In the course of modern improvements most of these 
remains have been removed to the North Burial Ground. Near 
Bowen street, whilst cultivating a garden, Nicholas Esten pulled up 
the fragments of a human skull, attached to the roots of a cabbage." 

"On looking down into the pit whilst the sextons were clearing it 
of earth, the root of an adjacent apple tree was discovered. This tree 
had pushed downwards one of its main roots in a sloping direction 
and nearly straight course towards the precise spot that had been 
occupied by the skull of Roger Williams. There making a turn con- 
forming with its circumference, the root followed the direction of the 
backbone to the hips, and thence divided into two branches, each one 
following a leg bone to the heel, where they both turned upwards to 
the extremities of the toes of the skeleton. One of the roots formed 
a slight crook at the part occupied by the knee joint, thus producing 



22 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

an increased resemblance to the outlines of the skeleton of Roger 
Williams, as if indeed, moulded thereto by the powers of vegetable 
life. This singularly formed root has been carefully preserved, as 
constituting a very impresive exemplification of the mode in which 
the contents of the grave had been entirely absorbed. Apparently 
not sated with banqueting on the remains found in one grave, the 
same roots extended themselves into the next adjoining one, pervad- 
ing every part of it with a network of voracious fibres in their thor- 
ough search for every particle of nutritious matter in the form of 
phosphate of lime and other organic elements constituting the bones. 
At the time the apple tree was planted, all the fleshy parts of the body 
had doubtless been decomposed and dispersed in gaseous forms; and 
there was then left only enough of the principal bones to serve for 
the roots to follow along from one extremity of the skeleton to the 
other in a continuous course, to glean up the scanty remains. Had 
there been other organic matter present in quantity, there would 
have been found divergent branches of roots to envelop and absorb 
it. This may serve to explain the singular formation of the roots into 
the shape of the principal bones of the human skeleton." 

Leaving now the illustrious founder of the settlement out of which 
grew the county as well as the town, let us notice briefly the outlines 
of progress from the primitive condition to the present status and ar- 
rangement. In passing, however, it will be appropriate to notice a 
contemporary attempt at settlement which by subsequent events be- 
came associated with that of Roger Williams and his associates. About 
the same time that Williams came to Providence, Reverend Wil- 
liam Blackstone settled in Cumberland, near the river which bears 
his name, about three miles above Pawtucket. He was a man of 
learning, and had received Episcopal ordination in England. He ap- 
pears to have left his native country on account of his nonconformity, 
and he sought an asylum for the enjoyment of religious freedom in 
the wilds of New England. The precise time of his arrival in this 
country is unknown, though he appears to have been here as early as 
L628, devoting himself to agriculture. When the first planters of 
.Massachusetts arrived, in the year 1030, they found him already 
quietly seated on the peninsula of Shawmut, now the site of Boston. 
His cottage was near a spring, on the south end of the peninsula, 
where he had planted an orchard of apple trees. Having escaped the 
power of the Lords Bishop in England, he declared that he did not 
want to fall into the power of the "Lords Brethren" here, so he sold 
his lands on the peninsula, in the year 1635, and made a removal 
about the year 1636, his new location being about six miles north of 
that chosen by Mr. Williams. Here his house was situated near the 
bank of the river which perpetuates his name, a few rods east- 
ward of a knoll, which he called "Study hill." It was surrounded by 
a park, which was his favorite walk. Llis house he named "Study 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 23 

Hall." Here again he planted an orchard, the first that ever bore 
apples in Rhode Island, as tradition avers. Many of the trees were 
"still pretty thrifty fruit-bearing trees," 130 years afterward, when' 
Governor Hopkins wrote the assertion just quoted in part. Mr. 
Blackstone used frequently to preach in Providence and other neigh- 
boring places. He was a man of talent, and though somewhat eccen- 
tric, sustained the character of an exemplary Christian. He died 
May 26th, 1675, having lived in New England about 50 years, and 
was buried about two rods east of his favorite "Study hill," and his 
family in America long since became extinct. His death occurred a 
few weeks before the commencement of Philip"s war. At that time 
his estate was desolated, and his house and library laid in ashes by 
the ruthless natives. 

The settlement of Williams continued to grow. The deeds by 
which title to lands was acquired have already been spoken of. The 
number of proprietors soon reached the limit of 54. The whole num- 
ber shared in the divisions of land in the Providence purchase, while 
only thirteen held shares in the Pawtuxet purchase. The latter was 
the cause of long and angry contention in the subsequent history of 
the colony. 

Although the purchase of the land from the Narragansett sachems 
was considered as complete, yet the settlers were careful to conciliate 
the Indians residing within their limits and as far as possible to 
maintain their good will. Those who had built wigwams or tilled 
the soil, received gratuities in addition to what had been paid to the 
sachems, and even the claim to sovereignty over a part of the land, 
which was asserted by Massasoit, sachem of the Wampanoags, sev- 
eral years after the purchase, though unfounded, was virtually ad- 
mitted, and compensation made him by the colonists. This claim 
embraced portions later included in Smithfield, though it is doubtful 
whether the rights of the Wampanoags ever extended west of the 
Seekonk. Many years elapsed before the last Indian titles were ex- 
tinguished. Confirmatory deeds from the successors of the first 
grantors were taken, every new deed requiring some further gratuity. 
The transfer of land from one inhabitant to another was subject to 
the approval of the town, and when that was obtained the record was 
made, simply giving bounds and reciting the fact in connection with 
the names of the parties. 

The population of the colony rapidly increased; a natural effect of 
the broad system of religious freedom established by its founder, 
which made it the refuge of many who differed from the state creed 
of its neighbors. About 1646 there were in Providence and its vicin- 
ity 101 men fit to bear arms. This corresponds precisely to the whole 
number of proprietors of house lots in the last division of the lands 
made 73 years later. But besides the original purchasers, and those 
who were admitted by them to an equal share in the franchise, many 



24 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

avc re received as townsmen who had no interest in the lands, and 
others were admitted as 25-acre or quarter-right purchasers, who in all 
subdivisions of land received one-quarter as much as a full proprietor. 
The terms of admission to the propriety varied very much at differ- 
ent times. The latest agreement upon the records is signed by 28 
quarter-right proprietors, who having received a free grant of 25 acres 
each, and a proportionate right of common, promise to obey the laws, 
and not to claim any right to the purchase, nor any privilege of vote, 
until they shall be received as freemen of the town. 

The extent of the first purchase of the Indians was exceedingly 
indefinite. At first there was some show of definite limits, the "river 
and fields of Pawtucket," the "great hill of Neotaconkanitt," and the 
"town of Mashapaug," having some fairly well understood locations. 
But then the conveyance drifts into ambiguity by granting "all 
that land from those rivers reaching to Pawtuxet river," "those 
rivers" meaning the Moshassuck and Wanasquatucket. The vague- 
ness is still further increased by the confirmation of Miantonomi 
in 1639, when he "acknowledged this his act and hand up the 
streams of Pawtucket and Pawtuxet, without limits, we might have 
for our use of cattle." The deed was understood to convey little 
more than the right of jurisdiction over the land it described. The 
general right that the sachem possessed in the soil passed under it, 
but such Indians as had built wigwams or planted upon it were also 
to be satisfied. In some instances individuals among the purchasers 
bought off the natives residing on their lands, and in others the 
whole body of purchasers joined, and from their common stock paid 
the claims of the natives. It was not uncommon for a succession of 
such claimants to demand and receive satisfaction. The sums paid 
to these individuals generally far exceeded the amounts paid to the 
sachems. Several such deeds and confirmations of different Indian 
claimants for certain portions of the wide expanse of territory in- 
cluded in the ownership of Providence men have been preserved, and 
many others have been lost. The descriptions contained in these 
instruments are so lengthy, mystical and abounding in names and 
points of definition now unrecognizable that we deem it unadvisable 
to copy them here. In May, 1661, the town borrowed 20 pounds to 
pay for clearing off certain Indian titles. These appear to cover 
lands later in Smithfield, Burrillville and Scituate. Among the largest 
tracts purchased from the natives by individuals was the Westquanoid 
purchase, which lay between the north branch of the Pawtuxet river 
and the dividing line between the present counties of Providence and 
Kent. The purchasers of this tract belonged principally to Rhode 
Island. It is now covered by the southern part of the towns of 
Foster and Scituate. 

In accordance with the extent of land covered by the various 
deeds which had been obtained up to that time, the town in March, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 25 

1660, agreed that their western bounds should be set 20 miles west of 
Fox's hill. The deeds which had then been obtained doubtless cov- 
ered the principal part of the territory now embraced within the 
county of Providence, except lands east of the Seekonk river which 
have since been annexed from Massachusetts. The line between the 
Providence purchase and the Pawtuxet purchase was for many years 
in dispute, and from 1600 onward for several years, committees were 
frequently appointed by the town to run it out to the 20 mile limits 
westward. The line remained in dispute for man} T years, litigation 
following, and an appeal to the king of England being twice made 
on behalf of the Pawtuxet proprietors, who claimed that they were 
being deprived by the town proprietors of the use of their lands. A 
jury of commissioners from Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut 
and Rhode Island, appointed by direction of the king, heard the case 
and gave a verdict, which failed to make a satisfactory ending of 
the complication, as did a second appeal to the king, and his order to 
the magistrates to cause the judgment to be carried into effect. The 
execution of the judgment was obstructed by the different interpre- 
tations insisted upon by the opposing parties in regard to the lan- 
guage of the judgment itself. William Harris, the attorney of the 
Pawtuxet purchasers, started in January, 1680, on a third voyage to 
England to again petition the king. He was taken a prisioner on the 
way, by a Barbary corsair, and carried to Algiers, where he remained 
more than a year. Being finally ransomed he reached London, but 
died a few days after his arrival there. It does not appear that any 
steps were taken after the death of Mr. Harris in relation to the set- 
tlement of this controversy until 16S2. Commissioners were in that 
year appointed to "end the difference" with Pawtuxet. Obstacles, 
however, continued to impede the progress of the business, so that it 
was not actually done until 1712, when an agreement was arrived at, 
and in May the line was run out as agreed upon, and bounds were 
set up, and the controversy was ended. In this settlement, however, 
the limits of the purchase were greatly reduced from those which 
had been conceded in former attempts at settlement of the line. In- 
stead of the tract running 20 miles westward it now ran only to the 
seven-mile line, to a point on that line half way between the south 
bounds of the purchase and the crossing of the Wanasquatucket by 
the line referred to. 

The dividing line between Providence and Warwick, as far as ju- 
risdiction was concerned, was settled by the general assembly, in Oc- 
tober, 1696. As fixed by that bod}- this line followed the north side 
of Pawtuxet river, from the junction of its northern and southern 
branches, to its mouth. 

In 1707, a question arose between the Providence proprietors and 
the Westquanoid Company, in regard to title to lands, the latter com- 
pany claiming what the Providence men considered as within the 



26 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

liberal and vague limits of their purchase. The Westquanoid Company 
claimed as far north as the north branch of the Pawtuxet, under a 
deed from the natives. An agreement was reached in October, 1708, 
that a line should be run due south from the center of Punhangan- 
sett pond to the Warwick line, and that a line crossing this at right 
angles and half way from one end to the other should be the dividing 
line between the two companies. This controversy, like that with 
Pawtuxet, had reference only to ownership. The jurisdiction of 
Providence was never questioned in either case. The right of juris- 
diction over all the land lying between Warwick on the south, Con- 
necticut on the west, Massachusetts on the north, and Pawtucket or 
Seekonk river on the east, was always admitted to be in Providence, 
and was called the township of Providence. Jurisdiction was also 
claimed over the land which constitutes the present town of Cumber- 
land, but this was denied, at first by Plymouth and afterward by 
Massachusetts, and was a matter of contention between the colonies 
until 1746, when it was settled by the king in council, and the juris- 
diction given to the colony of Rhode Island. Thus it will be seen 
that the present county of Providence is, with a few changes on the 
eastern border, the same as the original township of Providence. 

Previous to the year 1718 the records of the town and of the pro- 
prietors of Providence were kept together and the distinction be- 
tween the two bodies was not sharply drawn. But the progress of 
the settlement then demanded more definite lines, and in the begin- 
ning of 1718 the proprietors chose a clerk of their own, and kept dis- 
tinct records of their own transactions separate from the town. This 
course was pursued from that time forward. The records of the pro- 
prietors are divided into two sets, one relating to land on the east, 
and the other to land on the west of a line called the "seven-mile line." 
This line was first established in 1G60, when part of the proprietors 
held that their rights extended only thus far, while another part 
claimed, under various Indian titles and confirmations to the 20 mile 
limits. The "seven-mile line" ran due north and south seven miles 
westward of Fox's hill, now called Fox's point. It still remains, and 
is the dividing line between the towns of Smithfield, North Smith- 
field, Cranston and Johnston, on the east of it, and Burrillville, Glo- 
cester and Scituate on the west of it. It formed the western bound- 
ary of the early divisions of lands among the individual settlers. 

The first division of the town of Providence into smaller juris- 
dictions was made in 1731. the people having petitioned the assem- 
bly, and that body having appointed committees to investigate and 
report. Three aditional towns were created, the act of incorporation 
describing them in language as follows. 

"Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the 
authority thereof it is enacted, that from Warwick township, eight 
miles and a half be measured on the seven-mile line (so called), in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 27 

said Providence, and a boundary there fixed; and from the said 
boundary, a line be drawn to Pawtucket river, to the place called the 
Ware, about half a mile northerly of Pawtucket Falls; and that for 
the time to come, the town of Providence extend no farther west and 
north than the aforesaid lines." 

The description of Smithfield was as follows: — "all the rest of the 
aforesaid outlands, to the eastward of the aforesaid seven-mile line, 
and to the northward of the bounds of the town of Providence." The 
bounds of Scituate were "to begin at the northwest bounds of the 
town of Providence, at the bounds and monument there made and 
erected on the aforesaid seven-mile line; and from thence, to extend 
west six degrees and thirty minutes north, to Connecticut colony, and 
all the lands to the westward of the said town of Providence, and to 
the southward of the said dividing line, and to the northward of the 
town of Warwick, up to the colony line." 

"And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the rest 
and residue of the aforesaid out-lands that lie to the westward of the 
aforesaid seven-mile line, and to the northward of the west line, 
drawn from the northwest corner of the town of Providence, and 
bounded north on the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, and west 
on the colony of Connecticut, be, and they are hereby erected and in- 
corporated a town, and called by the name of Glocester." 

The act authorized the justices of the peace to call the inhabitants 
of each of the three new towns together to elect officers, and to ap- 
point the times and places of their town meetings. Each of the 
towns was also entitled to representation by two deputies in the gen- 
eral assembly. 

The town of Cranston was formed from a part of Providence, in 
1754. The petition for such a division of the territory recites that 
the town then had about 600 freeholders, and that the business was 
mostly done at the compact part of the town, which caused great in- 
convenience to those living in the remote parts. Hence the need of 
division. The new town comprised all that part of the former town 
of Providence "lying to the southward of a line beginning at the head 
of the cove, called and known by the name of Hawkins's Cove; from 
thence a straight line to the bent of Pochasset River, a little to the 
northward of Charles Dyer's; and so to continue up said river, until 
it comes to the road that leads from the town of Providence to Plain- 
field; and thence westerly, up said road, until it comes to the vSeven 
Mile line, that is the dividing line between the town of Providence 
and Scituate." On other sides Cranston was bounded, west by Scitu- 
ate, south by Warwick, and east by the Providence river. The town 
took its name from Samuel Cranston, who for many years was gover- 
nor of the colony. 

A few years later a petition was presented to the general assem- 
bly, setting: forth that there were within the limits of Providence 



28 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

"•upwards of four hundred freemen, great part of whom live near ten 
miles from the place where the town meetings are usually holden and 
the prudential affairs of said town transacted." The petition set 
forth that business was hindered by crowding in the meetings, and 
asked that they be set off in a new town. The assembly thereupon 
established the town of Johnston, the line dividing it from Provi- 
dence being described as beginning on the southern bank of Wan- 
asquatucket river, whence it was to run "due north from the eastern- 
most part of a certain hill, called Solitary Hill; and extend due south 
from the said easternmost part of this said hill, unto the northern 
line of the town of Cranston." It was thus bounded on the south by 
Cranston, on the west by Scituate, on the north by Smithfleld and on 
the east by Providence. On the north it followed the Smithfleld line 
to the intersection of the Wanasquatucket river, "and thence east- 
wardly with the said river until it comes to the first mentioned bound." 
The town was named in honor of Augustus Johnston, who was at that 
time attorney general of the colony. 

In 1765, 115 of the inhabitants living m the northern part of Prov- 
idence, petitioned to be set off into a town by the name of Wenscutt. 
Some opposition appeared to this project, and the matter was de- 
layed from the February session of the general assembly until June. 
The petition set forth that there were "upwards of four hundred free- 
men" in the town of Providence; that those living in the compact 
part were mostly merchants and tradesmen, and that those living in 
the remote part of the town were mostly farmers, and had interests 
not in common with those of the compact part. The new town was 
then established by act of the general assembly, but its name was 
North Providence instead of Wenscutt. This was the northern part 
of the town, and its bounds were to "begin at the new bridge, near to 
the hill called Solitary Hill; thence bounding on Wanasquatucket 
River, until it comes to the northwest corner of the town's land, at 
the east end of a place called Forestack Meadow; thence easterly on 
a straight line to the middle of the mill bridge; thence on a due east 
line until it comes to Scaconck River, so called; thence northerly, 
bounding on said Scaconck River until it comes to Smithfleld line; 
thence bounding by Smithfleld line until it comes to Johnston line; 
and thence, bounding westerly by Johnston line until it comes to the 
aforesaid Solitary Hill." The bounds of the town were not satisfac- 
tory to some of the people living near the compact part of the former 
town, and in June, 17H7, in compliance with their petition the assem- 
bly passed an act by which a part of the new town was annexed again 
to Providence. This part was bounded "by a straight line, beginning 
at the southerly end of the meadow called Four Stack Meadow, to the 
northwest eorner of the burying land; and then easterly and south- 
erly by said burying ground, as by the plat thereof, until it ccmes to 
tin- lane called Herrington's Lane; then easterly by the north side of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 29 

said lane till it meets with the southwest corner of the land of Joseph 
Olney; then crossing said lane, due south, until it comes to the south 
side of said lane, then extending easterly, as said lane runs, bounding 
northerly by said lane until it comes to the dividing line between the 
lands of William Brown and Phineas Brown; and then by said line 
easterly to Seaconck River." 

The next town in order of time was Foster. This town was 
formed of the western part of Scituate, in August, 1781. The act of 
incorporation directed that the dividing line between the proposed 
town of Foster and Scituate should begin at the middle of the line 
between Scituate and Coventry, and run thence northerly in a course 
parallel with the Seven Mile line to the north line of the old town of « 
Scituate, thus dividing it in two nearly equal parts. The assembly 
appointed a committee to fix definitely the boundary of Foster. The 
committee completed their work on the 18th of September, describ- 
ing the southeast corner of Foster, "a rock split in two parts, with a 
heap of stones on it, which is about sixteen poles east upon the 
abovesaid line from the northwest corner of Ephraim Westcot's home- 
stead farm in Coventry, and bears north fourteen degrees west from 
the middle of the chimney of the said Ephraim Westcot's small dwel- 
ling house about twenty-five poles." The north end of the line was a 
point "four rods and twenty links east on Glocester line, from a small, 
sharpish rock at the point of the upland." The name of the new 
town is supposed to have been given in honor of Theodore Foster, 
who was one of the senators of Rhode Island in congress. The name 
of the old town was given in memory of the town in Massachusetts, 
whence some of the settlers here had come. 

In 1806 the town of Glocester, which had been named from the 
Duke of Glocester, was divided by aline from east to west through the 
middle of the town. The northern half was incorporated as the town 
of Burrillville, October 29th, 1806. The name was given out of re- 
spect to Hon. James Burrill, who had been attorney general, and was 
afterward chief justice of the state, and senator in congress. The 
first authorized meeting of the town was November 17th, 1806. 

The town of Cumberland was annexed to Rhode Island by the de- 
cision of the king in council, January 27th, 1747, new style. At that 
time four other towns were annexed to the colony, from Massachu- 
setts, viz: Little Compton, Tiverton, Warren and Bristol. Previous to 
this time Cumberland had been known as Attleboro' Gore. It was 
named in honor of William, Duke of Cumberland. A part of its 
territory w T as incorporated as the town of Woonsocket, January 
31st, 1867. 

The town of Pawtucket, originally a part of Seekonk, in Massa- 
chusetts, was incorporated March 1st, 1828. In the settlement of the 
boundary question between the two states, this town, with the excep- 
tion of a small part lying east of Seven Mile river, was annexed to 
Rhode Island, March 1st, 1862. At the same date the westerly part 



30 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of Seekonk was annexed to Rhode Island and incorporated as the 
town of East Providence, and on the other hand Fall River, not in 
this county, was annexed to Massachusetts. 

We have now noticed the acquirement of all the territory of Prov- 
idence county, as well as the division of the principal part into towns 
as they exist at the present time. Some later divisions and altera- 
tions in town boundaries have been made, which we will briefly no- 
tice. March 8th, 1871, the town of Smithfield was divided into four 
parts. A small part at the northeastern corner was annexed to 
Wnonsocket; the northwestern part was incorporated as the town of 
Slater, which on the 24th was changed to North Smithfield; the east- 
ern part was incorporated as the town of Lincoln, in honor of the 
martyr president; while the southwest part retained the name of the 
old town. A small part of North Providence was re-united to Prov- 
idence, June 29th, 1767, and again another part March 28th, 1873. 
Still another part was annexed to the city of Providence, making the 
Tenth ward, May 1st, 1874. At the same time the eastern part of the 
town was annexed to Pawtucket, leaving but a small part in the old 
town. Parts of the town of Cranston have been added to the city of 
Providence June 10th, 1868, and March 28th, 1873. 

For many years after the settlement of the colony, no county or- 
ganizations were made. At the June session of the general assembty 
in 1729, the colony was divided into three counties, respectively 
named Newport, Providence and King's. The county of Providence 
included the towns of Providence, Warwick and East Greenwich. 
Previous to this some regard to county jurisdiction had been obtained 
by common consent, tw r o counties only being recognized, which grew 
out of the governments included in the colony. The insular portion 
was called the county of Rhode Island, and the mainland section was 
called the county of Providence. Existing records show that this 
division was recognized as early as 1703. In that year the assembly 
ordered that the courts of common pleas in the latter county should 
rotate between Providence, Warwick, Kingstown and Westerly. On 
the annexation of the five towns previously spoken of, January 27th, 
17 17, Cumberland was included in Providence county. By an act of 
the general assembly passed in June, 17f)(>, the southern part of the 
county was organized into a separate county by the name of Kent, 
having the same towns within it as it does at the present time. In 
the year 176."), an act was passed dividing the state into five counties. 
This act was merely a re-enactment or confirmation of the acts al- 
ready passed at different times, and made no changes in the organiza- 
tion of the different counties. From that time to the present no 
changes have been made in the territorial limits of Providence county, 
except the addition of East Providence and Pawtucket in 1862, men- 
tion of which has already been made. The progressive history of 
the county is but the history of the several towns which compose it, 
details of which will be given in subsequent chapters. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



Establishment of Courts. — Successive Court Houses. — Practitioners in the early Courts. 
— Early Bar Compact. — Prominent Lawyers of a Half Century ago. — Their Loca- 
tion and Habits. — Some Woonsocket Lawyers. — Prominent Men of the last Genera- 
tion. — Lawyers of the Present Time. 



THE first establishment of any organized court was under the 
charter of 1644. This was called the general court of trials. 
It had jurisdiction over the whole colony, as the counties had 
not then been organized. This court was composed of the president 
and assistants. They had jurisdiction over all aggravated offenses, 
and in such matters as should be by the town courts referred to them 
as too weighty for themselves to determine, and also of all disputes 
between different towns, or between citizens of different towns and 
strangers. They had two sessions in each year. All questions of 
fact were determined by a jury of twelve men. The town courts had 
exclusive original jurisdiction over all causes between their own citi- 
zens. The president was the conservator of the peace throughout 
the colony, and the assistants were charged with the same duties in 
their respective towns. 

Under the revised charter of 1663 the courts were appointed to be 
held annually, one at Providence in September, and one at Warwick 
in March. In these courts of trials at least three assistants and a 
jury of twelve men, selected equally from each town, should be pres- 
ent. An appeal could be taken from these to the general courts. 
Special courts might also be called at the request and expense of any 
person, with the sanction of the governor or deputy governor. In 
the apportionment of grand and petty jurors, Newport was to furnish 
five of each, Portsmouth three, and Providence and Warwick two 
each. In the apportionment of state magistrates, that is the gov- 
ernor, deputy governor and ten assistants, five were to be inhabitants 
of Newport, three of Providence, and two each of Portsmouth and 
Warwick. 

In 1703 the colony appears to have been divided into two coun- 
ties. These were Providence Plantations and Rhode Island. The 
first embraced all the towns on the mainland and the second the 
island towns. Inferior courts were established at the same time, to 
be holden in each countv. That within the county of Providence 



32 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Plantations was held twice each year, at Providence, Warwick, Kings- 
town and Westerly by turns. In 1729 the county of Providence was 
divided and what is now Washington county set off; and again, in 
1750, it was still further reduced in size by the formation of the pres- 
ent county of Kent. 

In 1729 a court house was ordered to be erected in each of the 
counties. The court house for this county was built on land formerly 
belonging to William Page, on Meeting street. It was completed in 
L731, at a cost of £G6o. It was destroyed by fire, on the evening of 
December 24th, 1758. A new court house was soon afterward begun, 
and was completed about 1762. This still stands, having been used 
as court house and state house, in which latter use it is still em- 
ployed. The present elegant court house was completed in 1877, 
being dedicated on the 18th of December of that year. 

Of the lives of those who were prominent in the history of the 
early courts we know but little. Diligent enquiry and research has 
indeed failed to bring to light but few facts. Whatever was brilliant 
or splendid in the scenes in which they took part passed off with the 
occasion that produced it. If they were eminent in their profession, 
others have since existed, who to observers were probably as emi- 
nent, if not more so. Speeches were not then reported, and but few 
are now preserved. Natural geniuses doubtless existed then, as well 
as now, but like brilliant meteors, they dazzled, delighted their audi- 
ences for a time, and then faded away. Perhaps more native talent 
went into the profession at an early period than now, in proportion 
to numbers, for native strength and intellect were then more neces- 
sary to sustain the advocate. He was not assisted by other sciences, 
nor could he be supported or helped along by reports and authorities, 
as lawyers are at the present time. Their labor of thinking, and of 
mental origination, was not diminished by the rich productions ema- 
nating from learned brethren, emulous of fame, as is the case with 
members of the profession at the present time. The most eminent 
and successful then relied more upon intense mental application than 
upon books and precedents. They habituated themselves to the most 
rigid study, and thought intensely upon the cases before them. Those 
who were gifted with strong native intellects, and with nerve and 
constitution enough to bear up under such labor, succeeded, while 
those who were deficient in these sturdy attributes flagged in their 
course. The mode of arguing causes then partook much more of the 
narrative character than at the present day. The advocate before the 
jury gave minutely the history of the case, and the character of the 
parties, and freely used familiar anecdote and popular illustration. 

'>eals to the passions of jurors were the most powerful engines of 
success. When satire or anger was kindled against an adversary it 
was a consuming fire. If a client had been unfortunate or oppressed, 
the chord of sympathy was touched to tears. The principal business 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 33 

of the court was to see fair play, and the judge, who sat to listen 
rather than to direct, was fortunate if by his silence he escaped un- 
wounded in the conflict of the legal gladiators. But at the same time 
the lawyers of that day, except when circumstances called out such 
sturdy efforts, were highly dignified and courteous in their manners 
at the bar. In later years the pungent severity of the ancient prac- 
tice has undergone a commendable relaxation. 

One of the earliest evidences of the association of lawyers at the 
bar of this state exists in the Bar Compact of 1745, which we copy 
below: 

"We the subscribers, considering that the law has made no dis- 
tinction in fees between common, uncontroverted cases and those that 
are difficult in managing; do for that end, and for regulating our 
practice in the law, and rendering the same sufficient for our support 
and subsistence, agree to the following rules, to be strictly kept up 
by us, upon honor. 

" I. No cause at any inferior court, where an answer is filed, shall 
be undertaken under forty shillings for a fee, or more. 

" II. No answer shall be filed under a forty shilling fee, besides 
payment of the charge of copies, &c. 

" III. No case to be pleaded at any Superior Court under a three 
pound fee. 

" IV. No writ of review to be brought under a four pound fee; and 
the same if for the defendant. 

" V. In the foregoing cases no man to be trusted without his 
note, saving a standing: client, for whom considerable business is 
done. 

" VI. No Attorney to sign blank writs and disperse them about 
the colony, which practice, it is conceived, would make the law cheap, 
and hurt the business without profiting any one whatever. 

" VII. No Attorney shall take up any suit whatever against a prac- 
titioner who sues for his fees, except three or more brethren shall 
determine the demand unreasonable; and then if he will not do jus- 
tice the whole fraternity shall rise up against him. 

"VIII. If any dispute should arise among the brethren about en- 
dorsement of writs for securing costs, it shall not be deemed a breach 
of unity, if one Attorney takes out a writ against another for his 
costs. And in case any Attorney shall become bail he is to expect 
no favor. 

" IX. No Attorney to advance money to pay entry and jury in 
cases disputed, except for a standing, responsible client, that happens 
to be out of the way. 

"At September Term, 1745." 

One of the prominent early lawyers of this county was Oliver 
Arnold. He was the son of Israel, and the grandson of John Arnold, 
a descendant of Richard Arnold, who was one of the council of Sir 
3 



34 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Edmond Andros, in 1685, and a near relative of Benedict Arnold, 
president of the colony of Rhode Island prior to the appointment of 
Coddington as the first governor. Oliver Arnold was born in Gloces- 
ter, in 1720. In boyhood he evinced a strong propensity for study, 
and to gratify this, his father, who was a wealthy landholder and 
much engaged in public business, placed him under the instruction 
and direction of Doctor Webb, of Uxbridge, Mass., a Presbyterian 
clergyman of reputation and talent. Here young Oliver increased 
those habits of study and application which were so eminently serv- 
iceable to him in after life. But little further is known of the time 
or manner of his preparation. But that he early made his mark at 
the bar is shown by the following anecdote related by Mr. Levi Lin- 
coln, a practitioner of that time, which has been preserved in his own 
language. Lincoln said: 

" When at the bar a cause of considerable interest was entrusted 
to me; and on retainer I was informed by my client that I should be 
opposed only by a young man by the name of Arnold, from Glocester, 
R. I. Not expecting much display of talent from any one in that 
region, I was slovenly prepared for arguing the case; nor was my 
caution increased by the appearance of my antagonist — a tall, green 
looking youth, who awkwardly seating himself at the bar, impressed 
me that I had nothing but a stripling to contend with. I made my 
speech with very little expectation of being answered; and conducted 
my argument throughout with less skill and arrangement than usual, 
and awaited the reply of my youthful opponent. But. what was my 
amazement to see him rise with the most perfect self-possession, and 
state his defence, and argue his cause with an ability that would have 
done honor to Temple bar. He went on calmly, leading the reason 
of the jury and audience captive, and leaving myself in the back- 
ground as far as I confidently expected to have left him." 

This trial spread the reputation of Mr. Arnold far and wide, and 
he soon rose to distinction as a faithful and popular lawyer. In 1754 
he married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Brown, of Sandisfield, Mass., 
and sister of Colonel John Brown, who commanded a regiment under 
General Benedict Arnold at the siege of Quebec. In 1762 Mr. Arnold 
moved from Glocester to Providence, and purchased an estate on 
North Main street, and here he continued in the practice of his pro- 
fession. In May, 1766, he was elected attorney general of the colony, 
and continued in that office, by successive re-elections, until his death. 
In the discharge of his official duties he appears to have been actu- 
ated by a firm regard for duty and an undeviating resolution to follow 
its directions, however unpleasant that course might be to himself, and 
his civil duties were performed with marked ability. His career was 
short, though flattering in its promises. He died October 9th, 1770, 
in the 35th year of his age. A contemporary sums up his character 
in this sentence: " His genius was lively and active, his ideas exten- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 35 

sive and beautifully arranged, his conceptions were quick, clear, and 
radiant, his judgment sound." 

John Cole was the son of Elisha Cole, of North Kingstown, who 
was for many years a member of the state senate, and one of the 
largest landholders in Washington county. John obtained a reputa- 
ble education in the English branches, and was well instructed in the 
Latin and Greek under a foreign tutor. He studied law in the office 
of Daniel Updike, Esq., then attorney general of the colony, married 
his daughter Mary, and commenced practice in law under the patron- 
age of Mr. Updike, in Providence. Here he soon obtained a good 
share of business, both in this county and elsewhere on the circuits. 
In 1763 he was elected an associate justice of the supreme court of the 
colony; and at the January session of the general assembly in 1764, 
he was promoted to the chair of chief justice, in the place of John 
Bannister, who had resigned. At the annual election in the follow- 
ing May, he was re-elected to the same honorable office. In the 
period of the severe stamp act agitations Mr. Cole resigned the office 
of chief justice, and was elected a representative from Providence in 
the general assembly, his decided whig principles bringing him into 
great popularity. He was also elected to represent the town in that 
body through the stormy period of 1766, and at the May session of 
1767 was promoted to the chair of speaker of the house. Upon the 
establishment in February, 1775, of a vice-admiralty court for the 
state, Mr. Cole was appointed advocate general in that court, which 
office he held during the remainder of his life. He was also for many 
years president of the town council of Providence. He was an advo- 
cate of respectable talents, a handsome speaker, a sound lawyer, and 
sustained a fair and honorable character. He was a corpulent and 
large framed man, with a gouty temperament. In advanced age he 
entered a small pox hospital for inoculation, but the conditions proved 
unfavorable and he died of the disease in October, 1777. 

From the " Reminiscences of the Rhode Island Bar," by Abraham 
Payne, we glean some points in regard to the profession as repre- 
sented by the men of a generation now past, which facts are embod- 
ied in the succeeding paragraphs. 

A half century ago General Thomas F. Carpenter practiced law in 
an office at the junction of Westminster and Weybosset streets. The 
furniture of the office, though appropriate to the time, wculd be con- 
sidered very meagre in these days. A plain' book-case with a few 
books in it, an old fashioned desk, a limited supply of pigeon holes, a 
large table covered with green baize cloth, an old-fashioned cylinder 
stove, a small safe, a few common chairs, a long wooden settee and a 
coal bin constituted the main features of the outfit. Law students 
were then expected to sweep the office and make the fires, as part of 
their duties. This indeed was a valuable preparation for the practi- 
cal matters of life, and those who could perform these duties well 



36 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

were doubtless better prepared to take hold, with the hand of a mas- 
ter, of the more intricate and technical matters of their profession. 
General Carpenter was in the habit of daily reading a chapter of the 
Bible in the Greek language. He also gave it as his advice and opin- 
ion that a lawyer should be familiar with the Bible. His manners 
were dignified and affable. He was of middle height, had a very 
large head, and uniformly wore a blue coat with brass buttons, black 
pantaloons, black satin vest, ruffled shirt and black cravat. He was 
courteous and dignified in his bearing, kind in his disposition, and 
very apt to advise clients to avoid an appeal to the courts as far as 
possible, unless their case was an unusually strong and clear one. 
His manner and methods of conducting cases in court are said to 
have very much resembled those of Scarlett, the great English advo- 
cate. 

The prominent lawyers practicing in this county half a century 
ago were Samuel Y. Atwell, Thomas F. Carpenter, Samuel Ames, Al- 
bert C. Greene, William H. Potter, Samuel Currey, John P. Knowles, 
George Rivers, Edward H. Hazard, Christopher Robinson, Judge 
Daniels, Jonah Titus, John H. Weeden, John Whipple, Richard Ward 
Greene, Charles S. Bradley and Thomas A. Jenckes. 

Of George Rivers, who began practice about the time of which we 
are writing, Payne has the following remarks: " Outside of his pro- 
fession he was widely known as a man whose brilliant wit served only 
to conceal the more solid qualities of his mind. As a lawyer, he had 
quick perceptions and powers of close reasoning, not surpassed by 
any of his contemporaries. No man ever tried a case with more skill 
and ability than George Rivers." 

Fifty years ago only one lawyer in Providence had ventured to 
take an office on the third floor of a building, and this was Richard 
Ward Greene, whose standing was such that his clients would follow 
him wherever he might go. When General Carpenter added a small 
consultation room to his office, and covered its floor with an ingrain 
carpet, the extravagance excited some comment. But when the law 
firm of Hazard & Jenckes fitted up their office with a Brussels carpet 
and expensive furniture it was visited for some time as a curiosity. 
The headquarters of the profession were in the old wooden building 
at the corner of College and South Main streets. In Whipple's build- 
ing on College street there were John Whipple, Edward H. Hazard, 
Thomas A. Jenckes, Henry L. Bowen, Charles Holden, Walter S. Bur- 
ges, John B. Snow, George F. Mann, Samuel W. Peckham and Wil- 
liam J. Pabodie. On the same floor of the adjoining building were 
the offices of Albert C. Greene, William H. Potter, Peter Pratt and 
Edward D. Pearce. In the little building next above, on the same 
side of the street, which for many years had been occupied by Thomas 
Burgess, was John M. Mackie, who soon after left the law and moved 
to Great Barrington, Mass., where he devoted himself to agriculture 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 37 

and literature. On the corner of South Main street and Market 
Square were Levi C. Eaton, Peres Simmons, Gamaliel L. Dwight and 
Levi Salisbury. In the Mallett building, on South Main street, were 
Richard Ward Greene and James M. Clarke. In the old building 
which occupied the site of the present Merchants' Bank were Charles 
F. Tillinghast and Charles S. Bradley. Mr. Atwell, Samuel Ashley 
and Samuel Currey also had offices in the city, and perhaps others, 
but their locations are not recalled. Previous to that time the custom 
had prevailed for the lawyers of the city to have a supper together at 
the house of some one of their number, once or twice in the year. 

Justice courts had considerable of business in those days, and 
some of the decisions rendered were curious to review, and show that 
a not very high standard of judicial soundness was maintained. On 
one occasion a justice had been indulging in stimulants, perhaps to 
quicken his perceptions of justice, when a case was brought before 
him, in which the defendant had an unusually strong defense, but 
the justice gave his decision for the plaintiff. The defendant's at- 
torney called upon him to give his reasons for such a decision, when 
after a moment's reflection he said: "Well, then I will give judg- 
ment for the defendant." LTnder the ''single justice system" as it 
was called, a single justice of the peace had a limited jurisdiction to 
hear and determine civil and criminal causes. The abuses under this 
system were frequent and annoying. The plaintiff could select his 
court, and was almost certain of a judgment in his favor. 

John Whipple was then leader of the bar in this state. He had 
gained the position in contest with such men as Nathaniel Searle, 
Tristam Buries, and Daniel Webster, both in the courts of this state 
and in the supreme court of the United States. By some he was pro- 
nounced the equal of Webster, where they appeared in contest, and 
Webster himself is reputed to have said that John Whipple and Jere- 
miah Mason were the two ablest opponents he had ever met at the 
bar. Xo description of Mr. Whipple as a lawyer can do him full jus- 
tice. He had faculties not required in the ordinary work of his pro- 
fession, and these reserve forces were at his command whenever any 
great occasion required them. He was a student of history, a pro- 
found thinker on all social, moral and political questions. He be- 
longed to the school of Hamilton, and had no confidence in that of 
Jefferson. 

In a retrospect of the Providence County bar, and the prominent 
figures acting in it half a century ago, Hon. Thomas Durfee, chief 
justice of the supreme court of the state, says: — "The leaders of the 
bar then made it a point to be in court constantly when the court was 
in session. Lovers of intellectual and emotional excitement visited 
it in crowds. The most intelligent citizens were frequent spectators 
of its proceedings. The result can be easily imagined. Trials were 
conducted under the ordeal of professional criticism and under the en- 



38 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

'couragement of popular appreciation. Advocacy acquired the per- 
fection of a fine art. The trial of a great cause gave delight like a 
drama, and by reason of its reality, had an even more absorbing inter- 
est. The fame of the leading lawyers of that day is still a treasured 
tradition of the bar." 

"There was James Burrill, with his practical and persuasive sagac- 
ity, cultivated mind and sterling character; Nathaniel Searle, with 
his unerring and lightning-like perception of the pivotal points of a 
case; Tristam Burges, with his brilliant but caustic oratory and au- 
dacious antagonisms. * * * * I myself can well remember the 
stalwart and colossal form of Samuel Y. Atwell, towering like a 
Titan, as with rich and sonorous voice he poured out the full volume 
of his spontaneous and powerful eloquence, captivating even when it 
did not convince. And still better can I remember the manly port 
and presence of John Whipple and his athletic action, as with dis- 
tinct and resonant articulation, the words dropping from his mouth 
like coins from a mint, he developed the serried strength of his ar- 
guments and reinforced them with his glowing and impetuous decla- 
mation." 

"There was Richard W. Greene, the safe counsellor, loving the 
light of ancient precedent, learned in the common law and greatly 
versed in equity jurisprudence before any court of the state had as 
yet any considerable equity jurisdiction; not a moving orator, but a 
consummate master of analysis, preeminent for his power of perspic- 
uous statement. There was Albert C. Greene, a gentleman in the 
truest sense, full of genial kindness and urbanity, dear to the bar and 
dear to the popular heart, an excellent lawyer, a favorite advocate, 
whose prepossessing fairness and never-failing good sense were more 
invincible often than the finest oratory. He was unrivaled as an ex- 
aminer of witnesses. The friendly witness, no matter how embar- 
rassed, was instantly put at ease by his gentle manipulation. But 
his forte was the cross examination of the hostile or secretive witness. 
It was the angler playing with his victim. Far from seeking to in- 
timidate, he humored him to the top of his bent, putting him off his 
guard and getting his good-will by degrees, while he pleasantly un- 
masked his prevarications or concealments, and kept him all the time 
complacently unconscious of the operation. There was Thomas F. 
Carpenter, with his Ulyssean mind and amazing art of winning ver- 
dicts in desperate cases. I have often heard him. He was exceed- 
ingly plausible and ingenious, a sort of magician of the forum. In 
his hands the flimsiest supposition or conjecture quickly got to look- 
ing like a solid fact. He was an actor as well as an advocate. He 
managed every case with imposing seriousness, as if he felt its justice 
and importance too deeply to trifle with it. * * * He was a man 
of extraordinary powers, as well as of extraordinary idiosyncrasies, 
and whoever crossed weapons with him in any cause was sure to en- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 39 

counter a formidable antagonist. There was Samuel Ames, not a 
lawyer merely, but a jurist, cultivating jurisprudence as a science or 
a philosophy. His capacious mind was not only stored, but impreg- 
nated and fertilized with the principles and precepts of the law as 
with so many living and procreant germs. His juridical fullness and 
fertility were apparent, not only in his forensic efforts, often too ex- 
haustive for the occasion, but even in his common conversation, which 
moreover was as vivacious as it was instructive. As chief justice he 
has left in the Rhode Island Reports many a permanent proof of his 
powers, but nothing which duly represents the brimming exuberance 
and facility of his intellect. No Rhode Island lawyer ever exhibited 
so full and so supple a mastery of the complex and enormous system 
of English jurisprudence. 

"Among the lawyers just named, the two who are most familiar 
to us are Richard W. Greene and Samuel Ames. They were neither 
of them splendid orators, like Whipple or Burges. They were effect- 
ive speakers; but for us their chief distinction is that they were mas- 
ters of the modern method, and so can teach us more than their more 
eloquent contemporaries or predecessors. Another master of that 
method, known to all of us, was the late Thomas A. Jenckes. He had 
the intellectual weight and momentum and the large utterance, but 
not the magical manner and self-enkindling enthusiasm of the orator. 
The track of his career lies shining along the steeps and among the 
summits of his profession. It indicates the path of success for our 
day. What is that path, — the modern method, as I have denominated 
it? It is not a path for lazy genius dreaming of unearned renown. 
It is not a showy method in which sham can serve for substance. It 
is the method of prudent business, seeking valuable ends through 
means appropriate to them. It is the method of indefatigable study, 
of disciplinary practice, of varied and accurate acquirement. It is 
the method which demands for particular cases the mastership of par- 
ticular preparation. It is the true method for all earnest aspirants to 
juridical distinction. Profit may be reaped on the lower levels;. but 
honor and fame grow aloft, where they cannot be reached without 
climbing for them. Let the brave student gird himself for the 
ascent. It is difficult, but full of exhilaration." 

Returning to the reminiscences of Mr. Payne we learn that Jona 
Titus was a large man, and his very large head, fringed with auburn 
hair, and his shrewd and genial face, suggested perpetual sunshine, 
and a close acquaintance with the man revealed the sunshine of his 
nature. He had a well balanced mind, estimated men and things at 
their true value, courted no man's favor, and feared no man's opposi- 
tion. He went through the world standing on his own feet, undis- 
turbed by the sham and nonsense which prevailed around him. As 
a lawyer he had sound judgment, sufficient learning, and absolute 
fidelity to his clients. While in the full vigor of manhood he acquired 



40 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a fortune ample for his moderate wants. During his active profes- 
sional life he lived in Scituate; but for many years before his death 
his home was in Providence. 

Judge David Daniels had his home and office in Woonsocket. He 
discharged the duties of a lawyer in full practice, with ability and 
fidelity, but they never seemed to occupy much of his thought. He 
was one of those men whose lives seem to run in a strong, deep cur- 
rent, quite undisturbed by their ordinary avocations, however promi- 
nent, pressing or useful. When engaged in the trial of a cause, he 
gave it all necessary attention, but without any fuss or pretense of 
more zeal than he really felt. His life covered a period which reached 
from the Dorr times, when he was nominated for the office of attor- 
ney general, under the people's constitution, down to the civil war, 
during which he was interested in some speculations in cotton. He 
died suddenly at a hotel in Providence. His son, Francis A. Daniels, 
was a member of the Providence County bar, and early gave proof 
that he had the ability and the generous qualities of his father. His 
early death was much lamented by a large circle of friends. 

John H. Weeden, a lawyer practicing in Pawtucket, was of the old 
school, industrious, honest and faithful; always courteous, but hold- 
ing his opinions on all subjects with a confidence indicating that they 
had been formed after careful study and reflection. He was at one 
time a member of the general assembly, where on one occasion he 
gained considerable reputation as the author of a report from a com- 
mittee of which he was chairman. For many years before his death 
he was prevented by ill health from active participation in the' duties 
of professional life, but on the occasion of his death Judge Potter ad- 
journed the court which was then in session, to allow his associates 
at the bar an opportunity to attend his funeral. 

Samuel Ames was born September 6th, 1806, and died December 
20th, L865. He was for nine years chief justice of the supreme court 
of this state, beginning with 1856. Besides his practice here he had 
for a few years practiced in Boston. Payne, who was several years 
associated with him and knew him well, said of him: "A more hon- 
orable man I have never known. A more learned lawyer I have 
neither known nor read about. A judge more anxious to do his whole 
duty never adorned any bench." 

Laying aside for a moment the notice of individual members of 
the bar we wish to present the following beautiful passage in regard 
to the prospects and duties of the bar in general, which concludes the 
address of Hon. Thomas Durfee at the dedication of the new county 
court house in 1877: 

,l This house is designed to endure for ages. To-day it is barren 
of all forensic associations. It has no history. A century hence, and 
what a multitude of memories and traditions will cluster about it. 
What revelations of human character and destiny will have been made 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 41 

within it. Add yet another century, and no many-chaptered chroni- 
cle of Eld were more multifariously curious and instructive than these 
dumb walls, if then they could but report their past. In creating 
their history, the bar and the bench will necessarily play a principal 
part. Upon them will depend whether the history shall bring honor 
or discredit. Let us then, my brothers of the bar and bench, realiz- 
ing this, elevate ourselves above all mean and all merely mercenary 
views to a high and iust conception of our vocation; and now, while 
we dedicate this temple of justice, let us also dedicate ourselves, as 
ministers of justice, to an upright, pure and honorable service within 
its consecrated precincts." 

The following biographical notice of Hon. Charles S. Bradley, one 
of the most conspicuous figures which the Rhode Island bench and 
bar has ever known, was prepared for this work by his contemporary 
and friend, Mr. Edward H. Hazard, in whose words we give it. 

"Many emigrants have come from Massachusetts to Rhode Island 
since Roger Williams landed on the banks of the Seekonk, 254 years 
ago, but none have proved themselves better citizens, or deserved 
higher praise than the subject of this sketch. It was no mercenary 
motive that brought him to our little state. 

"Charles Smith Bradley was born in Newburyport, Mass., July 
19th, 1819, and was the son of Charles and Sarah (Smith) Bradley. 
His father, a native of Andover, became a merchant in Boston, and 
afterward a manufacturer, residing in Portland, Maine. His mother 
was a granddaughter of the Reverend Hezekiah Smith, a famous 
chaplain from Massachusetts in the army of the revolution, and, 
for more than 40 years one of the most active and efficient mem- 
bers of the Board of Fellows of Brown University. Mr. Bradley 
enjoyed excellent advantages in his early youth, and was prepared 
for college at the Boston Latin School, where he won a reputation 
unusual for a boy of fifteen. He was attracted to Brown Univer- 
sity by his reverence for his maternal ancestor. He entered the 
college in 1834 and graduated in 1838, with the highest honors in a 
class noted for its unusual number of brilliant and able men. It is 
praise enough that at the age of 19 he bore off the valedictory from 
such contestants as Ezekiel G. Robinson (who afterward became 
president of the university), Thomas A. Jenckes, afterward the Nes- 
tor of the Rhode Island bar, and George Van Ness Lothrop, our min- 
ister plenipotentiary to Russia. The following paragraph published 
by a contemporary, is a vivid picture of the estimation in which he 
was held by his fellow students. 

'"In the class of 1838 was Mr. Justice Bradley of Rhode Island— 
the first scholar, I think, of his year, of whom we did predict great 
things. There is something pleasant in the loyal way in which lads 
in college recognize an associate of superior ability and special 
promise; so we all talked of Bradley. When he was to speak in the 



42 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

chapel after evening prayers, how irreverently eager we were for the 
devotions to be over, that we might listen to our favorite. He hand- 
led all topics, philosophical, political and literary, with such force 
and ease, that we held the matter hardly second to the manner, though 
the manner was as nearly perfect as any elocution could be.' 

"On his graduation he was appointed tutor and held the place for 
two years. He received the degree of A.M. in due course, and in 
1866 the university conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. 
and also elected him a member of the Board of Fellows. He contin- 
ued, as long as he lived, a loyal and devoted son to his Alma Mater. 
Quite late in life, as chairman of the committee of the corporation 
for the renovation of University Hall, he raised nearly $50,000 for 
that purpose. He studied law in the Harvard Law School, and at 
Providence, in the office of Charles F. Tillinghast, 'whose partner he 
became, on his admission to the bar in 1841. He soon rose to the 
front rank of his profession — a position which he maintained to the 
day of his death. 

"The best proof of the high place which he occupied, as a lawyer 
in his adopted state, is the fact that in February, 1866, a republican 
legislature elected him— a pronounced and influential democrat — 
chief justice of the supreme court of the state; and that too, as the 
successor of that most eminent and distinguished jurist, Samuel Ames. 
He administered that office with marked ability for two years, and 
then resigned on account of the pressure of his private affairs. On 
his retirement from the bench, the Providence Journal, then the lead- 
ing republican newspaper of the state, paid him the following tribute: 
— 'He has discharged the duties belonging to that high position with 
a success, and, we may add, a judicial distinction in which the people 
of the state feel both a satisfaction and pride; and which they had 
hoped he would long continue to illustrate in a sphere so honorable 
and important.' 

"Soon after his retirement from the judgeship he became one of 
the lecturers in the Harvard Law School, in which position he contin- 
ued for several years. In 1876 he succeeded the Hon. Emory Wash- 
burn as the 'Bussey' Professor in that institution, and held that posi- 
tion for three years. On his retirement the board of overseers, 
through their chairman, Judge Lavell, said: 'We have suffered a great 
loss in the resignation of the Hon. Charles S. Bradley, whose lucid 
teaching was highly appreciated by the students, and whose national 
reputation added to the renown of the school. We had hoped that 
some incidental advantage of quiet and freedom from care might be 
found to outweigh other considerations, and that the Professorship 
was permanently filled.' 

•Mr. Bradley's scholarship was of a very high order, and he de- 
serves to be ranked with the men of the best culture in our land." He 
read much, and reflected much: but it was 'fejre multum nan multa! 




■ > 



'OK. 



cCt±/ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 43 

He traveled extensively, not. only in the United States, but in foreign 
countries. One of the most pleasant memories of my life is that of a 
journey I made with him the year he was admitted to the bar. It 
was during the extra sesion of congress, under President Tyler's ad- 
ministration, in 1841. Neither of us had ever been further from 
home than New York. Our first stopping place was at old Indepen- 
dence Hall in Philadelphia, and you should have seen and heard us 
there, recalling the scenes attendant upon the adoption of the decla- 
ration of independence in 1776. At Washington my intimate ac- 
quaintance with our four members of congress made us as much at 
home as we were in Providence. We saw all the 'giants' — Webster, 
then secretary of state, Calhoun, and others. Then we took steamer 
to Acquia Creek — thence by stage coach all through Virginia, stop- 
ping at Charlottesville and Monticello. Then crossing the Blue 
Ridge to Weirs Cave — the Natural Bridge, White Sulphur Springs, 
through the Shenandoah Valley, across Pennsylvania to Lake Erie,, 
then to Niagara Falls and so on home. The famous line of Horace — 

i Coeluni, no)i animuni, mutant, qui transmare current,' 

could not be applied to him. He always returned from every jour- 
ney well stored with fresh treasures of knowledge, and often with 
works of high art, sculpture and paintings, which he enjoyed and 
appreciated exceedingly, and to which he devoted many leisure hours. 
His beautiful home, in the environs of Providence, was a treasury of 
works of great masters, both in literature, and in sculpture and paint- 
ing, and bore the highest evidence of the scholarly and refined tastes 
of its owner, and of the mental atmosphere in which he lived. 

"As an orator, it would be too much to claim for Mr. Bradley a 
place with the most gifted — such as Mr. W T ebster and others we might 
mention — but he has left behind him, in his published discourses, 
ample evidence that he deserves a very high rank in this department. 
I will mention his oration before the alumni of Brown University in 
1855; his oration on the 250th anniversary of the landing of the pil- 
grims, at Plymouth; his oration before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at 
Harvard in 1879; and his oration on ' The Profession of the Law as 
an element of Civil Society,' delivered in 1881, at the University of 
Virginia. 

" Perhaps the reader will get a more just appreciation of Mr. Brad- 
ley as an orator, if I quote a portion of what the Boston Advertiser said 
of his oration at Harvard in 1879: ' If there were any need for the 
justification of the custom of annual addresses before the college so- 
cieties, such an address as that of Judge Bradley yesterday, gave that 
justification completely. It is remarkable to have so much good 
sense — so many important suggestions; nay, so many of the funda- 
mental truths upon which civil society rests, crowded into an hour. 
The power of the speaker upon his audience, the hold which he com- 



44 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

pelled, their fascinated attention, were again and again referred to 
through the afternoon.' 

"He was tall, erect, manly, and of commanding presence and fig- 
ure. He was always dignified, and commanded the respect of others 
wherever he moved. He was, withal, in truest sense of the word, a 
Christian gentleman. He was very fond of his friends, and of wel- 
coming them to his hospitable home. One of the most pleasant little 
meetings of my life was a breakfast given by him to his classmate, 
the Hon. George Van Ness Lothrop, then on his way to St. Peters- 
burgh as our minister to Russia. But alas! How many of that little 
party are gone in this brief period — our host, Abraham Payne, James 
H. Coggeshall and others ! 

" Mr. Bradley was thrice married: first to Sarah, daughter of Joseph 
and Mary Manton, of Providence, who bore him three sons, of whom 
Charles and George L. Bradley are now living. In 1858 he married 
Charlotte Augusta Saunders, of Charlottesville, Va., by whom he had 
one son, now deceased. He married in May, 1866, Emma Pendleton 
Chambers, of Philadelphia, who died in 1875. Mr. Bradley died in 
the city of New York on the 29th day of April, A. D., 1888, while on 
a visit there for the benefit of his health." 

John Hull Weeden, of whom mention has already been made, was 
born at Portsmouth, R. I., February 10th, 1801, and died at Pawtucket, 
October 27th, 1870. He was educated at Kingston Academy, and at 
Brown University, where he graduated as valedictorian of his class, 
in 1827. He studied law in New York with one Mr. Lee, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Rhode Island in 1832. From that time he prac- 
ticed in Pawtucket, and was one of the foremost lawyers of the town. 
He was a member of the Rhode Island legislature for many years, 
either as representative or senator. He was married September 29th, 
L832, to Sarah Bowen, daughter of Nathan Sweetland. His surviving 
children arc: Eliza Freeborn; Caroline Soule. wife of J. Ernest Clar- 
ner; Ella Hull; Adelaide G., wife of Commodore Jeffres Mawry; Delia 
Dyer, wife of Reverend Emery H. Porter; and Jane Estes, wife of 
Fred. Sherman. Esq. Mr. Weeden for many years held the offices of 
town clerk, judge of probate, and other local offices in Pawtucket. 

Daniel B. Poxd.— The Ponds are known to have come to this 
country from Groton, England, at an early date, as, from a letter of 
Governor Winthrop, it is known that two of that name came over with 
him in 1630. That they were neighbors and acquaintances of his is 
shown by his letter to his son prior to sailing for America, and his 
subsequent message to their father, after arrival here, as to their good 
health and fidelity to their " duty." Other letters and memoranda 
of the Winthrops show a neighborly acquaintance between the fami- 
lies running back to 1596. 

In L637 we find Robert Pond, probably one of the brothers who 
came over with the governor, settled at Dorchester. Daniel Pond, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 45 

who, according to Savage's Genealogical History was a son of Robert, 
was settled in Dedham, and, by the records, became a proprietor of 
land in that town in 1652. He was one of the selectmen of the town 
in 1660. In addition to his real estate purchases in Dedham. he im- 
mediately became an owner of real estate in Wrentham upon the 
division of that town from Dedham in 1661. He was present at the 
meeting of the proprietors of the new town January 15th. 1671, and 
took part in the proceedings. He was a lieutenant of the militia, 
and took the freeman's oath in 1690. He died February 4th, 1697-8, 
at Dedham. Daniel B. Pond, the subject of this sketch, traces his 
ancestry back in a direct line to Daniel Pond, the " Dedham settler." 

Without going into details it may be truthfully said that the fam- 
ily name comprises in its list men who have been prominent in vari- 
ous walks of life. It can also be affirmed that the race has been an 
industrious, upright and honorable one, and that the name has rarely 
been dishonored by any of those who had the right to bear it. A 
special characteristic of the race has been their love of freedom and 
patriotic impulses. " In the struggle for national independence, they 
rose almost to a man in defence of their rights, and Revolutionary 
records bear ample evidence of their alacrity and zeal. Among the 
first to spring to arms at the receipt of the Lexington alarm, on the 
morning of the memorable 19th of April, 1775, there were those of 
the name who did not sheath the sword, until, long years afterward, 
peace had been declared through the length and breadth of the land, 
and the country for which they sacrificed so much, no longer needed 
their services." 

Some of the immediate family of Daniel Pond went from Dedham 
to Wrentham, among them his son Robert Ppnd, who " became the 
possessor of a very considerable estate in that locality." In deeds he 
is styled " Captain." His son Ichabod in 1722 received from his 
father by conveyance, " his new house and lands, together with all 
the cattle, farming implements and personal property." He died at 
Franklin, May 2d, 1785. It was here that one of his sons, Eli Pond, 
the great-grandfather of Daniel B., finally settled, after having lived 
in Medway, Holliston and Bellingham, in each of which towns he 
seems to have become the owner of real estate. He was very active 
in the militia. He was a drummer in a company of minute men un- 
der Captain John Boyd, which marched from Wrentham, April 19th, 
1775; was sergeant in Captain Josiah Fuller's company, Colonel 
Wheelock, which marched December 8th, 1776, from Medway to War- 
wick, R. I.; was lieutenant in Captain Amos Ellis's company, Colonel 
Benjamin Hawes, on service in Rhode Island from September 25th to 
October 31st, 1777; was lieutenant in a company commanded by Lieu- 
tenant Hezekiah Ware, on service in Rhode Island from June 20th to 
July 14th, 1778. 



46 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

He married Huldah Hill, of Medway, by whom he had quite a 
large family. He died May 20th, 1802, and administration on his es- 
tate was granted to his son Eli. His sons were rather remarkable 
for their enterprise and business ability. One of them became largely 
interested in the lumber trade in Maine, another was sheriff of Han- 
cock county in that state, and a third was Of the firm of Peters & Pond, 
respected and thriving merchants of Boston. During the war of 1812 
he lost a vessel and cargo by French spoliation. 

Eli Pond, grandfather of Daniel B., in addition to the name of his 
father, became possessor of his estate in Franklin, where he passed 
his days following the occupation of a farmer. The old homestead 
and other portions of his estate are still in the possession of his grand- 
children. He was a man of sterling good sense and probity, well 
known and influential in his neighborhood. He married for his first 
wife Hannah, daughter of Daniel and Mary Daniels of Holliston, by 
whom he had two children — Miranda and Eli Pond. Miranda mar- 
ried Cushman Thayer, of Mendon, and was the mother of Hon. Eli 
Thayer, of Worcester, at one time member of congress for that dis- 
trict, the founder of Oread Institute, and the author and promoter of 
organized immigration into Kansas, in the early history of that state, 
and by which it was doubtless made a free state. For a second wife 
he married Mrs. Ruth Wiswall Bullard, widow of Doctor Daniel Bill- 
iard, of Holliston. She had a daughter, Maria Bullard, who subse- 
quently became the wife of the son Eli, father of Daniel B. Pond. 
Maria Bullard's uncle, on her mother's side, was a graduate of Brown 
University, and her father, Doctor Bullard, was prepared for Brown, 
but was persuaded to remain at home with his father, by whom he 
was presented with the sum of $1,000 as a just remuneration for his 
disappointment. 

Eli Pond and Maria, his wife, came to Woonsocket, then a small 
village, in 1827, soon after their marriage. Mr. Pond had previously 
pushed out from the parental roof, and served an apprenticeship to 
the trade of a painter. He immediately took up his calling, and was 
soon a contractor and employer of men. He early purchased land on 
Main street, where he built a residence and stores, and afterward 
built what is known as Pond's block, which he continues to own, he 
being one of the very few " old residents " now living in the city. 
{His age is 86.) He successfully conducted, for many years, a whole- 
sale and retail trade in paints, oils and manufacturers' supplies. He 
was also at one time engaged in the manufacture of " muslin de 
laines," being an original manufacturer of that class of goods in 
Rhode Island; and was subsequently engaged in cotton manufactur- 
ing. In his earlier days he was an active supporter of all the village 
interests, and especially interested in the fire department. The 
records show him to have been " first warden " for eleven years. Both 
he and his wife were active members of the Episcopal church, and 





//^- 




BhiRSTAUT, N, V, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 4? 

did much to promote its interests. In 1840 he purchased the Jona- 
than Russell farm in Mendon, Mass., where he moved his family" who 
continued to reside there until after his wife's death, which occurred 
May 7th, 1864. The children of this union were: Eli (deceased), Dan- 
iel B., Oliver (deceased), Hannah D. and Alex. V. G. Pond. 

Daniel B. Pond was born in the town of Smithfield October 21st, 
1830. He attended the common schools until the age of ten, when 
his parents moved to Mendon, Massachusetts. Here he continued at 
school until fifteen, subsequently becoming a pupil of Prof. James 
Bushee's school at the "Old Bank Village," and later of the Manual 
Labor School at Worcester, Massachusetts. Afterward he entered 
Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass., to fit for college, in which insti- 
tution he continued for two years, and then finished his preparatory 
course at a private institution in Concord, Mass., remaining there one 
year, during which time he made the acquaintance of Emerson, Haw- 
thorne and Thoreau. He next entered Brown University for a clas- 
sical course, Francis Wayland being then president. He graduated 
in 1857 with the degree of A.B., the celebrated Barnes Sears being 
president. He next entered the law school at Albany, N. Y., from 
which he graduated with the degree of LL. B., and was shortly after- 
ward admitted to the bar of the supreme court of New York. About 
this time he was engaged as attorney for the township corporation of 
Ceredo, Va., where he remained for a brief period, and then came 
east and entered into law partnership with P. P. Todd, Esq., in Black- 
stone. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of 
Massachusetts. About this time a law and collection office for the 
United States was opened by the law firm of which he was a partner 
on State street, Boston, having full charge for one year. He then re- 
moved to New York, where headquarters were established in Wall 
street with seven clerks employed, and where claims against South- 
erners aggregating $1,000,000 were entered for collection. This was 
in 1860. The following year the war began and destroyed the busi- 
ness. He in 1862 came to Woonsocket and began the manufacture 
of cotton warps in what was known as Harris's No. 1 mill, afterward 
building what is known as Pond's mill on Bernon street, where he 
was engaged in manufacturing for several years. He was the first 
cotton and woolen manufacturer in the state to shorten the hours of 
labor. Mr. Pond was from the beginning successful, making $100,000 
in a few years, but the failures of debtors caused a suspension of busi- 
ness, and he then divided his last dollar with creditors. This was in 
1873, and he then resumed the practice of his profession, at the same 
time taking an active part in politics on the side of the laboring class 
against corporations. 

His political history embraces an election on several occasions to 
the council, an election for the years 1864 and 1866 to the lower house 
of the general assembly, for the years 1867, 1868 and 1869 to the sen- 



48 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ate, which office he resigned January 6th, 1870. While in the house 
he formulated the enactments for the division of Woonsocket from 
the town of Cumberland, and was the first senator elected from the 
new town. He was also town solicitor for 1879-80 when there were 
claims against the town for damages amounting to $60,000, not one 
cent of which was ever recovered. He was chairman of the board of 
trustees of the Consolidated district, and chairman of the board of 
trustees of the fire corporation, as well as one of the original engin- 
eers of the fire corporation, which he was instrumental in establish- 
ing. He was appointed chairman of the committee to draw up a 
new charter for the fire corporation and obtained the necessary leg- 
islation by which it was effected in 1869. He served on several com- 
mittees, was chairman of the board when the transfer of the fire 
corporation property was made to the town in 1884, and served on 
the committee for the erection of the town asylum. 

Mr. Pond represented his party and delivered an address on 
the occasion of the Garfield memorial services in Woonsocket Sep- 
tember 26th, 1881. He was also on the committee to locate the 
soldiers' monument, commissioner in the laying out of various 
highways, and chairman of the committee appointed to superintend 
the construction of the Summer Street school building. Mr. Pond 
was the candidate of his party for the office of general treasurer 
of the state in 1880. He was re-elected first councilman and president 
of the board in June, 1887, but resigned the office to accept that of 
high sheriff of Providence county, to which he was elected by the 
general assembly in grand committee at the May session in Newport. 
He was a member of the board of assessors of taxes for 1886, 1887 and 
1888. Mr. Pond drew up the original charter for the city of Woon- 
socket and secured its introduction to the general assembly at the 
January session of 1888, from which it was continued to the May ses- 
sion and passed with slight changes. He was the candidate for state 
senator in April, 1889, and elected the first senator from the new city 
of Woonsocket by 226 majority. In the fall of 1889 he was elected 
mayor of Woonsocket by 442 majority. In politics the subject of 
this biography was a republican from the organization of the party 
until 1872, since which time he has acted with the democrats. He has 
labored hard to keep the party one of respectability and purity. He 
has been chairman of the democratic state central committee, chair- 
man of its executive committee, and was chairman of the democratic 
town committee until he declined further service. 

Daniel B. Pond married Isadore Verry, only child of James Verry, 
Esq., and Nancy (Nolen) Verry. Mr. Verry was an expert and suc- 
cessful woolen manufacturer, for many years associated with Mr. Ed- 
ward Harris. He severed his connection with Mr. Harris in 1863, 
and became largely interested, as a stockholder, in the Merchants' 
Woolen Company at Dedham, Mass., where he was under a contract 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 49 

for a term of years, at a salary of $10,000 per year, to take charge of 
the works. After a two years' residence at Dedham, he obtained a 
release from his contract, as manager, that he might devote more of 
his time to his home and to his private interests. The loss of his two 
grandchildren about this time, to whom he was devotedly attached, 
was a great shock to him, and had an apparent effect upon his health. 
He died in 1867, after a brief illness, comparatively a young man. 
His widow survived him for some years. The children of Daniel B. 
and Isadore V. Pond were Verry Nolen and Clarence Eli, unusually 
bright and interesting boys, both of whom died young, the shadow of 
whose loss has never been entirely removed: also three daughters— 
Isadore Maud, Nannie May and Grace Verena Pond. Of these 
daughters one is attending an art school, one is at Wellesley College, 
and the other attends the high school in this city. 

Benjamin T. Eames, son of James and Sarah I Mumford) Eames, 
was born in Dedham, Mass., June 4th, 1818. He removed with his 
parents to Providence in 1820, they residing here during the remain- 
der of their lives. In early life Mr. Eames had the advantages of the 
schools in Providence and in some of the leading academies of Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut. At the age of sixteen he was placed in the 
counting room of a prominent auctioneer, and then as book-keeper 
was employed in a wholesale dry goods house. vSubsequently he was 
in the employ of the manufacturers' agents of the Blackstone Manu- 
facturing Company and other mills, and the American Paint Works 
and other manufacturing establishments of Fall River. In the fall 
of 1838 he began a preparatory course under Professor S. S. Greene. 
and in the following fall entered Yale College. He graduated in 1843, 
and immediately associated himself as a law student, with the late 
Chief Justice Ames, and engaged also as teacher in the academy at 
North Attleborough. In the spring of 1844 he went to Cincinnati, 
and entered the law office of Judge Bellamy Storer, where he remained 
until the following winter, when he was admitted to practice in the 
courts of Kentucky. Upon his return to Rhode Island, he was in L845 
admitted to practice in the courts of this state, and since then, except 
when in public service, has been engaged in his profession. From 
1845 to 1850 he served as reading and recording clerk of the house of 
representatives in Rhode Island, and during a part of that time was 
the reporter of the proceedings in the general assembly for the Provi- 
dence Journal. He was elected state senator from Providence in 1854. 
'55, '56, '59 and '63. He was a representative in assembly in 1859, 
1868 and 1869, during the last year serving as speaker of the house. 
He was one of the commissioners on the revision of the public laws 
of the state in 1857. and also a delegate to the Chicago convention in 
1860, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. He was 
elected, in 1870, a representative to the Forty-second congress from 
the First district of Rhode Island, and was reelected to the Forty- 
4 



50 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

third, Forty-fourth and Forty-fifth congresses. In these successive 
terms he served on important committees. Mr. Eames became iden- 
tified with the republican party at its first organization, and has ever 
since been a firm supporter of its principles and policy. In the fall 
L878 he declined to be a candidate for reelection to congress, and 
upon his return to Providence he resumed the practice of his profes- 
sion. Mr. Fames was married in Warwick, R. I., May 9th, 1849, to 
Laura S. Chapin, daughter of Josiah and Asenath (Capron) Chapin. 
His wife died October 1st, 1872. Two children are living— a son 
Waldo, and a daughter, Laura. 

Honorable Amasa Smith Westcott, who for years has been judge 
of the municipal court of Providence, is a native of North Scituate, 
R. I., and was born September 21st, 1818. His first American ancestor, 
Stukley Westcott, who with Roger Williams was expelled from the 
church of Salem, became one of the distinguished founders of the 
Rhode Island colony. Judge Westcott's grandfather served in the 
revolutionary war, and received an honorable discharge. His father, 
John, united in marriage with Cecilia Owen, and thus was brought 
into the world the subject of this sketch, a man of marked ability; one 
who, though of modest disposition, will ever be before the public. 
His early years were spent in Scituate, where he pursued the ordinary 
studies of the public schools. Having, however, a desire to obtain the 
benefits of a college education, he attended the academies at Brooklyn 
and Plainfield, Conn. 

His preparatory studies were completed under the direction of the 
late Judge Bosworth, of Warren, R. I., and in 1838 he entered Brown 
University, from which he graduated in 1842. He studied law with 
Judge Bosworth, was admitted to the bar in 1844, and for one year 
thereafter remained in the office of his preceptor. 

In 184.") lie removed to Providence, where he engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession until 1852. In that year he was elected clerk of 
tlie court of common pleas of Providence county, and held the po- 
sition uninterruptedly until 1867. He was then elected judge of the 
municipal court, being ex-officio judge of probate, and held that office 
until his retirement from public life in 1884. In the discharge of his 
official duties, Judge Westcott has secured a well earned reputation for 
judicial ability, geniality of disposition and urbanity. 

In 1854 he was elected a member of the common council of Provi- 

ce from the first ward, and was chairman of the committee in 
is?.") which erected the county court house. In politics he is a repub- 
lican, and prior to the organization of that party was a whig. 

Judge Westcott married. April 7th, 1845, Susan C, daughter of 
1 >aniel Bosworth, of Warren, and sister of the late Judge Bosworth. 
They have had three children, all of whom died in infancy. 

Apollas Cushmaii, of Pawtucket, for many years a leading mem- 
ber of the bar of Bristol county, Mass., with a large practice in the 







/// tZsJ^t 




HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 51 

courts of Rhode Island, was the son of Zebedee and Sarah (Paddel- 
ford) Cushman, and was the seventh in lineal descent from Robert 
Cushman, the pilgrim. Born in Middleboro, Mass.. August 9th, L782, 
graduating at Brown University in 1802, studying law with Judge 
Paddelford, of Taunton, he was admitted to the bar in 1806. He be- 
gan practice in Attleborough, but about 1815 he removed to Seekonk, 
now Pawtucket. Meanwhile he had married Anna Maria, daughter 
of General William Barton, of Revolutionary fame as the capturer of 
Prescott among other illustrious services to his country. Learned in 
the law, brilliant, and at the same time solid in intellect, gifted with 
unusual eloquence, he at once took high rank as a lawyer and coun- 
sellor. A man of great power before a jury, he devoted himself 
chiefly to the civil side of his profession. At Pawtucket he had 
neither rival nor peer, and after the death of Moses Sandford and 
Collins Darling, Mr. Cushman had an exclusive field. His reputation 
extended far, and clients came from neighboring counties to consult 
with him. After the troubles of 182'.), when the Slaters, Wilkinsons, 
Greens, Tylers and others were his clients, his standing as a lawyer 
was assured. He ranked among the foremost men at the bar, and it 
is hardly too much to say that in later years he stood at the head of 
his profession. Mr. Cushman defeated all attempts to draw him into 
political life, but he had no less a large influence upon the affairs of 
the town. When the town of Pawtucket was formed out of Seekonk, 
it was he who visited the "Great and General Court," as the attorney 
for the town, and it was his eloquence that carried the day. When 
the town meeting had before it some difficult point, he was sent for to 
advocate it. When at Draper's store, a sort of local exchange, the In- 
grahams, Starkweathers, Tylers and others discussed public affairs, 
no voice was so potent as Mr. Cushman's, and referring to those times, 
he seemed to be the "power behind the throne." When, in the Don- 
war, a man was shot down at Pawtucket bridge, with one impulse the 
mob went to Mr. Cushman's house, to know what should be done, and 
when he told them to go home and thank God they were not them- 
selves killed, as they might lawfully have been, they looked upon the 
matter as settled. After a long life of distinguished service to his fel- 
low men, he died September 17th, 1804. Rhode Island mourned in 
him one of her worthiest sons. Of his seven children two survive— 
Mr. Henry B. Cushman, who occupies the homestead at Pawtucket, 
and the Reverend George F. Cushman, D.D., author and journalist, of 
New York. 

Walter Snow Burges, ex-associate justice of the supreme court of 
Rhode Island, was born September 10th, 1808, in Rochester, Plymouth 
county, Mass., where his father, Abraham Burges, and grandfather, 
John Burges, had lived for many years, following agricultural pur- 
suits. His mother, nee Rhoda Caswell, was the daughter of Elijah 
Caswell, and a native of the same county. Judge Burges attended 



52 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the public schools of Rochester, until the age of 17 years, when he en- 
tered the old academy, at Sandwich, then under the charge of Profes- 
sor Luther Lincoln. Here he prepared himself for college, and 
entered Brown University, in 1827. graduating in 1831. He immedi- 
ately accepted charge of Thaxter Academy, at Edgartown, Martha's 
Vineyard, and taught there for three consecutive years. In the mean- 
time he engaged more or less in legal studies, which he completed 
later, under the direction of Judge Thomas Burgess at Providence. 
In 1835 he was admitted to the ranks of the legal profession, by the 
supreme court, and discharged the duties pertaining to its practice un- 
til his elevation to the judicial bench in 1868, where he continued un- 
til [une, 1881, when his health compelled him to resign the position 
he had so long and successfully filled. 

"The political affiliations of Judge Burges continued from early 
manhood to the year 1840 in harmony with the federal, national re- 
publican and whig designations of party politics. In that and the fol- 
lowing year, complaints had become louder, more general and persis- 
tent, against the government under the charter of Charles II., in 1063, 
and rapidly assumed organized forms of proceeding. What was 
wanted was a written constitution, notably providing for an extension 
of the elective franchise, not limited, as before, to freeholders and 
their oldest sons, and an equalization of the legislature among the 
various towns, and setting aside the arbitrary apportionment of the 
charter, now come to be enormously disproportioned and unjust. The 
old legislature, of course, would extend no countenance, assent, or 
authority to any movements of this kind. The constitutional or suf- 
frage party, as then called, claimed the right to act without their con- 
sent, preserving all the forms of proceeding, as nearly as possible, to 
which they had been accustomed. They called a state convention. 
They framed and submitted to the people a written constitution. It 
was in due time voted on, and soon after, by proclamation, declared 
to have been adopted by a large majority of the people qualified to 
vote under it. At an election soon after held the usual state officers 
and a legislature were duly voted into place, according to the provis- 
ions of the new constitution. Then followed an attempt to establish 
and enforce the constitution by a military demonstration. The at- 
tempt wholly failed, and was effectually suppressed by the strong re- 
sistance it encountered from the state, assisted by the general govern- 
ment. Another constitution, however, was adopted at about this 
time, promoted by the old legislature itself, and far more liberal in 
regard to the elective franchise and the equalization of representa- 
tion. This constitution now remains, with its subsequent amend- 
ments, as the highest law of the state. With these proceedings and 
reforms sought to be realized from them, the judge, though always 
expressing a warm sympathizing interest, yet never took much active 
and decisive part.*' 





^/ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 53 

" In 1845 he was appointed United States district attorney, under 
the administration of President Polk, and was removed by his succes- 
sor four years later. He served the state occasionally in one or the 
other branch of the legislature, and was elected attorney-general in 
1851, and reelected in 1852,1853 and L854, and again in 1860,1861, 
1862 and 1863." 

June 1st, 1836, Judge Burges married Eleanor, daughter of Honor- 
able James Burrill, of Providence. Airs. Burges died in Providence 
May 1st, 1865. They had three children: Cornelia A., now Mrs. Ar- 
nold Green; Sarah Elizabeth, now Mrs. Charles Morris Smith, and 
Theodora F., who is at present living with her father. 

Philip Capron Scott was born in Manville, in the town of Smith- 
field, November 22d, 1817. The first six months of his life were spent 
there, he then removing with his parents to the city of Providence. 
His father was Elisha, son of Samuel Scott, of Billingham, Norfolk 
county, Mass. His mother was Nancy, daughter of Philip Capron, of 
the town of Cumberland, in this county. The latter was from early 
manhood to the end of his life a magistrate of his town, and was well 
read in the law, of sound mind and excellent judgment. About two 
years after the birth of Philip, his father purchased a farm in Cum- 
berland and moved his family thither. Spending the early years of 
his boyhood as a farmer boy, he had few opportunities for recreation 
or amusement, and but limited means of acquiring an early education. 
By dint of stratagem and the assistance of a friend, young Philip suc- 
ceeded in getting command of his own affairs at the age of 16, and 
by diligence and earnest perseverance he secured advancement in 
studies, meanwhile teaching in the common schools, so that when 23 
years of age he was prepared to enter Brown University a year in 
advance. He pursued the course in part, but on account of ill health 
abandoned the idea of graduating. He then taught school two years, 
and then determined upon a mercantile life. The death of his father 
occurring about that time he invested his patrimony in the mercan- 
tile business, but after pursuing it about two years he gave it up at a 
loss of nearly all that he had risked in it. In the spring of 1845, hav- 
ing then a wife and child to provide for and little means to work 
with, he entered the office of Abraham Payne, as a student of law. 
As Mr. Payne and Chief Justice Ames soon after formed a partner- 
ship, Mr. Scott became the student of both, and at the spring term of 
the supreme court in 184S, was admitted to the bar. He continued to 
practice for 30 years, when the increasing severity of neuralgia, 
which had fastened itself upon him, compelled him to give up foren- 
sic practice, and confine himself to simple office business, and making 
no effort to enlarge his practice in that direction, but meeting the 
work that follows him. He has been twice married: the first time to 
Catherine H. Holbrook, of Grafton, Mass., April 4th, 1841, she dying 
in 1864; again, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Sherman, of Woon- 



54 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

socket, February 19th, L870. By the first wife he had three children: 
Catherine, Philip and Martha, of whom the first named survives, the 
other two dying in infancy. At the bar Mr. Scott had the reputation 
of a first class jury advocate, and a safe and reliable counsellor. Po- 
litically he is a democrat, in religion a Methodist, on the " living 
issue " favorably inclined to prohibition. 

William II. Greene was born in Hopkinton, R. I., September 5th, 
L826. His father, Benjamin Greene, born in the same town, March 
15th, 1786, died in May, 1880, was a descendant of John Greene, of 
Kingstown, who about 1639 came to Narragansett and lived there 
with Richard Smith, the first white settler of that locality. The 
mother of William H. Greene was Sarah Ann, daughter of Jeremiah 
Baker, of Scituate, R. I. Mr. Greene was never married. Up to the 
age of 14 years he worked on the farm and attended the district 
school at Hopkinton City (so called). Pie then attended the Paw- 
catuck Academy at Westerly, for several years, teaching some winters 
meanwhile, in the district schools of Hopkinton. He then taught 
schools in Portsmouth three years, after which he attended the 
academy at Alfred Centre, N. Y., for about a year and half. He then 
went to vShiloh, X. J., where he taught in Shiloh Academy for about 
18 months. In November, 1850, he began traveling on an agency 
through most of the Southern states, in which he continued about 
five years, with the exception of the summer and fall of 1853, when he 
was attending the Law School at Ballston Spa, N. Y. In October, 
L855, he commenced reading law in the office of Benjamin F. Thurs- 
ton, in Providence. From that time until his admission to the bar, in 
July, L858, he acted as librarian of the Franklin Lyceum. He was 
also for several years treasurer of that corporation, and is still a life 
member of it. On his admission to the bar he opened a law office in 
Jones's Building, 20 Westminster street, where he remained until 
July. 1873. At the latter date he entered into a partnership with Wil- 
lard Sayles, which continued six years. He was admitted to the U. S. 
circuit court bar about 1862, and to the U. S. supreme court bar in 1887. 
He was one of the justices of the court of magistrates of Providence, 
for L865 6, and one of the police justices of the city for 1867-8. He 
continues to practice law at the corner of South Main and College streets. 

Claudius 1'.. Farnsworth, now of the firm of C. B. & C. J. Farns- 
worth, who occupy an office in Cole's Block, Pawtucket, was born 
January 8th, L815, of Massachusetts parentage, his ancestry having 
lived at Groton since L661. Ho graduated at Harvard University in 
L841, and after studying law in Harvard Law School, and with 1. G. 
Coffin, of New Bedford, was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts, in 
March, L844. He soon after settled in Pawtucket, and is now prac- 
ticing law there. From L859 to L881 he was engaged in calico printing. 

James G. Markland was born at Manchester, England, January 
23d, 1829. lie was educated in the city of his birth, and about 1841 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 55 

entered the office of an attorney and solicitor in Manchester, arid after 
spending about two years there, was duly articled for the term of five 
years, with the view to admission to practice as an attorney and coun- 
sellor in the English courts. After serving the specified term he 
acted for about three years as managing clerk in the same office. He 
came to this country in the summer of 1854, and settled at Philadel- 
phia, where he remained about two years, and removed to Providence 
in the spring of 1857. Here he has resided ever since, lie was ad- 
mitted to practice, in the supreme court of Rhode Island, September 
80th, 1858; in the circuit court of the United States, January '25th. 
18G9. He married at Manchester, Eng., about L849, Hannah Bullen, 
who died in August. 1863. He afterward married, at Providence, 
June 30th, 1864, Elizabeth Clayton Read (Bradley), widow. He has 
never had any children. 

Nicholas Van Slyck, one of Rhode Island's representative lawyers, 
was born at Pine Plains, near Kinderhook, N. Y., July 28th, 1829. 
His father, a " Knickerbocker," was a native of Kinderhook, where 
his ancestors had resided since the early settlement of the country. 
His mother's maiden name was Orminta Matilda Pulver. 

Young Van Slyck, after completing his elementary studies in the 
public schools, attended the academy at Kinderhook. and there under 
the direction of Silas Metcalf, his principal and teacher, prepared him- 
self for a collegiate education. He entered Williams College, Wil- 
liamstown, Mass., in 1846, and graduated therefrom in 1849. Besides 
himself there were many others among his classmates who have since 
distinguished themselves in literary and professional pursuits. 

Soon after graduating Mr. Van Slyck commenced the study of his 
profession, and passing an examination at Albany, was admitted to 
the New York bar, December 3d, 1850. He then removed to New 
York city, where he practiced law for five years, at the end of which 
time he removed to Providence, R. I., and formed a partnership with 
George H. Browne, a graduate of Brown University. This partnership 
commenced in July, 1856, and continued until the death of Colonel 
Browne in 1885, when Cyrus M. Van Slyck. his eldest son, joined him, 
and has since practiced with him. 

Mr. Van Slyck's character and ability were early made manifest, 
which led to his being called upon to fill various positions of trust. 
From 1877 to April, 1890, he was president of the school. committee, 
and for many years previous rendered efficient service as a member. 
In 1870 he was elected a member of the city common council, from 
the Fifth Ward, and of this popular branch of city government he 
has for years been a prominent and active member. He was twice 
elected president of that body. From 1861 to 1864 Mr. Van Slyck 
served in the general assembly of Rhode Island, and in his position 
upon the judiciary committee of the house of representatives, was of 
great service to the legislation of the state. In 1874 he was chosen 



56 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

city solicitor, an office he filled with such acceptance that he has been 
regularly elected and still holds that position. During the late war of 
the rebellion he served in the 1st Regiment of Rhode Island Volun- 
teers, commanding Company B, at the battle of Bull Run. He after- 
ward went out as lieutenant colonel, and having aided in the organi- 
zation of the 9th Regiment he resigned his commission and returned 
home. Previous to this, in 1858, he was colonel of the Providence 
Artillery, now the United Train of Artillery. 

Mr. Van Slyck has been especially interested in Masonic work, as 
the following list of officers and positions held by him will show. 
October Hth. 1857, he was initiated an entered apprentice in What 
Cheer Lodge, No. 21, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft the 20th and 
raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason November 24th, 1857; 
being the first person to receive the degrees in that Lodge. He was 
elected junior warden 1859, senior warden 1800, and master 18G1. In 
L864 he was elected deputy grand master and again in 1872. In 1873 
he was elected grand master, and reelected three times, refusing to 
serve the fifth term. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Providence 
Chapter. No. 1, in 1861. In 1882 he was elected deputy grand high 
priest, reelected in 1883, and in 1884 grand high priest, positively 
refusing an election in 1885. In 1862 he was made a Knight Templar 
in Calvary Commandery and served as junior warden and generalis- 
simo. In 1871, he was elected commander but was not installed, as he 
had been elected R. E. grand commander of the Grand Commandery 
of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 1869 he was elected general- 
issimo of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
and in 1871 grand commander. To this position he was reelected in 
1S72, but the following year declined to accept a third term. At the 
last triennial conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States 
he was elected junior grand warden, which position he still holds. In 
the A. & A. Rite he has attained the 33d degree. 

Mr. Van Slyck married November 1st, 1854, Elizabeth P., daughter 
of Captain Cyrus 11. Manchester, of Providence. They have had born 
to them several children. The eldest, Cyrus M., a graduate of Brown 
University and heretofore spoken of, is commanding officer of the 
United Train of Artillery, and is also prominent in several Masonic 
bodies. A brief idea of Mr. Van Slyck's sterling qualities maybe 
gained from the words of a friend which we quote as follows: 

" As a lawyer he holds a most enviable position in the Rhode Island 
bar for his ability, integrity and courtesy. The regard in which he is 
held by his fellow citizens is only partially shown by the many public 
positions of honor and trust to which he has been called. In his 
Masonic relations he not only possesses the confidence and esteem of 
his brethren, both at home and abroad, but he has won the admiration 
of all with whom he lias i>een brought in contact, and the love of all 
who have been admitted to his friendship. Constant and true to his 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 57 

friends, generous and courteous to his opponents, there is no one who 
is more highly esteemed in the community where the better portion 
of his life has been spent than the subject of this sketch. 

Daniel R. Ballou is the eldest son of Arnold and Roxa Ballou, and 
was born in Slatersville, in the old town of Smithfield, August 6th, 
1837. He is a descendant of Maturin Ballou. who settled in Provi- 
dence soon after its settlement by Roger Williams. Daniel grew up 
in the experiences of farm life, and enjoyed the ordinary privileges 
of the public schools until he was about 17 years of age. when his 
father sent him to a boarding school. This awakened his ambition 
to acquire an education. He taught during the winter months, and 
attended school during the remainder of the year. He completed the 
preparation for college at the University Grammar School in Provi- 
dence, and entered Brown University in 1859. After graduating there 
he read law, and was admitted to the bar in 18(54. He then opened 
an office for the practice of his profession in Greenville, in the town 
of Smithfield. In August, 1802, he enlisted in the 12th Regiment R. I. 
Volunteers, and soon after reaching the front was commissioned a 
lieutenant. He resigned in the spring of L863, and on returning 
home was commissioned as colonel of a militia regiment then being 
organized for expected actual service. In 1865, after being admitted 
to the bar, he was elected to represent Smithfield in the state legisla- 
ture, and was returned for three successive years. In 1867 he was 
elected clerk of the court of common pleas, which position he filled 
for eight successive years. In the spring of 1875 he declined a reelec- 
tion, and returned to the practice of law in the city of Providence, 
where he has remained ever since. In 1882 he was elected to the 
legislature, and was returned the following year. He was again 
elected in 1885, but resigned after the May session was over. Since 
then he has devoted his attention to his professional duties. 

Among the lawyers of Woonsocket Aaron White is remembered 
as one of the first men permanently located in that locality. His 
home was on the line of the P. & W T . railroad, and when the depot 
was built, in 1847, his house was removed to make room for the latter 
structure. He was a man of considerable learning, and was able in 
the counsels of the law. He was accorded the honorary title of 
•• Squire White." He was accustomed to attend court at Providence, 
going and returning on foot, with his books under his arms. Later in 
life he moved to Thompson, Conn., where he married and settled. 

Honorable Christopher Robinson has for many years been the vet- 
eran member of the legal fraternity practicing in Woonsocket. He 
has also served to some extent in public life. His three sons, Charles 
Pitt, Henry H. and Albert Greene, were also educated as attorneys. 
The last mentioned died at Woonsocket, in July, 1870, but the other 
two removed to Providence. Among others of the past, Bailey E. 
Borden and Sullivan Ballou were attorneys in Woonsocket since 1850. 



58 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The latter entered the army early in the war, and was killed at the 
battle of Bull Run. He was a man of brilliant promise, and had al- 
ready attained distinction in public life. Leland D. Jenckes was 
another lawyer of this town whose promise of life was cut short in 
its fulfillment. He died in 1872, at the age of 38 years, having been 
in practice about eight years. Other members of the bar from Woon- 
socket, who have been conspicuous in former years, have been Mar- 
quis D. L. Moury, Richard Hearn, P. S. Gleason, Ferdinand Belcourt, 
Richard K. Randolph and Francello G. Jillson. 

Frank H. Jackson was born July 11th, 1843, at Nobleboro, Maine, 
being the son of Joseph and Arietta G. (Flagg) Jackson. His parents 
removed to Jefferson, Maine, when he was about one year of age. 
His education in the common schools was supplemented by a course 
in Lincoln Academy at New Castle, Maine. He read law one year in 
the office of Henrv Farrington at Waldoboro, and then entered the 
law office of Honorable Lorenzo Clay at Gardiner. He was admitted 
to the Kennebec bar at Augusta, Maine, in November, 18G7. Sep- 
tember 19th, 1869, he opened a law office at Hallovvell, where he en- 
joyed a successful practice for a number of years, being elected city 
solicitor for 1870 to 1875, and 1877 to 1878. He removed to Provi- 
dence, January 1st, 1879, where after being admitted to the Rhode 
Island bar, he entered into a partnership with Colonel Daniel R. Bal- 
lon, under the firm name of Ballon & Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a 
candidate on the democratic ticket for attorney general of Rhode 
Island, in 1885. He was married to Ella H. Owen, of Waltham, 
Mass., January 27th, 1875. They have two children: Frank H., Jr., 
and Walter N. 

Edwin Aldrich was born in Woonsocket, October 14th, 1836. He 
was the son of Captain Joseph C. and Aseneth Aldrich, both of whom 
died when he was a boy. His boyhood days were passed upon the 
farm and in the common schools. In the Woonsocket High School 
he was prepared for college. He entered Tufts College and passed 
the first year there, but at the beginning of the second vear he en- 
tered Brown University. Here he remained until the end of the 
junior year, when failing health compelled him to give up the course 
there. He afterward studied law in the office of Honorable Wingate 
Hayes, of Providence, graduated and received the degree of LL.B. 
from the Department of Law in the University of Albany. He was 
admitted to the bar in L863, and commenced the practice of law in 
Neenah, Wis., the same year. A few months later he entered a part- 
nership with Moses Hooper, at Oshkosh, Wis., where a lucrative prac- 
tice opened before them. In 18(54 he returned to Providence, opened 
an office and began to build up a successful and lucrative practice. 
From 1868 to L872 he was associated with Leland P. Jenckes, under 
the firm name of Aldrich & Jenckes. Since the death of Mr. Jenckes, 
which occurred in L872, Mr. Aldrich has been alone in business. He 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 59 

represented the city in the assembly in 1807, L868 and 1S69. Politi- 
cally he has been always a republican. He is a Free Mason, and for 
two years was eminent commander of Woonsocket Commandery of 
Knights Templar. He was married to Augusta C. Carter, of Nauga- 
tuck, Conn., on the 17th of June, 1870. Their five children now liv- 
ing and their ages are: Florence Augusta, 19; Alice May, 17; Paul 
Edwin, 14; Lotta Helen, 12, and K. Pauline, 10 years of age. 

George Eldridge Webster, son of Clement and Catherine Packer 
(Littlefield) Webster, was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1848. His father 
was the original editor of the Providence Post, continuing in that posi- 
tion until his death in 1804, and through that connection George Eld- 
ridge became in his boyhood quite an adept in the printing business. 
He was educated in the public schools of Providence, finishing his 
course in the Providence High School, after which he was employed 
as a job printer in the office of the Post. In 1804 he was engaged by 
Senator William Sprague as private secretary, and went with him to 
Washington. There he was appointed clerk of the committee on 
manufactures of the U. S. Senate, and in that capacity served through 
the session, and through the special session immediately following. 
He was connected with the pension office from March, 1805, till his 
resignation in October, 1871. During that time he had occupied the 
positions of chief clerk, special service agent, chief of the branch 
office, secret service agent and pension agent at Fort Gibson, in the 
Indian Territory. In the last mentioned position he held a commis- 
sion under General Grant, then president, and was sent there to inves- 
tigate the " Wright Indian Frauds." While in Washington he gradu- 
ated with honors at the Law Department of Columbian Law College, 
and was admitted to the bar of the District of Columbia. In the fall 
of 1871 he went to Chicago, where he intended to establish himself 
in the practice of law, but three days after his arrival there the great 
conflagration took place which laid a great part of that city in ruins. 
He then returned to Providence, and edited the Providence Herald, the 
paper which succeeded the old Post, for a year or two. At the May 
session of 1875, he was elected clerk of the court of common pleas of 
Providence county, and has held the position to the present, with the 
exception of a single year being unanimously elected. He was mar- 
ried in 1804, to Mary Josephine Gale, of Providence, and has one sur- 
viving daughter, Grace Gale Webster, born in Washington in 1808, 
having lost another in 1870. In 1878 Mr. Webster took up his abode 
in East Providence, and since then has represented the town as com- 
missioner of the fire district, which introduced water into the town, 
and on the construction of the Seekonk River bridge and the town 
hall. 

Amasa M. Eaton is the son of Levi C. Eaton, of Framingham, 
Mass., and Sarah Brown (Mason) Eaton. He was born in Providence, 
in a part of the present city then included in North Providence, May 



60 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

31st, 1841. He was married September 15th, 1873, to Alice Maude 
Mary Dunnell, daughter of Jacob Dunnell and Amy (Brown) Dun- 
nell, of Pawtucket, R. I. He was graduated at Brown University, 
with the degree of A. M., in 1861, after three years' study in Europe, 
and at Harvard Law School in 1878, with the degree of LL.B. He 
was a member of the First Rhode Island Regiment under Burnside as 
colonel, during the first three months of the civil war. From 1862 to 
1867 he was engaged in business. Mr. Eaton frequently represented 
his native town in the general assembly, and after the annexation of 
that portion of the town to the city of Providence he served as a 
member of the common council and as alderman from the Tenth 
ward. Since 1878 he has practiced law in Providence. The names of 
his children, with dates of their birth, are as follows: Amasa Mason, 
born September 24th, 1874; William Dunnell, February 26th, 1877; 
Sarah Brown, June 30th, 1878; Charles Curtis. January 16th, 1880; Lewis 
Diman, September 13th, 1881; Amey Brown, January 1st, 1885. 

John F. Lonsdale was born in Providence, December 28th, 1844. 
His parents were John H. and and Sophia (Stowe) Lonsdale. He was 
educated in Providence, and graduated at Brown University, in 1867. 
After being admitted to the bar in 1870, he began the practice of law, 
and still continues in that profession, having an office at 28 North 
Main street. He was elected a representative from Providence in the 
state legislatures of 1889 to 1891. He was married at Providence, 
August 18th, 1874, to Anna C. Bucklin. They have no children. 

Walter B. Vincent was born at Mystic, Conn., August 6th, 1845. 
His father was Ezra Vincent, of the town of Stonmgton, Conn.; and 
his mother was Ann Maria Denison, of Mystic, Conn. The first years 
of his life were passed in the village of Westerly, R. I., his mother 
dying when he was but three years of age, and his father but two 
years later. From that time until he was 14 years of age he lived 
with his father's relatives upon the ancestral farm at Stonington, and 
attended meanwhile the district school during his earlier years, and 
afterward a select classical school in Westerly. He afterward received 
a classical and military education at the Paulding Military Institute 
at Tarrytown, and the Peekskill Military Academy at Peekskill, both 
in the state of New York. He came to Providence in 1864, and en- 
tered upon the study of law in the office of Thurston & Ripley, and in 
May, L866, received the degree of LL.B. from the University of 
Albany, being then admitted to the bar in the state of New York. 
lie was admitted to the bar of Rhode Island in March, 1867. He was 
clerk of the senate of Rhode Island for four years from 1871, and was 
subsequently a member of the house of representatives for three suc- 
cessive terms. He also held the position of judge advocate of the 

ond Brigade, Rhode Island Militia, in the staff of General Fred- 
erick Miller, for three years from 1874. Mr. Vincent was married in 
Providence, December H'.th, 1869, to Mary E. Wingate; and they have 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 61 

one daughter, Edith, born September 30th, 1872. With the exceptions 
already noticed, he has devoted himself exclusively to the general 
practice of his profession. He is the Providence counsel for the Old 
Colony Railroad Company, and has recently edited a revised and en- 
larged edition of the " Rhode Island Book of Forms," for the use of 
lawyers and state and town officers. 

C. P. Robinson, now practicing law at 55 Westminster street, is 
the son of Christopher Robinson and Louisa (Aldrich) Robinson, and 
was born at Woonsocket, October 28th, 1841. He was educated in the 
public schools of his native town up to 1858, then at Lyon's private 
school in Providence, fitted for college. He graduated from Brown 
University in 1863; from Harvard Law School in 1800; and was in 
that year admitted to the bar in Providence. He afterward attended 
law lectures at Heidelberg, Germany, and at Paris in 1866, 1867 and 
1868. On his return from Germany he settled in Providence, and 
was clerk of the house of representatives of the state in 1800 and 1870, 
also a member of the city council in 1876-78, during two vears of 
which he was president of that body. He has been practicing law 
since 1868. He married Annie C. Greene, December 7th, 1871. She 
was a daughter of Rufus Greene. They have had four children- 
Constance, iVnnette, Margant and Helen. 

Dexter B. Potter was born in Scituate, R. I., August 23d, 1840, his 
father being Jeremiah Potter, and his mother's maiden name Mary 
A. Salisbury. Mr. Potter was born and reared on a farm belonging 
to his father, that had been in the family nearly or quite a hundred 
years. His ancestors have been in Rhode Island since 1636. He was 
educated at the common schools and at the River Point Classical 
Seminary, and at the East Greenwich Academy. He then read law 
for three years and was admitted to the bar December 8th, 1808. He 
immediately began practicing law, and has continued to the present 
time, his place of business during the time being the city of Provi- 
dence, though his political residence was in the town of Coventry 
from 1860 till 1883. He represented that town in the assembly for 
five years, during two years of the time being speaker of the house. 
He also represented the same town as senator for two years. He was 
married July 24th, 1883, to Emily H. Allen of Cranston. They have 
no children. 

Francis L. O'Reilly of Woonsocket, was born in the province of 
Ulster, County Cavan, Ireland, June 24th, 1844. He is a descendant 
of a long line of Irish patriots, who for many centuries fought against 
British rule, for their liberties and their homes in their native land. 
He is distinctively Celtic, both by his father and mother, and no man 
feels more proud of his ancestry than he does. His father was Philip 
O'Reilly, his mother's maiden name was McEntee, and his grand- 
mother's name McMahon. Francis L. was educated under private 
tutorship until he was 17 years of age, when his father died and he 



62 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

soon after came to this country, locating for a short time in Provi- 
dence. He went to Cincinnati and engaged in the dramatic profes- 
sion for a period of four years. In deference to the wishes of his 
mother he abandoned that calling, entered the field as a lecturer, and 
continued lecturing for eight months, but was obliged to discontinue 
public speaking, owing to bronchial trouble produced by too great 
strain upon his vocal organs, and he then commenced the study of 
law. After three years thus spent, he was admitted to the Rhode Is- 
land bar in 1870, being the first Irish-American ever admitted to the 
bar of this state. He immediately commenced practice, in Woon- 
socket, in which city he still remains in active and successful practice. 
He was admitted an attorney and counsellor of the supreme court of 
the United States, at Washington, in 1882. In politics he is a demo- 
crat, and while not personally ambitious of political preferment, he is 
an active worker in the political field in his own state. He represented 
his town in the state legislature in 1879 and 1880. In both civic and 
military circles he has been very active and prominent for the past 
2() years, and for several years he commanded one of the military 
companies in his town. In 1874 he was commissioned lieutenant 
colonel of the Rhode Island Guards. He was married January 1st, 
1878, to Alary C, daughter of M. Butler, Esq., of Newport, and has two 
children, a boy and a girl. His wife, a beautiful and accomplished 
young woman, died July 25th, after a brief illness. 

Cornelius C. Plummer, attorney and counsellor at law, of the city 
of Providence, was born at New London, Pa., March 26th, 1S49. His 
parents were Charles H. and Anna Britton Plummer. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools, and at Brown University. Previous to 
his admission to the bar he taught school and engaged in journalistic 
matters on local and others papers for a time. His office location is at 
:>l Market square. 

Edward Church Dubois, the son of Edward Church and Emma 
I Davison) Dubois, was born in London, England, January 12th, 1848. 
His paternal grandfather was Edward Church, of Kentucky, who 
while on his travels in France married Marie Dubois. His son Ed- 
ward Church was born at St. Germain, France, December 9th, 1806. 
The elder was afterward consul at L'Orient, France, from 1817 to 
L832, and afterward returned to America. Edward, -the father of our 
subject, came to America about 1844, and published the same year a 
grammar, called "Church's French Spoken." In 1S47 he went to 
London, and remained there several years. He returned to America 
about L854. About L857 he, being about to publish another French 
grammar, concluded that a French name would prove more attractive 
and successful, adopted and used the family name of his mother— 
Dubois. This name he continued to use until his death, in 188f), and 
his family adopted and still continue to use the same name. Grow- 
ing up under average circumstances Edward, the subject of this no- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 62a 

tice, was educated at the high school of Pawtucket, and the Friends' 
Academy of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was clerk of the police 
court of Haverhill, Mass., from 1872 to 1877, and during the latter 
year removed to Providence, and in May, 1878, thence to East Provi- 
dence, where he has remained ever since. He was senator from that 
town in the general assembly of 188:! 1 and in 1884-."). He also held 
the office of town solicitor about ten years. He was married to Jen- 
nie Roberts, February 24th, 1872. Three children have been born to 
them, two of whom died in infancy. The only surviving one is 
Desiree J. Dubois, born in Haverhill, Mass., April 5th, 1877. In poli- 
tics he is a liberal republican. 

Charles Edmund Gorman, born in Boston, July 26th, 1844, is a son 
of Charles Gorman, born in Ireland, and Sarah ]. Woodbury, a de- 
scendant of John Woodbury, one of the original settlers of Cape Ann, 
Mass., in 1623. Charles Edmund removed to Providence in 1848, and 
was educated in the public schools until he reached the age of 12 
years. He was a newsboy from the tender age of five until he reached 
15. In 1862 he entered the office of Richard Ward Greene and com- 
menced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar December 12th, 
L865, and at once enjoyed a large and varied practice. He was a mem- 
ber of the school committee and trustee of schools from 1868 to 187:!. 
He w T as a member of the general assembly in 187(>. 1885 and 1887. be- 
ing elected speaker of the house in the latter year. Fie was elected a 
member of the common council of Providence in 1874, and alderman 
in 1878, 1879, 1880 and 1880. Mr. Gorman has been the democratic 
candidate at different times for the offices of secretary of state, at- 
torney general, and mayor of Providence. From his early manhood 
he began agitating and working for " equal rights " in Rhode Island, 
which meant the removal of the real estate requirement imposed 
upon naturalized citizens to admit to suffrage. After 25 years, during 
which he spent a great deal of time and money in advocating the 
cause, the reform was accomplished by an amendment to the constitu- 
tion. Upon the adoption of this amendment the citizens of the state 
presented Mr. Gorman with a solid silver tea service " in recognition 
of 25 years' service in behalf of equal rights." He was married to 
Josephine C. Dietrich, July 8th, 1874. Their children are: Charles 
Woodbury, Edmund Joseph and Clement Dietrich. Mr. Gorman has 
been one of the prominent democratic speakers, having spoken in 
every presidential campaign since 1864. 

Nathan Whitman Littlefield was born May 21st, 184(5, at East 
Bridgewater, Mass. His father, Rufus Ames Littlefield, was for 
many years a teacher in the East Bridgewater Academy and other 
schools in that and neighboring towns. His mother, Abigail Russcl 
i Whitman > Littlefield, was born in Boston, Mass., and educated at the 
Charlestown Female Seminary. Both his father and mother arc lin- 
eal descendants of the pilgrims. Through them the subject of this 



62b HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

sketch is related by blood to John Alden and Miles Standish. His 
early education was received at home and in the public schools of his 
native town. Aided by the advancement given him by his father, 
who was an accomplished mathematician, he at the age of 14 surveyed 
and platted land in his native town. He prepared for college at the 
East Bridgewater High School, and at Bridgewater and Phillips (An- 
over) Academies, graduating from the latter institution in 1865. The 
same year he entered Dartmouth College, where he was graduated 
in 1869 with the highest honors. He was soon after employed as sub- 
master of the Charlestown, Mass., High School; then master of the 
Newport, R. I., High School; and then master of high school and 
superintendent of schools at Westerly, R. I. In 1874 he began the 
study of law. His course was pursued at the Boston University Law 
School, graduating in 1876. He was admitted to the bar at Boston, in 
May of the same year. A few weeks later he located at Providence, 
where he has since practiced law. Avoiding all political entangle- 
ments, he has devoted all his energies to the practice of law, and has 
achieved that success which usually attends earnest, honest and per- 
sistent labor in that profession. Early in 1889 he formed a partner- 
ship with Warren Goddard, Jr., and has since practiced under the 
style of Littlefield & Goddard. He was married August 13th, 1873, to 
Arietta V. Redman, of Ellsworth, Maine. She died October 18th, 
1878, leaving a son, Nathan W. Littlefield, Jr., born April 20th, 1878. 
He was married a second time, December 1st, 1886, to Mary Wheaton 
Ellis, of Pawtucket, and on December 19th, 1889, a son, Alden Llewel- 
lyn Littlefield, was born to them. 

George Tilden Brown, born in West Greenwich, R. I., June 29th, 
ISIS, is a son of Peter Tilden Brown and Roxalana Potter. The 
parents had ten children, and the father died when George was four 
or five years of age. The family was left with a small, encumbered 
farm, and hard work and close economy on the part of the mother 
were necessary. George attended the East Greenwich Seminary 
about eight or ten months, working during the vacation on the 
farm and in winter teaching country schools to defray expenses. 
He afterward attended Newport High School, where he was grad- 
uated in June, 1869, and entered Brown University in September of 
the same year, graduating in June, 1873. He studied law one year 
in Providence, then spent one year in the Albany Law School, grad- 
uating m May. 1875. He was then admitted to the bar in Albany, 
and to the bar in Rhode Island in October following. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar of the United States courts in 1879. He has prac- 
ticed law in Providence since October, 1875. He represented his 
native town in the general assembly in 1877, and the city of Provi- 
dence in the same body in 1887. He was elected a delegate to the 
democratic national convention at St. Louis in 1888, and was elected 
to represent Providence in the state senate in 1889. He is chairman 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 63 

of the democratic city committee, having held that position in 1884 
and 18S5,and being again chosen to it in 1888 and 1889. He was mar- 
ried in Providence, August 29th, 1876, to Ida Rebecca Williams. They 
have two children'— Gertrude Tilden Brown, born May 17th, 1877; and 
Bertha Brown, born April 10th, 1884. 

Air. J. E. Goldsworthy, now practicing law at Central Falls, was 
born in Kenosha county, Wis., December 9th, 1843. His father was 
Stephen S. Goldsworthy, and his mother's maiden name was Lavinia 
Eustis. His early life was spent on a farm, where he attended the 
district school, and later the high school at Racine, Wisconsin. He 
was educated further at Wisconsin University at Madison, and stud- 
ied law in the office of O. S. & F. H. Head, at Kenosha, and later took 
a course at Albany (N. Y.) Law School. He then went to Missouri to 
practice, and remained there six years. He was afterward engaged 
in journalism, publishing and printing with E. L. Freeman & Co. for 
twelve years. He resumed the practice of law in 1888. Mr. Golds- 
worthy was married to Sarah L. Stafford, at Central Falls, R. I., in 
1872. They have four children. 

George Lewis Gower was born November 6th, 1S49, at New Sharon. 
Maine. His father, Tanison Bartlett Gower, was a Baptist clergy- 
man, and died in 1859, leaving his wife, Maria Susan (Dix), a widow, 
with three boys, aged respectively nine, seven and five. George, the 
eldest of the three, was educated in Abbott's School in Farmington, 
Maine, in grammar and high school in Providence, R. I., and Brown 
University, in the class of 1871. He studied law with Samuel Currey 
of Providence four years, and was admitted to the bar there in Decem- 
ber, 1871. He was clerk of the Rhode Island house of representatives 
from 1876 to 18S6 and judge advocate general of the state from 1883 
to 1888. He has been associated with his brother, Fred. A. Gower, in 
telephone affairs from 1878. He was never extensively engaged in 
legal practice, but was connected with Providence newspapers from 
1867 to 1880, and has acquired interests in telephone affairs and other 
business connections in Rhode Island and in Washington state, and 
is largely interested in the growth and development of the city of 
Tacoma, in the latter state. He was married in January, 1873, at 
Providence, to Frances, daughter of Hon. J. M. Blake, of Bristol, R. I. 
They have two children— Hope, born in 1875, and George Lewis, jr., 
born in 1876. 

Edmund S. Hopkins, son of Israel Hopkins, was born at Laurel 
Ridge, Burrillville, in this county, August 21st, 1849. His mother 
was Louise M., daughter of Dr. Jervis J. Smith. The father of Ed- 
mund was a woolen manufacturer, and lived in Burrillville until 1859, 
when the family removed to Providence, and Edmund entered the 
public schools of that city. After spending several years in them he 
entered the private school of Mowry & Goff, to prepare for college. 
He then spent a year in the law office of Samuel Currey, Esq., and an- 



64 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

other year in the office of William W. Blodgett, Esq., at Pawtucket. 
He then attended lectures at the Albany Law School, and on gradu- 
ating was admitted to the bar of New York state, February 14th, 1870. 
One month later he opened an office in Binghamton, N. Y., and in 
September of the same year he removed to Corning, where he formed 
a partnership with Hon. Henry Sherwood. He remained there until 
December, 1872, when he returned to Providence, and on March 14th, 
1873, opened an office in that city, where he has since remained in the 
practice of law. He was elected a member of the city council in 1877, 
representing the Eighth ward, and served four years; also a repre- 
sentative in the general assembly in ]S76 and 1877. He was elected 
assistant attorney general of the state, and held that office for two 
years. He was married at Providence, and has one son, Albert S. 
Hopkins, now a student at law. 

Charles F. Ballou, son of Henry G. and Sarah L. (Fales) Ballou, 
was born in Woonsocket in 1847. His parents moved to Bristol when 
he was 13 years old. He was educated in the public schools of Bris- 
tol, and from the high school of that town he went to Brown Univer- 
sity, where he graduated in the class of 1869. He then studied in the 
law office of Charles H. Parkhurst, in Providence, and began the prac- 
tice of law in Woonsocket, He was president of the town council two 
years, and was elected to the general assembly, where he served for 
successive years. He was appointed trial justice to succeed Judge 
Wilbur, when the latter was elected to the supreme court bench. He 
was trial justice until the district court act went into effect, and since 
then has held the office of district court judge. He was also elected 
by the city council probate judge, on the formation of the city gov- 
ernment. 

Warren Goddard, Jr., attorney and counsellor at law, of the firm of 
Littlefield & Goddard, was born in the town of North Bridgewater, 
now the city of Brockton, Mass., October 10th, 1849. His father was 
Rev. Warren Goddard, who had been settled over the Brockton church 
of the New Jerusalem, in 1839. It is worthy of remark here that the 
Reverend Warren Goddard remained in that pastorate over 50 years, 
and the 50th anniversary of his settlement was celebrated in his old 
church, in the fall of 1889, the city generally participating in the cele- 
bration. The mother of our subject was Sarah Eldridge, a sister of 
the brothers, John, Oliver and Asa Eldridge, well known names 
among seafaring men. Among the brothers of Warren, Jr., are Rev- 
erend John Goddard, a distinguished clergyman of Cincinnati, Ohio; 
Reverend H. E. Goddard, pastor of the Brockton church of the New 
Jerusalem; Asa E. Goddard, teacher in the St. Louis University; and 
James F. Goddard, vice-president of the A., T. & S. F. railroad sys- 
tem. Warren Goddard, Jr., followed his father's profession for 15 
years, and was the pastor of the New Jerusalem church in Brookline, 
Mass., and afterward of a society of the same faith in Providence. His 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 65 

preparation for this work had been made at the Brockton High School, 
Dartmouth College (class of 1871) and the New Church Philological 
School now located in Cambridge, Mass. He was always fond of the 
law, and used to spend his Mondays in court, hearing prominent law- 
yers discuss law points and matters of evidence. At last he began 
the study of law in earnest, with a view to making it a profession. 
January 1st, 1887, he entered the offices of Van Slyck & Van Slyck. 
city solicitors of Providence, as a student. By giving attention to it 
he covered the usual ground in his reading with greater rapidity than 
is usual, and passed the examination with ease. He also prepared an 
elaborate and accurate index or digest of the Rhode Island Law Re- 
ports, which is pronounced by those who have examined it as the 
most complete thing of its kind in the state. After being admitted 
to the bar he entered into partnership with Nathan W. Littlefield.and 
since April, 1889, has laid aside all ministerial duties, and devoted 
himself exclusively to the law. On October 9th, 1874, he married 
Alice Clark Wellington, of Brookline, Mass., by whom he has had 
seven children: Langdon, Margaret, Edith, Warren, Alice W.. Mary 
E. and Arthur E., the eldest cf whom died January 11th, 1887. 

William Howard Sweetland was born in Pawtucket, R. I., Decem- 
ber 19th, 1857. His parents were William and Nancy Greene (How- 
ard) Sweetland. He was educated in the schools of Providence, and 
at Brown University, receiving the degree of A.B. in 1878, and of A. 
M. in 1881. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in the latter 
year, and settled in Providence, where he has since continued the 
practice of law. He was a member of the Providence school commit- 
tee in 1887; clerk of the Rhode Island house of representatives in 1888- 
89; and was elected clerk of the district court of the Sixth judicial 
district in 1889. He was married, June 11th, 1889, to Florence Gar- 
diner Reynolds, and has a son, Reynolds Sweetland. 

John T. Blodgett was born in Belmont, Mass., May 16th, 1859. He 
was educated in the public schools of that town and of Watertown, 
Mass., graduating from Watertown High School in the class of 1875, 
from Worcester Academy in 1876, and from Brown University, with 
the degree of A. B., in the class of 1880. He received from the same 
institution the degree of A.M. in 1883. On graduating he entered 
the law office of Benjamin N. Lapham. Esq., of Providence, and was 
admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Rhode Island in 1883. and 
by the U. S. circuit court in 1885. He is actively associated with the 
prohibition movement in this state, and has been placed in nomina- 
tion for many of the important offices— representative to general 
assembly, mayor of city, and attorney general of state. 

Augustus S. Miller was born in Plainfield, Conn., August 13th, 
1847. He is the descendant of Robert Miller, who settled there 
some 200 years ago. He prepared for college at Mowry &Goff's Eng- 
lish and Classical School in Providence, and graduated from Brown 

5 



66 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

University in the class of 1871. He is engaged in the practice of law 
in Providence, and is also president of the American Enamel Com- 
pany. In politics he is a democrat, having held the position of chair- 
man of the democratic city committee in 1SS1 and 1882, and was one 
of the organizers of the Young Men's Democratic Club of Providence, 
and its first president in 1882 and 1883. He was a representative to 
the general assembly in 1884-5, a member of Providence city council 
in 1885, 1886 and 1887, being its president in 1887, and representative 
to assembly in 1889 and 1890, also speaker of the house during both 
those terms. He was married February 17th, 1881, to Elizabeth Le 
Moine Davis, daughter of Hon. William D. Davis of Providence. They 
have had two children: Mary E. D., born February 8th, 1883, died 
April 1st, 1S86; and William Davis, born November 5th, 1887. 

Cyrus M. Van Slyck, son of Nicholas and Lizzie P. (Manchester) 
Van Slyck, was born in Providence, January 9th, 1856. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of the city, graduating from the high school 
in 1872. He then attended Brown University, graduating thence 
with the degree of A.B. in 1876. He next took a course in the Law 
School of Harvard University, receiving there the degree of LL. B. 
on graduating in 1878. He was admitted to the bar July 3d, 1878, and 
began practicing in Providence, where he has ever since continued. 
He held the office of city solicitor from June. 1888, to the present 
time; entered the militia service of the state in 1875, and after hold- 
ing various offices therein, became colonel of the United Train of 
Artillery of Providence, in 1884, and still retains that position. He 
was married in 1887, to Annie P. Crocker, of Fitchburg, Mass., and 
they have one child. 

Samuel Norris, Jr., was born July 23d, 1862, in Bristol, R. I., in the 
home of his parents and grandparents. In 1865 he went abroad with 
his family, and remained until 1879, living meanwhile chiefly in Paris 
and London. He had an English tutor, and passed the matriculation 
examination of the London University in 1879, in the First Division. 
< >n returning to this country in the same year he entered Harvard in 
the fall, and was graduated in 1883. He then attended Harvard Law 
School for two years, and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 
1885. Since then he has continued to live in Bristol, having an office 
there and another in Providence. 

Edward F. Lovejoy was born in East Corinth, Maine, December 
1st, 1861. He is the son of Azael and Zintha S. Lovejoy. He was 
graduated from Brown University in the class of 1885, and from the 
Boston Law School in the class of 1887. He has since practiced in 
Providence, being now connected with the firm of Stone & Lovejoy, 
whose offices are in Butler Exchange. The other member of the firm 
is Mr. Samuel S. Stone. 

Erwin J. France was born in Burrillville, R. I., March 1st, 1856, 
being the son of James E. and Susan (Phillips) France. He was edu- 



HIS TORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 67 

cated at Brown University, graduating in the class of 1876, and in the 
law department of Boston University, in the class of 1881. He has 
practiced law since that time in Woonsocket, and has been state sen- 
ator from that town, also a member of the school board. He is now 
a member of the law firm of France & Ballou, their office being at 239 
Main street, Woonsocket. 

George Newman Bliss, of East Providence, was born in Tiverton, 
July 22d, 1837. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, X. 
Y., in the class of 1860. He enlisted as a private in the First Rhode 
Island Cavalry, in September, 1861, and was mustered out as a captain. 
May 15th, I860. Wounded and captured at Waynesborough, Va., 
vSeptember 28th, 1864, he was confined as a hostage at Libby Prison 
for a confederate soldier who had been sentenced to be hanged. He 
was exchanged for hostage February 5th, 1865. Since the war he has 
practiced law, having an office in the city of Providence. He was a 
representative from East Providence in the assembly, from 1868 to 
1873, and senator in 1882-3, and again in 1885. He was assistant com- 
missioner of shell fisheries, 1869 to 1879; major commanding First 
Battalion Cavalry, R. I. Militia. 1879 to 1883; trial justice, 1872 to 1886; 
justice of the Seventh judicial district since July, 1886; and member 
of the school committee since 1873. In politics he is a republican. 

Stephen A. Cooke, Jr., is a lawyer by profession, and a republican 
in politics. He is located in the practice of law in offices at 37 Wey- 
bosset street, Providence. Fie served as a representative from the 
city of Providence in the general assembly from 1871 to 1874, and as 
senator from 1885 to 1887. 

John P. Gregory, of Lincoln, was born in Central Falls, then a part 
of the town of Smithfield, March 3d, 1840. He was educated in the 
public schools and at the State Normal School, and was a teacher in 
the publ;c schools for several years. He was admitted to the bar 
February 17th, 1866, and has since practiced law. He was one of the 
justices of the court of magistrates of Pawtucket from 1865 to 1871, 
and in 1886 he was town solicitor of Lincoln. He was representative 
from that town from 1878 to 18S4, and senator from 1884 to 1886. In 
politics he is a republican. 

Thomas P. Barnefield, of Pawtucket, was born in Boston, Mass., 
March 25th, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of Massa- 
chusetts, and has practiced law at Pawtucket since 1880. He has held 
the offices of judge of probate and city solicitor of Pawtucket; assist- 
ant judge advocate general of the state; representative, 1884-5, and 
1886-7. During the civil war he enlisted as a private in the 35th 
Massachusetts Volunteers, in 1862, and was mustered out as a first 
lieutenant, in 1864. 

James W. Blackwood was a lawyer who practiced in Providence 
until recently. He was trial justice of Providence from 1876 to 1886, 
and was justice of the Sixth judicial district frcm July 1st, 1886. for 



6S HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a time. He was a representative in 1876-7, and again in 1885-7. In 
politics he was a republican. 

William Winthrop Blodgett, of Pawtucket, was born in Randolph, 
Vermont, July 8th, 1824. He was graduated from the University of 
Vermont in the class of 1847. He was a member of the Massachusetts 
house of representatives from 185'Sto 1860; in the Rhode Island senate, 
in March, 1862, being the first senator from the newly organized town 
of Pawtucket; a representative in general assembly 1863-65, 1869-71, 
1882-85 and 1886-88. He was for 20 years judge of probate, in Paw- 
tucket; and was also commissioner of insolvency of Massachusetts, 
and Rhode Island bank commissioner. 

Albert R. Greene was born in Apponaug, town of Warwick, March 
3d, 1844. He was educated in Brown University in the years 1865- 
66, and graduated from Cornell University in the class of 1870. He 
then studied law in the Michigan University Law School, and gradu- 
ated in 1871 . He was admitted to the bar in 1872, and has since prac- 
ticed law. During the civil war he served in the 11 th R. I. Volunteers 
and 78th N. Y. Volunteers, from September, 1862, to August, 1864, 
participating in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain and 
other engagements attending the capture of Atlanta, Ga. He has 
held the office of moderator of the town of Warwick almost continu- 
ously since 1872; was a member and president of the town council 
three years; served as trial justice and coroner, and was a representa- 
tive in general assembly some two or three years. He practices law 
in Providence, having an office at 37 Weybosset street. 

James Harris, of Smithfield, was born in Burrillville, September 
16th, 1860. He was educated in the public schools and in the private 
school of Merrick and Emory Lyon, at Providence. He has been a 
member of the school committee of his town since 1883. He was a 
representative from Smithfield several years, beginning with 1883. 
He also held the office of justice of the Ninth judicial district several 
years. He is a lawyer by profession, and a republican in politics. 

Francello G. Jillson was born in Woonsocket, in the then town of 
Cumberland, September 22d, 1841, and was educated at the Woon- 
socket High School and New London, N. H., Academy. During the 
civil war he served as corporal in the First Rhode Island Volunteers, 
and first lieutenant in the Ninth Rhode Island Volunteers. He was 
town clerk from 1865 to 1874, inclusive; senator from the town of 
Woonsocket L870 71; member and president of the town council two 
years; and representative from that town for several years, beginning 
with I SSI. 1 1c was speaker of the house from January 30th, 1883, to 
May. 1885. He has for many years been practicing law in Woon- 
socket. 

Francis W. Miner, of Providence, was born in Fall River, Mass., 
December 10th, L831. He graduated from Brown University, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1859. He was a representative from Cranston 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 69 

from 1861 to 1864, and again from 1868 to 1875, and was speaker of 
the house in 1862-3. He was a representative from'JProvidence in 
1886-7. During the civil war he was major of artillery, performing 
important staff duty. He was a member of the Providence common 
council in 1886. In politics he is a republican. 

John Carter Brown Woods was born in Providence June 12th, 1851. 
He was graduated from Brown University in the class of 1872, and 
from Harvard Law School in the class of 1874. He was admitted to 
the bar in December, 1874, and has since practiced the profession of 
law. He was a member of the common council of Providence from 
February 1st, 1877, to January, 1885, and was president 6f that body 
from 1881 to 1885. He was a representative five or six years, begin- 
ning November 22d, 1881. In politics he is a republican. 

Christopher Marble Lee was born in Newport, October 18th, 1854. 
His father was Thomas J., and his mother Mary Lee. His education 
began in the public schools of Newport, and he graduated from there 
in July, 1873. In the fall of the same year he entered Brown Uni- 
versity, and graduated from there in 1877. In the fall of that year he 
entered the office of Francis B. Peckham, city solicitor of Newport, 
and remained there two years. Being admitted to the bar in Septem- 
ber, 1879, he began practicing law in Newport, and continued there 
until 1885. In that year he removed to Providence, and has contin- 
ued in practice there ever since. He was married June 1st, 1881, to 
Laura C. Gardiner, youngest daughter of Aldridge B. Gardiner, of 
Providence. They have no children. 

William C. Baker was born in the village of Wickford, R. I., March 
15th, 1858. His parents were David S. and Mary C. Baker. He at- 
tended the public schools during his boyhood, and prepared for col- 
lege at East Greenwich Academy; then entering Brown University, 
he graduated thence in 1881. He taught languages in De Yeaux Col- 
lege, at Suspension Bridge, N.Y., two years. He was admitted to the 
bar of Rhode Island July 19th, 1884. He was superintendent of pub- 
lic schools in North Kingstown, R. I., from 1884 to 1S88. In the latter 
year he was nominated for congress by the democrats, but was defeated 
in the election. He married Sophia, daughter of Jesse Metcalf, of 
Providence, May 24th, 1888. 

Charles F. Baldwin, now practicing law at 19 College street, Prov- 
idence, was born in Plainfield, ^. H., November 11th, 1852, being the 
son of Cyrus and Hannah Baldwin. He received the principal part 
of his education at Kimball Union Academy, N. H. He studied law 
in Providence, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Pie was married 
in 1882, to Clara, daughter of John Howland of Jamestown, R. I. 
Since his admission to the bar he has practiced in Providence. 

Samuel Slater Durfee was born in Providence, September 23d, 
1858. His father is Thomas Durfee and his mother Sarah J. (Slater) 
Durfee. He was educated at the private school of Reverend Charles 



70 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

II. Wheeler,in Providence, and at Brown University, graduating from 
that institution in the class of 1880. He studied law in the office of 
Thomas C. Greene, in Providence, and at the Law School of Boston 
University, after which he was admitted to the Rhode Island bar Jan- 
uary 29th, 1884. vSince then he has practiced law in Providence. He 
is still unmarried. 

Stephen G. Edwards was born at Glen, Nova Scotia, January 22d, 
1855. His parents were William H. and Eleanor S. (Mount) Ed- 
wards. Until 17 years of age he lived on a farm with his father, 
receiving his early education in the public schools of Glen. At the 
age of 17 he taught school one winter, and then took a college 
preparatory course at Amsterdam Academy, and at Hungerford Col- 
legiate Institute, of Adams, New York state. Entering Brown Uni- 
versity in 1875, he graduated thence in 1879, after which he taught 
three years in Providence High School. During the last year and a 
half he was second teacher in the classical department. He studied 
law in the office of Bradley & Metcalf, and took the course at Boston 
University Law School, being admitted to the bar in 1884. Since then 
he has practiced law in Providence. In 1886-7 he was instructor in 
mathematics and logic at Brown University, but continued his law 
practice meanwhile. In 1889-90 he was a member of the Providence 
school committee; in 189D was clerk of the house of representatives 
in the state legislature. He was married in 1887 to Ellen A. Chace, 
and they have two children, Walter A. and Helen C. 

John Doran was born November 8th, 1858, in the town of Barring- 
ton, Bristol county, R. I. His parents were James and Catherine 
(Nolan) Doran. His early life was spent in Barrington, where he 
attended the district school, and afterward prepared for college in 
the private academy of Isaac F. Cady, at Barrington Centre. He 
entered Mt. St. Mary's College, at Emmitsburg, Md., in September, 
L875, and graduated in June, 1879. In the spring of 1880 he com- 
menced to study law with James Tillinghast, Esq., of Providence, 
and was admitted to the bar in July, 1882. He has practiced in 
Providence ever since. In July, 1887, he formed a partnership with 
Mr. E. I ). Mc( luinness, which he still continues. He was married 
July 10th, 1889. to Jane F. Ward, daughter of Patrick and Mary 
Ward, of Warren, R. I. 

Ambrose Fealy, a lawyer of Olneyville, with residence in Woon- 
socket, was born in the latter place, September 2d, 1859. He re- 
ceived his education in the Jesuitical College of Worcester, Mass., 
graduating there, with the degree of A.B., in 1880. He then began 
the study of law, at first in the Boston Law School, and afterward 
in the office of F. L. O'Reilly, in Woonsocket, and was admitted to 
the bar in January, 18S4. For two years he was in partnership with 
Mr. Charles E. Gorman, but since that he has been alone, practic- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 71 

ing law in Providence. Mr. Fealy is a democrat, and was elected 
to the assembly in 1SS7, and again in 1889. 

Franklin P. Owen, of Scitnate, was born in that town December 
27th, 1853, and is a lawyer by profession. He was educated at the 
Lapham Institute and Amherst College, class of 1874. He is a demo- 
crat in politics and has served as state senator. 

vSamuel P. Colt was born January 10th, L852, at Patterson. N. J., 
being the son of Christopher and Theodora G. (De Wolf) Colt. His 
school days were passed at Hartford and New Hartford, Conn. At 
the age of 14 he came with the family to Bristol, R. L, where they 
settled upon the homestead estate of General George De Wolf, his 
grandfather on the maternal side. He was educated at Anthon's 
Grammar School, in New York, for two years, and at the. Massachu- 
setts Institute of Technology three years. He then passed a year in 
Europe, and then spent two years in Columbia Law School. He was 
admitted to the bar in New York in May, 1875, after which he studied 
law in the office of Thurston & Ripley, in Providence, and was admit- 
ted to the Rhode Island bar January 1st, 1876. He practiced law in 
Rhode Island, and was a member of the general assembly from 1876 
to 1879. In the year 1879 he was elected assistant attorney general, 
and served in that position till he was elected attorney general, in 
1882. In the latter position he served four years. He founded the 
Industrial Trust Company, of Providence, and has been its president 
from the start. He is also president of the National India Rubber 
Company, of Bristol, R. I., having re-organized the old National Rub- 
ber Company with $500, 000 new capital. He was married in 1881, to 
Elizabeth M., daughter of Judge J. R. Bullock, of the U. S. court. 
They have three children— Samuel P., Jr., eight years; Russell G., 
seven years, and an infant in its first year. 

Charles Staples, son of ex-Chief Justice William R. Staples of 
Providence, was born in Providence, May 29th, 1859. His mother 
was Evelina Eaton Staples, of Framingham, Mass. He was educated 
at Lyons and at Brown University, and then studied law with Win- 
gate Hayes, Esq., and his own father, Judge Staples. He was deputy 
secretary of state for three years under John R. Bartlett, and private 
secretary to Governor Ambrose E. Burnside during his term of office. 
After practicing law eight years in the city of Providence he studied 
medicine under Doctors W. O. Brown and George R. Kenyon. He 
was the first hospital steward appointed in the Rhode Island militia, 
and served in that capacity nine years, being attached to the First 
Light Infantry Regiment. He has been ward clerk of Second ward 
three years, secretary of the R. I. Society for the Encouragement of 
Domestic Industry, of the Providence Franklin Society, of the Zeta 
Psi Society, and of Company B, First Light Infantry Regiment. He 
is now in the United States employ, in the census department, and is 
also notary and justice of the peace. 



72 HISTORY OE PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Thomas W. Robinson was born at Pawtucket, March 23d, 1856, being 
the son of Thomas and Mary Robinson. He was born and brought 
up on a farm and was educated in the public schools, Bryant & Strat- 
ton Business College and also the Boston University Law School, 
graduating thence in the class of 1877. He was admitted to the bar 
of this state in 1888, and has had an office and practiced law in Paw- 
tucket ever since. He was a member of the town council in 1886, and 
a representative to general assembly in 1887 and 1889. He was mar- 
ried to Mary E. Tetlow, at Providence, November 3d, 1881. Two 
daughters have come to them— Lillian, six years, and Mary, four years 
of age. 

Thomas Z. Lee was born September 26th, 1866, in Woonsocket. 
He is the son of Thomas and Helen M. Lee, and was educated in 
Woonsocket. He was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1888, and 
began practice m Woonsocket, after reading law with Messrs. Browne 
& Van Slyck, in Providence. He was for a time connected with the 
Woonsocket Evening Reporter, and was clerk of the house of repre- 
sentatives in 1888 and 1889. On the 4th of November, 1889, he formed 
a partnership with Hon. Livingston Scott, in the practice of law. He 
is prominent in secret societies, and is well known in social and politi- 
cal circles throughout the state. 

Clarke Howard Johnson was born at Moosup Valley in the town 
of Foster, November 18th, 1851. His father, Elisha Johnson, was an 
influential citizen of the town, and held many positions of public 
trust, among others that of president of the town council, state sen- 
ator, and colonel of the 13th Regiment in the old militia. The mother 
of our subject was Matilda Howard, daughter of Clark Howard, of 
Foster. He was brought up on the old Johnson homestead, which 
has been in the Johnson family since 1784, and in the possession 
of his ancestors of another family since about the year 1700. He 
worked on the farm summers, and attended the district school win- 
ters, until about 18 years of age. After that he prepared for college 
at Lapham Institute, in North Scituate, and entered Brown Uni- 
versity in 1873, graduating thence in 1877. He studied law in Prov- 
idence, and was admitted to the bar in 1879, and has been in prac- 
tice there ever since. He was elected to a seat in the state house 
of representatives in 1879, and again in 1880. In 1881 he was elected 
to the state senate. From 1881 to 1886 he was clerk of the house 
of representatives. In 1886 he was elected justice of the district 
court for the Eighth judicial district, which position he holds at 
the present time, having been re-elected in 1889. 

Charles H. McFee was born in Haverhill, Mass., January 1st, 
1861. His parents were Hamden and Sarah C. (Sealy) McFee. He 
was educated at the high school in Haverhill, and at Harvard Uni- 
versity, in the class of 1882. He taught school, as principal of 
Washington Academy, at Wickford, R. I., one term, and as princi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 73 

pal of the Consolidated Grammar Schools from September, 1882. to 
September, 1885. In the latter year he began the study of law in 
Woonsoeket. He was a member of the town council in 1886 and 
18S7, being its president in the latter year. In 1887 he was elected 
a representative to the general assembly, where he was placed at 
the head of the committee on education. In 1886 he was elected a 
member of the school committee, and in 1887 was chosen clerk of 
that board. He was married April 18th, 1888, to Carrie V. Cook, 
at Woonsoeket, and they have one son, Raymond F. McFee. Mr. 
McFee was admitted to the bar in October, 1887, and has been prac- 
ticing in Woonsoeket ever since. • 

Charles C. Mumford was born at Medford, Mass., November 11th, 
1860. His parents were Benjamin G. and Jane D. Mumford. His 
father died when Charles was about seven years old, and the family 
removed then to Providence. He was educated in the public schools 
of that city and at Brown University, where he graduated in 1SS1. 
He studied law with Messrs. Brow^ne & Van Slyck, and was admit- 
ted to the bar in 1883. July 1st of that year he was appointed 
assistant clerk of the court of common pleas, and held that position 
until he was elected as clerk of the municipal court in June, 1884. 
In June, 1885, he exchanged that position for that of assistant attor- 
ney general of the state, which he held until May, 1886. Since 
that time he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession 
in the city of Providence, except about ten months spent in Buffalo, 
N. Y. He has held various positions in the Masonic fraternity, the 
Narragansett Boat Club, and other organizations. He was married 
to Miss Emma Van Slyck in April, 1887, and they have one child, 
Marion. 

Eugene F. Warner was born in Coventry, R. I., October 9th, 
1853. He was educated at Allen's School, West Newton, Mass., and 
at Brown University, where he graduated in 1875. He studied law 
with I. H. Parsons and J. E. Spink, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1877. He opened an office in Providence soon after, and still main- 
tains it. He was a member of the Rhode Island house of representa- 
tives in 1876, and was elected clerk of the Rhode Island senate in 
1877, and by successive elections has retained the position till the 
present time. He was a delegate to the Chicago republican conven- 
tion of 1884, and secretary of the R. I. state central committee from 
1884 to 1888. He was elected judge of the Fourth district court of 
R. I., in 1886, and in 1889 for another term of three years. He has 
never been married. 

Albert A. Baker was born September 26th, 1862, in Providence, the 
home of his parents. Albert O. and Anna M. (Stone) Baker. He was 
graduated from Brown University in the class of 1884, and became 
the assistant editor of the Attleborough Chronicle in 1884-5. He after- 
ward studied law with Colwell & Barnev, in Providence, and was 



74 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

• 

admitted to the Rhode Island bar in August, 1888. He has an office 
at 4 Westminster street; was clerk of the judiciary committee in the 
R. I. house of representatives, 1887-8; secretary of the joint special 
committee of the state legislature on revenue of the state; and is a 
member of the republican city committee from the Ninth ward. 

Harmon Seeley Babcock was born April 11th, 1849, at Lebanon 
Springs, Columbia county, N. Y. His parents were George H. and 
Sarah G. (Merrills) Babcock. He removed with the family to Lee, 
Mass., in 1853, and remained there until 1861, when they removed to 
Lenox, Mass., and again returning to Lee, in 1870. He passed through 
the various degrees of boyhood and youth with that assurance of 
future success which generally characterizes the American boy, and 
after thorough preparation at Brookside Seminary, Stockbridge, and 
at the Lenox High School, under Augustus Linfield, he entered 
Brown University and was graduated therefrom in 1874, with the 
highest honors, delivering the valedictory address and receiving the 
degree of A.B. In 1877 he was further honored by being made an 
A.M. After graduation he taught for two years as assistant in the 
University Grammar School of Providence, prosecuting legal studies 
in the meantime. He w r as admitted to the bar in 1877. He taught 
also in the evening schools for a number of years as principal, and 
also as an instructor in logic in Brown University, for a short time in 
1883. Since 1877 he has been practicing law continuously in the city 
of Providence. He filled the office of superintendent of public schools 
in East Providence from 1879 to 1882, and was solicitor for that town 
from 1882 to 1886. His literary abilities were recognized early in 
life, and the fact that he wrote the poem for the centennial celebra- 
tion of the town of Lee, Mass., in September, 1887, is evidence of his 
reputation in that direction. The R. I. Horticultural Society chose 
him for secretary in 1878, and about that time he was treasurer of 
Franklin Lyceum for three years. He has taken a prominent part in 
poultry affairs, having been president of the R. I. Poultry Associa- 
tion in 1888. and at different times written much on the subject. 
Among his many literary works of excellence was the poem delivered 
at the annual convention of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, in 1883, and also the poem delivered before the alumni of 
Brown University in 1888. He was married June 11th, 1879, at Lenox, 
Mass., to Eva S. Helden. Two children have been born of this mar- 
riage, the elder and survivor being a son, Samuel Belden Babcock, 
born June 9th, L880. 

Benjamin W. Smith was born in Warwick, R. I.. June 21st, 1856, 
being the son of Charles \V. and Elizabeth R. (Le Valley) Smith. He 
was educated in the public schools of Rhode Island and Iowa; pre- 
pared for college in Providence High School; entered Brown Lmiver- 
sity and was graduated in the class of L876. He studied law in the 
office of Tillinghast & Ely, in Providence, and was admitted to the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 75 

bar in Rhode Island in 1878, and to practice in the U. S. circuit court 
in 1881. He has practiced law in Providence since his admission. He 
is still unmarried. 

Rathbone Gardner was born in Providence, February 18th. 1856. 
His parents were Henry W. and Mary R. (Rathbone) Gardner. His 
education was pursued in Mowry & Goff's School, in Providence, 
and Brown University, where he was graduated in the class of 1877. 
His legal education was pursued in the office of Browne & Van 
Slyck, and at the Boston Law School. He was admitted to the bar 
July 19th, 1879, and has ever since practiced in Providence. He 
was elected to the city council in 1884, and was president of that 
body in 1885 and 1880. He was appointed U. S. attorney for the 
R. I. District, by President Harrison, February 19th, 1889, and still 
holds that office. He was married to Sophie L., daughter of the 
late John A. Gardner, in Providence, January 1st, 1880, and has two 
children — Henry W. and Marianna Gardner. 

James Wilmarth Williams was born in Providence, August 23d, 
1859. He was the son of James F. and Phebe A. (Wilmarth) Wil- 
liams. He attended the public schools and the high school of the 
city of his nativity, and Columbia College, where he was gradu- 
ated from the law school in 1882. He then studied law with Hon. 
Dexter B. Potter, of Providence, taught school for a brief period, 
and was admitted to the R. I. bar July 19th, 1884. m He was mar- 
ried March 25th, 1886, to Flora B. Tillinghast, of Providence. They 
have one child, Hope Tillinghast Williams. Mr. Williams is promi- 
nently identified with the prohibition movement in Rhode Island, and 
is a member of the national prohibition committee for Rhode Island. 
He took a prominent part in framing the laws enacted under the pro- 
hibition amendment of 1886-1889, and was for a time counsel for the 
chief of police of the state during that period. He is a direct de- 
scendant of Roger Williams, one of the few descendants bearing the 
family name of the original founder. He was a speaker at the re- 
union of descendants in June, 1880, on the occasion of the celebration 
of the 250th anniversary of the settlement. 

Benjamin L. Dennis was born in Providence, February 6th, 1853. 
His parents were Benjamin C. and Lydia A. Dennis. He was edu- 
cated, in the public schools of the city until 12 years of age, when his 
parents removed to Webster, Mass., and he there received in part a 
grammar and high school education. At the age of 15 he entered 
Woodstock Academy, at Woodstock, Conn., and remained two years. 
At the age of 17 he commenced teaching school at West Woodstock, 
and during the next three years taught winter terms in different dis- 
tricts of Connecticut. In 1873, being then 20 years of age, he entered 
the R. I. State Normal School, and was graduated in June, 1875. He 
then taught school in North Smithfield until 1878, when he com- 
menced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1881, and 



76 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

has since practiced in Providence. Mr. Dennis may be classed among 
the self-made men of our time, having worked his way up to his pres- 
ent position by his own efforts, almost unaided. He was married 
December 22d, 1885, to Alice J. Arnold, who had been a teacher in the 
public schools of Providence. They have one son, Robert L. Dennis. 
Mr. Dennis resides at Valley Falls, six miles from Providence, but 
has an office in Butler Exchange in the city- 
Frederick Rueckert was born in Providence, November 21st, 1855, 
being the son of Christian and Theresa Rueckert. He received his 
early education in the public schools of Providence, graduating from 
the High School in 1873. Entering Brown University in the fall of 
that year, he was graduated in 1877, and studied law for two years 
following. He was admitted to the bar of the state in February, 1880, 
and has since then been admitted to practice in the U.S. circuit court 
here. His practice is mainly confined to civil cases. He was married 
November 21st, 188(5, to Ella L. Senft, of Providence. 

Christopher E. Champlin was born in New Shoreham, Newport 
county, R. I., September 24th, 1860, being the son of John P. and 
Lydia M. Champlin. He spent his early years in his native town, and 
taught school there two years, in 1879 and 1880. His advanced edu- 
cation was received at East Greenwich Academy and Brown Univer- 
sity, after which he pursued legal studies at the Boston Law School, 
and was graduated in 1884. He was admitted to the bar of Suffolk 
county, .Mass.. July 8th, 1884, and to the Rhode Island bar in Febru- 
ary following. He has since practiced law in Providence. He was a 
representative from New Shoreham to the general assembly from 
L8S7 to 1889. He was secretary of the democratic state central com- 
mittee, for Grover Cleveland, during the campaign of 1888. He is 
yet unmarried. His two brothers living are John C. and William R. 
Champlin. 

Walter Hammond Barney, of Providence, was born in Providence 
September 20th, 1855, and was graduated from Brown University in 
L876. I [e was elected representative to the general assembly in 1888. 
Edwin C. Pierce was born in Providence in 1853, and was edu- 
cated in the public schools. He has been a member of the school 
committee and was elected representative to the general assembly in 
L888 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE PROFESSION OF MEDICINE. 



Early practitioners. — First Licensed Doctor of Medicine. — Medical Societies formed. — 
The Rhode Island Medical Society. — The Providence Medical Association. — The 
Rhode Island Homeopathic Society. — The Hahnemann Society of Rhode Island. — 
The Providence Clinical Club. — The Rhode Island Dental Society. — Physicians of 
Providence Fifty Years ago. — Some Physicians of an Earlier Period. — Former 
Physicians of Scituate. — Old-time Physicians of Woonsocket. — The Thompsonian 
Interest. — Introduction of Homeopathy. — Later physicians of Providence County. 



THE practice of medicine as a distinct profession was hardly to 
be looked for in the chaotic years of society in the new colony 
of Providence Plantations. But at an early date the legislative 
authorities imposed such restrictions upon it as they thought neces- 
sary for the protection of the people against irresponsible quacks. 
The general assembly granted occasionally, to such as were consid- 
ered competent, the privilege to practice medicine in the colony. 
One of the earliest of such licenses is the following, which we give 
in the language of the record. It was passed at the sitting of the 
general assembly at Newport, March 1st, 1664, new style. 

" Wheras the Court have taken notice of the great blessing of 
God on the good endevers of Captayne John Cranston of Newport, 
both in phissicke and chirurgery, to the great comfort of such as 
have had occation to improve his skill and practice, &c. The Court 
doe therefore unanimously enacte and declare that the said Captayne 
John Cranston is lycenced and commistioned to adminester phissicke, 
and practice chirurgery throughout this whole Collony, and is by this 
Court styled and recorded Doctor of phissick and chirrurgery, by the 
athority of this the Geuerall Assembly of this Collony." 

Going still further back we are told that the first regular medical 
practitioner in Providence county was John Greene, who remained 
here but a short time, and in 1641 removed to Warwick. In cases of 
emergency the people here had recourse to him there. Leading men 
in the early colony doubtless kept on hand small supplies of a few 
important drugs, and physicians in the neighboring colonies were in 
extreme cases called to attend patients. The first settled physician 
in Providence of whom we have later notice was Doctor John Jones, 
who was here in the early part of the 18th century. Doctor Jabez 
Bowen also came here and settled soon after. His descendants 



78 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

formed a line of physicians for several generations. In the middle of 
the last century Doctors Vandelight and Gibbs were conspicuous for 
their abilities and services rendered to their townsmen. In the revo- 
lutionary period Doctor Stephen Randall and Doctor Hewes were 
conspicuous members of the profession. 

Several medical societies have been formed, with Providence for 
their center or field of operations. The oldest of these is the Rhode 
Island Medical Society, which was organized in 1812, and has its 
place of meeting at 54 North Main street. Here it maintains a library 
of some 6,000 volumes and 2,000 pamphlets. The society has received 
into its membership since its organization about 500 members. Its 
present membership numbers about 200. Its annual meeting is held 
in Providence, in June, and quarterly meetings are held in Septem- 
ber, December and March. The society possesses a valuable fund 
established by the late Doctor Caleb Fiske, one of its former presi- 
dents. The fund was founded in 1834, and by it the trustees are en- 
abled to offer two premiums annually, of $100 each, for dissertations 
on medical subjects. By this means a large number of essays have 
been printed and distributed among the medical fraternity and the 
principal public libraries. 

The society has been active in procuring important legislation in 
matters pertaining to public health. The law regulating the regis- 
tration of births, marriages and deaths, was secured in 1852, by the 
efforts of a committee of this society, and the annual registration re- 
ports for the first 25 years were prepared under its supervision. The 
original movement for the examination and registration of druggists, 
out of which grew the State Board of Pharmacy; the successful peti- 
tion for a law awarding suitable compensation for expert testimony 
in the courts of this state; the recent reform in the coroner system; 
and the effort to increase the efficiency of the state board of health, 
are achievements of this society. 

Among those who have been promoted to the office of president 
or of vice-president of this society from this county during the last 
half century have been: Doctors Joseph Mauran, David King, S. Au- 
gustus Arnold, Hiram Allen, William A. Shaw, Ariel Ballou, Hiram 
Cleveland, Sylvanus Clapp, Charles W. Parsons, Isaac Ray, Jarvis J. 
Smith, J. W. ('. Ely, George C. Collins. Lloyd Morton, Fenner H. 
Peckham, George W. J enckes, Edwin M. Snow, Charles H. Fisher, 
Edward T. Caswell. George P. Baker, Charles O'Leary, Job Kenyon, 
( ). C. Wiggin, II. G. Miller, J. W. Sawyer, Albert Potter, J. W. 
Mitchell and W. II. Palmer. The officers at the present time are: Al- 
bert Potter, president; J.W.Mitchell and W. H. Palmer, vice-presi- 
dents; W. R. White, recording secretary; George L. Collins, treas- 
urer. 

The Providence Medical Association was instituted in 1848. It 
holds meetings on the first Monday in each month, and an annual 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 79 

meeting in March, its headquarters being at 54 North Main street. 
Its membership numbers about 80. The following physicians have 
been presidents of the association at some time since its starting: J. 
W. C. Ely, Hervey Armington, George L. Collins, C. W. Fabyan, 
Richard Brownell, George P. Baker, F. H. Peckham, W. O. Brown, 
George Capron. Edwin M. Snow, George A. Pierce, H.W. King, John 
W. Sawyer, Clarence T. Gardner, H. G. Miller, S. S. Keene, W. E. 
Anthony, O. C. Wiggin, E. M. Harris, Albert E. Ham, William J. 
Burge, Edward T. Caswell, C. H. Leonard, John W. Mitchell and 
Robert F. Noyes. The present officers are: C. H. Leonard, president; 
R. F. Noyes, vice-president; S. A. Welch, secretary; Herbert Terry, 
treasurer. 

The Rhode Island Homeopathic Society was organized about 
1849. It was incorporated May 15th, 1850. Among its founders were: 

A. H. Okie, G. S. Stevens, Henry C. Preston, Ira Barrows, J. J. De 
Wolf, D. H. Green, C. G. McKnight, Washington Hoppin, and others. 
Regular meetings are held on the second Friday in January, April, 
July and October. The society numbers about 50 members. The 
following have been among the incumbents of presidential positions 
since its organization: A. H. Okie, H. C. Preston, Charles G. McKnight, 
Charles P. Manchester, John J. De Wolf, Peleg Clarke, George Bar- 
rows, Elijah U. Jones, Grenville S. Stevens, James L. Wheaton, Wil- 
liam Von Gottschalck, I. W. Sawin, George D. Wilcox, J. C. Budlong, 
Robert Hall, George B. Peck, E. B. Knight, Charles A. Barnard and 
Charles Hayes. Its present officers are: Charles Hayes, president; 
Charles A. Barnard, vice-president; W. H. Stone, secretary; H. A. 
Whitmarsh, treasurer; and Charles L. Greene, Robert Hall and George 

B. Peck, Jr., censors. 

The Hahnemann Society of Rhode Island was organized about 
1857. It existed for about 20 years. During that time Doctors 
Charles G. McKnight, A. P. King, Washington Hoppin and Ira Bar- 
rows were among its leading members, and successively occupied the 
position of president. With the revival of the Homeopathic Society 
about 1876, this fell into obscurity, 
k The Providence Clinical Club was organized in 1884, and holds 
fortnightly meetings at the houses of its members, from October to 
June, for the discussion of professional subjects. Its prominent mem- 
bers are F. P. Capron, R. H. Carver, C. V. Chapin, F. B. Fuller, C. M. 
Godding, G. D. Hersey, G. F. Keene, W. J. McCaw, R. F. Noyes, H. 
J. Pomroy, G. W. Porter, G. T. Swarts, H. Terry, W. R. White and B. 
Whitford. 

The Rhode Island Dental Society was organized in July, 1878, and 
now has about 35 members. Its annual meeting is held on the first 
Tuesday in July, and a semi-annual meeting on the first Tuesday in 
January. It has a fine library, containing several hundred volumes. 
The following practitioners have served it as president: C A. Brack- 



80 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ett, 1880; William Barker, 1881; W. P. Church, 1882: W.H.Thornton, 
L883; S. E. Greene, 1884; J. W. Smith, 1885; F. G. Eddy, 1886-87; A. 
\V. Buckland, 1888; J. F. Lennon, 1889. 

It may be interesting to the reader to know that the following 
physicians were practicing in Providence in 1841, their locations being 
also given: William H. Allen, 155 North Main: Hervey Armington, 
16 Wickenden; Augustus S. Arnold, 125£ Westminster; Lloyd B. 
Bray ton, 69 North Main; Richmond Brownell, 8 & 10 Westminster; 
George Capron, 3 President; Thomas Cleveland, warden of state 
prison; Francis Colwell, 93 High; Jeremiah Cole, Olneyville; Thomas 
L. H. Creighton, Prospect; E. Darling, 113 Friendship; George Fa- 
byan, 46 Broad; Charles W. Fabyan, 77 South Main; Joseph Fearing, 
135 & 137 Broad; P. W. Ferris, 60 George; Joseph B. F. Fuller, 07 
Broad; L. Girardin, 132 North Main (Franklin House); William Gros- 
venor, 56 Westminster; Isaac Hartshorn, City Hotel; C. F. Manches- 
ter, 105 and 114 Westminster; Joseph Mauran, 48 South Main; J. 
Leland Miller, 181 North Main; Lewis L. Miller, 49 Broad; Lewis P. 
Parlin, 12 Carpenter; Usher Parsons, President; Joseph Pettes, East 
street, opposite Tockwotton House; John W. Richmond, 92 South 
Main; H. W. Rivers, Eye and Ear Infirmary, 135 North Main; 
Josiah W. Robinson, cor. Westminster and Pleasant; David B. 
Slack, 124 North Main; George H. Tillinghast, 91 Westminster; 
Samuel Boyd Tobey, 32 South Main; John A. Wadsworth, 45 
North Main; Levi Wheaton, 73 Benefit; Hercules Whitney, Paw- 
tuxet; Leander Utley, 25 Richmond. The following were botanic phy- 
sicians: John A. Brown, 57 & 59 South Main; John C. Davis, 71 Wey- 
bosset; A. Farwell, 57 & 59 South Main; John Richards, 90 Pine; Elias 
Smith. 27 Washington; Samuel Stowe, Atwell's Avenue. The follow- 
ing dentists were then practicing here: N. Augustus Fisher, 38 West- 
minster; T. F. B. Flagg, President; A. C. Hawes, 91 Westminster; Mar- 
shall B. Mead, 9 Westminster; T. J. Prescott, 191 High; Samuel Trow- 
bridge, 90 Westminster (medical electrician); Nathaniel P. Tyler, 38 
Westminster; J. F. Young, 109 Westminster. 

We turn now to notice some of the individual members of the pro- 
fession. In Providence in generations past Stephen Randall was a 
physician of prominence, living in the early part of the present cen- 
tury. He owned property and lived near the junction of North Main 
and Randall streets, and the name was given to the latter street in 
his honor. Doctor Williams Thayer was an active and prominent 
citizen of Providence about the time of the last war with Great Brit- 
ain. His name was given to Thayer street. Doctor Amos Throop 
about three quarters of a century ago occupied the mansion house 
afterward owned by Zachariah Allen, at 97 North Main street. He 
gave name to Throop alley. Doctor Throop was a descendant of the 
old Throop family, one of honorable distinction, of Bristol, Mass. He 
was born in 1735. His father, Amos, was a minister of Woodstock, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 81 

Conn., having been elected to take charge of the town church in De- 
cember, 1726, and died in 1735. Doctor Amos was born at Woodstock, 
the same year. He spent his childhood and youth with Doctor Jabcz 
Bovven, of Providence. He afterward studied with Doctor Bowen 
and Doctor Gibbs, having previously spent some time in study at 
Bristol. He succeeded to the practice of his two instructors at Prov- 
idence about 1770, and was the first male accoucher in the Planta- 
tions. He was married, November 13th, 1768, to Mary Bernon Craw- 
ford, a granddaughter of Gabriel Bernon, a French refugee from 
religious persecution and who had been a resident of Newport and 
Providence. Doctor Throop was prominent in town affairs. He was 
in the state legislature in 1788, where he used his influence in favor 
of the adoption of the constitution of the United States. Politically 
he was a federalist. He was one of the incorporators of the Benefi- 
cent Congregational church, but later became a member of St. John's 
Episcopal church. He was a member of the state legislatures of 1805, 
1806 and 1807. In medical circles he was prominent and active. He 
was also prominent in social and financial circles, being the first pres- 
ident of the Exchange Bank, holding that position from the start 
until his death, some 13 years. He died, universally respected, April 
13th, 1814, leaving no descendants. His portrait was painted by 
Ralph Earl, and is a good representation of him at about 60 years 
of age. 

Doctor Benjamin Dyer was a man of great enterprise and public 
spirit, who practiced here in the early years of the present century. 
He projected and successfully accomplished the filling out of what 
was then called the new land, embracing about 27 acres, from Eddy's 
point to Weybosset street. The work was commenced in 1815 and 
completed in 1817. Dyer street was named in respect to his memory. 

A writer of half a century ago in speaking of a former period said: 
"Doctors Joseph Hewes, Ephraim Bowen, and Jonathan Arnold, all 
at the same time, were our most eminent physicians. Arnold, at the 
commencement of the revolutionary war, took charge of the hospital, 
and there continued until the peace in 1783. He afterward went as 
a member of congress. He finally made a settlement in Vermont, and 
there died." 

Doctor Ephraim Bowen, of Providence, used to ride extensively 
in the surrounding towns before the conflict of the revolution. He 
died about 60 years ago, at an advanced age, being past 90 years. 
Contemporary with him was Doctor Benjamin Slack, who lived in the 
extreme northeast part of Scituate. He came from Massachusetts 
about 1750. The oldest record of him in Scituate is the birth of his 
daughter Mary, September 28th, 1753. His first wife, Phebe, died 
July 8th, 1762. Doctor Slack was much esteemed, and his practice 
was extensive in Glocester, Smithfield, Scituate and other towns. He' 
also owned a large farm, of good land. His second wife was Miss 



82 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Hannah Harris, of Johnston, whom he married March 5th, 1767. 
Doctor John Barden lived in the northwest part of Scituate three or 
four miles west of Doctor Slack, during and after the war of the revo- 
lution. He had considerable reputation as a doctor, and used to take 
lone rides into Massachusetts, where he had many friends and much 
practice. Doctor John Wilkinson, a medical practitioner of high 
estimation in Scituate, was also a distinguished surgeon in the revo- 
lutionary war. Doctor Caleb Fiske was a man of much distinction in 
Scituate, living on Bald hill, at the southeast part of the town. He 
was the son of John and Elizabeth Fiske, early settlers in the place, 
and was born February 24th, 1753. He was president of the Rhode 
Island Medical Society, acquired much property, and left to the soci- 
ety $2,000, and most of the balance of his property to his grandson, 
Caleb F. Rea. Doctor Owen Battey was in medical practice for many 
years, but retired in later life. He was president of the Exchange 
Bank at Greenville in Smithfield, and held the office of postmaster in 
South Scituate for a long time, through many party changes. He 
was a gentleman of the old school, and was highly esteemed. He 
was the son of Joshua Battey, and the grandson, through his mother, 
of Oliver Arnold. His great-grandfather, Owen Arnold, was a British 
officer who came to this country and engaged in the French war, and 
died July 24th, 1762, in his 90th year. 

Doctor Jeremiah Cole, who studied medicine with Doctor Anthony, 
of Foster, resided about a mile and a half west of North Scituate vil- 
lage. Near the close of his life he removed to Olneyville, where he 
died suddenly, May 7th, 1843, in his 73d year. He was a man very 
much esteemed in his practice. Doctor Cyril Carpenter lived in the 
latter part of the last century in that part of Scituate now included 
in Foster. Two generations in the healing art have descended from 
him. These are his son Thomas and grandson Thomas O. Carpen- 
ter. The latter was a skillful doctor of great promise, who died at 
an early period in life. Doctor John H. Anthony practiced medicine 
for many years, residing in North Scituate. His health failing, he 
removed to Providence, gave up his practice here, and died in the 
city. Doctor T. K. Newhall, after practicing about 17 years in Scitu- 
ate, removed to Providence. Doctors James E. Roberts, Charles N. 
Fisher and William II. Bowen, later physicians of Scituate, long en- 
joyed the respect and confidence of the citizens of that town. 

In the town of Woonsocket, Doctor Jonathan Arnold was a physi- 
cian of repute, who lived near Woonsocket Hill before the revolution. 
He took an active part in the scenes and discussions of the time. In 
1787 he removed to Vermont. Doctor William Arnold was a practi- 
tioner in the same locality at a later day, and is said to have been one 
of the most learned men of his time. His love for study and scien- 
tific pursuits gave him the name of the " Philosopher." It is said that 
he was the first man in America to discover an explanation of longi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 83 

tude, in compliance with a call from the British government, offering 
a reward of £10, 000 for the first satisfactory solution of the question. 
He failed to secure the reward, however, being anticipated by an 
English astronomer who secured the prize by being a few days in 
advance. Doctor Arnold died about 1820, at the age of 70 years, 
highly esteemed by all who knew him. Endowed with many charac- 
teristics of quite a different nature was Doctor Ezekiel Comstock, of 
the same locality. He was skillful but erratic, and had a genius for 
adapting himself to all conditions at all times. 

Doctor Hiram Allen was one of the first physicians located at 
Woonsocket. He was born at Franklin, Mass., in 1803, and began 
practice in 1825. For 30 years he was professionally engaged, but in 
the latter part of his life devoted himself to other affairs. He died 
March 14th, 1864. One of his students was the present well known 
Doctor George W. Jenckes, who rode with him six months in 1853, 
and who since 1854, the year of his graduation from Harvard Medical 
College, has been actively engaged at Woonsocket, now ranking as 
the oldest regular physician in practice in the city. Contemporary 
with the foregoing was Doctor Ariel Ballou, who was born in Cum- 
berland, October 25th, 1805, and died July 15th, 1887. In 1830 he be- 
came a practitioner at Woonsocket, and lived there until 1882, when 
he removed to Providence. He was not only prominent in his pro- 
fession, but was also active in every affair of the town which had in 
view the advancement of society. A distinguished fellow physician 
of the same period was Doctor Ezekiel Fowler, who died July 20th, 
1863, aged 77 years. He was prosperous in his affairs, and provided 
for the perpetuation of his name in a very commendable way by set- 
ting aside a fund for the establishment of a hospital at Woonsocket. 
Doctor Horatio Stockbridge died here in 1864, aged nearly 76 years. 
After practicing in Maine he came to Woonsocket in 1833 ; and opened 
an apothecary shop, which he continued until 1851, after which he 
engaged in other business. Doctor Peletiah Metcalf came to Woon- 
socket in 1834, and remained until his death, October 26th, 1866, at 
the age of 87 years. Doctor James Helme located in Woonsocket 
after 1840, and for more than 20 years was engaged in the drug busi- 
ness. He was a lineal descendant of Gabriel Bernon, the founder of 
the Huguenot colony at Oxford. His death occurred in December, 
1883, while in the 78th year of his age. In this period Doctor Tyler 
Briggs was in practice at Union Village, and died there in I860. 
Doctor Joseph Warren was in active practice from about 1840, in the 
southern part of the town. 

In 1862 Doctor Rodney Moore located at Woonsocket, and prac- 
ticed medicine there until his death in 1880. Doctor A. M. Paine has 
been actively engaged in Woonsocket since 1864, ranking now as one 
of the oldest allopathic physicians here. Doctor Gideon Archambault 
came to Woonsocket in 1869, and has been in practice since that time. 



84 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The first French physician to locate here was a Doctor La Ferriere, 
who removed to Woonsocket before 1868. Doctor Joseph Hils has 
been in practice since 1872; and other French physicians have been 
Doctors Joseph A. Gagnon, P. E. Gervais, E. A. La Ferriere and Jo- 
seph C. Maranda. Contemporaneous allopathic physicians were 
Daniel M. Edwards, John J. Baxter, Peter H. Madden, William C. 
Monroe, Henry W.Stillman, George R.Smith and Frank H. Jenckes. 
Among those who have been in practice but have removed to other 
fields are remembered Doctors William T. Thurston, Charles A. Bur- 
ton and Fisher Bosworth. The first regular lady physician to prac- 
tice in the city of Woonsocket is Miss Mary L. Farnum, daughter of 
John B. Farnum, an old resident of this place. She was born here 
April 23d, 1863. After being a student at the Friends' School at 
Providence, she graduated from the Woman's Medical College at 
Philadelphia, in March, 1886. After spending a year an4 a half in 
the New York Infant Asylum, she studied one year at Vienna, Berlin 
and Stockholm, and then located for regular practice at W T oonsocket 
in October, 1888. In the period that she has been here she has estab- 
lished a successful practice, fully demonstrating the capacity of 
women for this line of work. 

In the year 1842 great interest was manifested in the Thompso- 
nian system of medicine, and several practitioners of that school set- 
tled at Woonsocket. Among them was Doctor J. M. Aldrich, who 
also opened an herbarium or medicine store. This was located on 
Main street, near the Baptist church, and there he also furnished 
vapor baths. Doctor G. W. Davis was also located here at the same 
time, and later conducted a Thompsonian Infirmary in the town. 
Besides being a physician he was a writer of ability, and helped to 
edit one of the papers of that period. Doctor Thomas' Wilbur be- 
longed to the same school, which lost favor in the course of a few 
years. In September, 1849, Doctor A. S. Wetherel, a disciple of the 
eclectic school, located in Woonsocket, and has since been in practice. 
For less periods of time Doctors Edwin Boulster and John M. Taber 
have been practicing there, and others have removed after a short 
residence. 

A Doctor Gage was one of the first homeopathic physicians, living 
at Woonsocket prior to 1849, and removing thence to Medway. Doc- 
tor R. G. Belt came awhile later and remained a few years. In June, 
L858, Doctor Richard Carique, a graduate from the Hahnemann Med- 
ical College of Philadelphia, began practicing at Woonsocket, con- 
tinuing there until his death, in December, 1866. Contemporary with 
him was Doctor ( ). D. Cargill, who gave up his practice here in July, 
1867, removing to Boston. Doctor Jerome Harris became his suc- 
cessor. ■ He came from Norwich, Conn. About the same time Doctor 
J. S» Nichols was here in practice, and he was reputed to be an excel- 
lent physician. Doctor Thomas H. Mann came later, and was sue- 



f 

HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 85 

ceeded in 1885 by the present Doctor E. N. Kingsbury, who has for 
a contemporary in this school of medicine, Doctor Robert G. Reed. 
The latter has been in practice a number of years, locating in Woon- 
socket when Doctor W. R. McLaren was also a homeopathic physi- 
cian. 

One of the first permanent practitioners of dentistry in Woon- 
socket was Doctor Ambrose Horton, who was for 30 years engaged in 
that profession, prior to his death in 1859. Before the last mentioned 
date Doctors S. B. Bartholemew and M. W. Small were also dentists 
in that town. Soon after Doctor Amos A. Pevey came, and continued 
more than 20 years. Since the war Doctors A. W. Buckland and Fred. 
L. Cleveland have been leading dentists. 

Matthias Abel, M.D., was born in Bethlehem, N. J., January 1st, 
1836. He was the son of Enoch and Nancy (Smith) Abel. He began 
the study of medicine with John Blane, M.D., of Perryville,N. J., and 
afterward graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
New York, in the class of 1857. He joined the Dis. Med. Society of 
Hunterdon county and the New Jersey State Medical Society the 
same year, and was licensed to practice medicine* and surgery by the 
latter. He was one of the censors of the state medical society in 
1862-4. He filled numerous positions of responsibility in medical, 
social and educational circles in New Jersey, where he was first 
located for medical practice at Quakertown, and after a period of 
about 25 years' practice he sold out, and removed to Providence in 
18S3. Here he has since been located. He was married to Miss Ellen 
M. Hires, daughter of Reverend W. D. Hires, a Baptist clergyman, at 
Quakertown in March, 1864. They have one daughter. Alice M., now 
the wife of C. J. Parrott of Scranton, Pa. 

Thomas E. Allen, M.D., was born at London, Middlesex county, 
Ontario, March 7th, 1845. He was a graduate of Bailey's Grammar 
School and Arts College, in 1863, also of the Homeopathic Hospital 
College of Cleveland, in 1867, and of the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons in 1869. He was married to Emma E. Row, of Billeville, 
Hastings county, Ontario, January 24th, 1881. As yet they have no 
children. The parentage of Doctor Allen is from Vermont on the 
paternal side, and from Sutton, Quebec, on the maternal side. Their 
names were Hugh and Martha Allen. He is an active and enterpris- 
ing man and a conscientious physician, and having made the study 
of chronic diseases a specialty, he has recently established a sanita- 
rium for their treatment at a point just south of the city of Provi- 
dence, and at the head of Narragansett bay. The locality is conven- 
ient of access by horse cars, electric cars and other means, and offers 
a very desirable retreat for invalids who wish quiet and restful sur- 
roundings. 

Oliver H. Arnold, A.M., M.D., was born in Coventry, R. I., June 
23d, 1841, his father being of the Arnold family of Warwick, and his 



1 

8(3 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

mother Elizabeth M. Greene, of the celebrated family whose ancestry 
came to America in 1636. Through this line Doctor Arnold is the 
eighth generation in America. His great-grandfather, Jacob Greene, 
was a brother of General Nathaniel Greene, of revolutionary fame. 
Another brother of the general was Doctor Jabez Greene, a physician, 
who received his education in England. On the breaking out of the 
war for independence these three Greene brothers carried on at their 
farm the forging of anchors. The remains of the forge were well 
known to Doctor Arnold in the days of his boyhood. During the 
revolution a part of the ancestral homestead was used as a hospital, 
and some of the soldiers were buried on the farm and have since been 
removed to the family burying ground. Doctor Arnold was born at 
the homestead, where his mother is still living, she also having been 
born there. He attended Pierce Academy, Middleborough, Mass., 
and Lapham Institute at Scituate, R. I., and afterward spent about 
three years at the University Grammar School in Providence. He 
afterward passed through Brown University, and graduated with the 
degree of A.B., in 1865. He pursued medical studies at Harvard Uni- 
versity, and received the degree of M.D. there in 1867. He began the 
practice of medicine at Pawtucket, with Doctor Charles F. Manches- 
ter, with whom he remained about four years, having also been a 
student of Doctor A. H. Okie, of Providence. He continued the prac- 
tice of his profession from that time to 1883 alone. In the summer 
of 1883 he went to Europe, and remained there two years, travelling, 
and studying in the hospitals of London, Glasgow, Paris and Vienna, 
most of the time in the last mentioned place. On his return in 1885 
he located in Providence, where he still continues. He was married 
in 186S, to Emma Josephine Ayer, of Providence. He has had a large 
and successful practice as a physician. 

Walter Eugene Anthony, M.D., was born in Providence, Decem- 
ber 12th, 1847. His father was Lorenzo D., and his mother Mary S. 
Anthony. His early education was in the public schools of Provi- 
dence and at Highland Military Academy, of Worcester, Mass. He 
graduated from Brown University in 1864, and began the study of 
medicine with Doctor George Capron, in 1863. He also attended 
lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, at 
the University of Vermont, at Harvard Medical College, and at the 
University of New York, where he graduated in March, 1867. He 
began practice in Providence in April of the same year. He has been 
physician to the Children's Nursery, the Home for Aged Women and 
the Dispensary, also secretary of Rhode Island Medical Society from 
1874 to 1880, and president of Providence Medical Association in 1879 
and 1880. He was surgeon of the First Light Infantry, 1868 to 1873; 
assistant surgeon general of Rhode Island, 1873 to 1878; member of 
American Medical Association, since 1876; one of the incorporators, 
and the first treasurer of Rhode Island Pharmaceutive Association; 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 87 

one of the founders and the first librarian of the Rhode Island Medical 
Society Library, and a charter member of Rising Sun Lodge of Free 
and Accepted Masons. Me was married to Marie Louise Knowles of 
the city of Providence, and their adopted daughter is now the wife of 
Frederick Potter Eddy, of that city. 

Joseph H. Akers, M.D., was born on the 11th of November, L856, 
at Granbv, Mass. His parents were Joseph W. and Lucy A. Akers. 
After attending the schools of his native town and graduating from 
the high school at the age of 17, he taught schools, worked in stores 
at different trades and at farming, saving his earnings with the view 
of studying medicine. The inspiration to this course had come to him 
through his intercourse with a physician with whom he lived while 
attending the high school. One year before entering the medical 
college he studied in the office of Doctor H. S. Bell, of Granbv, Mass. 
He attended Dartmouth Medical College, graduating in the class of 
1884, and for one year previous to graduating was assistant physician 
in Doctor Ira Russell's " Family Home,*' at Winchendon, Mass., a 
private retreat for the treatment of nervous and mental diseases and 
the alcohol and opium habits. He first located at Fiskdale, Mass., 
where he remained one year, after which he took a post graduate 
course at the Polyclinic School in the city of New York. He then 
spent another year at Fiskdale. In 1885 he was married to Miss A. 
L. Sholes of the city of Providence, and in the following year moved 
to that city and began practice there, where he still continues. Doctor 
Akers has succeeded in establishing a lucrative practice and bids fair 
to attain prominence in his chosen profession. 

Mowry Paine Arnold, M. D., of Foster Centre, was born in Smith- 
field (now Lincoln) September 30th, 1801, being the son of Israel and 
Anna (Chace) Arnold. He was a lineal descendant, in the sixth gen- 
eration, of William Arnold, one of the 13 original proprietors of Prov- 
idence. Doctor Arnold was educated in Belchertown, Mass., and at 
Amherst College, where he acquired Latin and Greek. He studied 
medicine with Doctors Cutler Gridley, of Amherst, and Potter Allen, 
of Glocester, R. I., and graduated at Berkshire Medical School in 
Pittsfield, Mass., in 1827, taking the highest honors of his class. In 
1828 he moved to Foster, where he resided, in the practice of medi- 
cine, till his death. He was thrice married: first to Dorcas Peckham, 
April 10th, 1828; second to Electa Randall, in 1841; third to Asenath 
Place, in January, 1847. He has now living three sons and two daugh- 
ters. The sons, Barnard and Henry, are practicing physicians, and 
Mowry P. is a well-to-do farmer. He has held various offices in the 
town. Doctor Arnold was the first superintendent of the first wSab- 
bath school in Foster Centre, in 1828, and long served as librarian of 
the Manton Library of Foster. For some years he was postmaster at 
Foster Centre. In 1848 he was elected state senator, and declined a 



88 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

reelection the following term. He was town treasurer since I860, and 
was connected with the schools of the town for more than 50 years, 
and most of this time was chairman of the committee. In 1832 he 
united with the Christian Baptist church in Foster, of which he was 
for some time secretary. He died April 26th, 1890, in the 89th year 
of his age. 

Barnard Arnold, M. D., of Scituate, was born August 9th, 1852, in Fos- 
ter. R.I. His parents were Doctor Mowry P. Arnold and Asenath (Place) 
Arnold. Doctor Arnold was given a superior public school education, 
so that when he reached his twentieth year he had taught three terms 
of public school. In June, 1876, he graduated at East Greenwich 
Academy, having pursued and successfully completed other branches 
of study besides those in the college preparatory course proper. He 
published an original poem showing some merit, in the New England 
Journal of Education, March 4th, 1876, and wrote some prose articles 
that were printed while at school. Thomas W. Bicknell, formerly 
commissioner of education of the Rhode Island schools, published the 
Journal at this time. 

In March. 187S, he graduated from the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, New York, with the degree of M. D. He had studied medi- 
cine under his father for three years, and had gathered the experience 
arising from attendance upon the cases brought into the college clinics 
and the New York hospitals. He began to practice at Foster, R. I., 
with his father, but tried other fields, at Brooklyn, X. Y., and at Wau- 
regan, Conn., until 1882, when he located at Chopmist, in Scituate, 
where he has built up a large and increasing practice. His practice 
of medicine extends over a large territory, including the villages of 
Rockland, Ponaganset, Richmond, Clayville, South Scituate and 
throughout the town into surrounding towns. He has performed 
many of the most difficult operations in surgery, and the publication 
of some of them, in newspapers and by other means, has given him 
considerable reputation. In 1885 he was appointed by the town coun- 
cil president of the board of vaccination, consisting of the town phy- 
sicians, to furnish vaccination gratuitously to school children. Since 
the year 1886 he has been town physician of Scituate, and is a well 
known correspondent of the state board of health, having been the 
foremost of his section to report the famous influenza or " la grippe " 
of 1889 '.)'). and treated between one hundred and two hundred cases 
without a single death. 

He was elected superintendent of public schools for Scituate in 
1886, and held that office three years, and he did much to bring the 
schools up to a higher standard. In L890 he was elected a member of 
the Rhode Island State Medical Society, his name being proposed 
by Doctors Charles 11. Fisher and N. B. Kenyon. 




aAsvzaAct 




URTOTYPE, E. BIERSTADT, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 88a 

Doctor Arnold was married November 23d, 1881, to Charlotte 
Elizabeth Cooke, daughter of Amos W. and Elizabeth I Tourtellot) 
Cooke, the marriage taking- place at the home of the bride in Scituate, 
Reverend J. M. Brewster of Providence officiating as clergyman. 
Doctor Arnold's excellent success is largely due to his talented and 
accomplished wife. She obtained a superior education at the Rhode 
Island State Normal School, always taking first rank in her classes 
and is now one of the best teachers in Scituate. Mrs. Arnold is a 
member of the Rhode Island Woman's Suffrage Association and is a 
gifted writer for the newspaper press. Since her marriage she has 
pursued the study of medicine and is now prepared to enter medical 
college. They have one child, Earle Bernon Arnold, born October 
27th, 1886, and named from Gabriel Bernon, a Huguenot ancestor on 
his mother's side. Doctor Arnold and wife are members of the Free 
Baptist church at Chopmist. He is a public spirited citizen and to- 
gether with his wife has done much for the upbuilding of the church 
and society in the place where they reside. 

John L. Ashton, M. D.. of Pawtucket, was born in that place May 
3d. 1856. He was the youngest son of John and Hannah (Worsley) 
Ashton. He graduated at the high school in his native city, and dur- 
ing the seven years following he was connected with the drug busi- 
ness there and in Brooklyn, X. Y. He also spent two years as pre- 
scription clerk in the Rhode Island Hospital. He then studied 
medicine with Doctor Sylvanus Clapp, in Pawtucket, and in the fall 
of 1877 he attended a course of lectures at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in New York. He then attended Dartmouth Medical 
College and graduated from that institution in 1879. Within the 
same year he began the practice of his profession in Pawtucket, and 
has continued there ever since. He enjoys a lucrative practice, and 
is highly esteemed by his professional associates and the community 
at large. 

Frederick W. Bradbury, M. D., of Auburn, town of Cranston, R. I., 
is a graduate of Brown University, class of 1878. He pursued his 
medical studies at the New York Homeopathic College, graduating 
from that institution in the class of 1875. He came to the village of 
Auburn in 1883, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession 
and also in the drug trade. Doctor Bradbury is town physician of 
Cranston and superintendent of health. He enjoys a lucrative busi- 
ness and is highly respected in the community. 

John Clarke Budlong, surgeon general of Rhode Island, was born 
in Cranston, R. I., August 28th, 1836. According to a genealogical 
table prepared by Joseph A. Budlong, of Providenee, he is a lineal 
descendant of Francis Budlong, the first settler of the name in Rhode 
Island. The ancient record of his marriage reads thus: " Francis 



88b HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Budlong and Rebecca Howard, widow of Joseph Howard, were mar- 
ried on Friday March 19, 1068-9, in her father's house John Lippitt's." 
Francis Budlong, his wife and all his family except an infant son, 
were massacred by the Narragansetts in November, 1675, near the 
outbreak of King- Philip's war. This child, John, was carried away a 
captive, but was rescued four years later by a maternal relative. He 
prospered, owning- in 109-2, 25 acres of land which rapidly increased to 
several hundred. Such enterprise could not fail of appropriate rec- 
ompense, and accordingly we find his son, Moses, and his grandson, 
Samuel, contracting such favorable alliances that in the next genera- 
tion, Samuel 2d, and still more completely in Samuel 3d, flowed har- 
moniously commingled, not only the blood of Roger Williams and 
the Watermans, but of the oldest and best families of the state. The 
last named, Samuel 3d, enjoyed the life companionship of Rachel 
Martin, a lineal descendant of Christopher Martin, who came over in 
the " Mayflower." To them was born the subject of this sketch. 

At an early age he attended the public schools of his native town, 
and later entered the Fruit Flill Classical Institute, where he carried 
off the first honors of his class. At Smithville Seminary, now Lap- 
ham Institute, he spent a year or more pursuing special branches pre- 
paratory to studying medicine. In 1850 he placed himself under the 
tuition of his brother-in-law, Isaac W. Sawin, of Centredale, R. I. The 
next year he entered upon his first course of lectures at the Home- 
opathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, but his 
second course was deferred until the fall of 1862, that he might secure 
the wherewithal by teaching school in North Providence. He re- 
ceived his diploma March 3d, 1863, and opened an office at No. 134 North 
Twelfth street, which he maintained as long as he remained in the 
Ouaker City. During the time he was attending the customary clini- 
cal courses at Pennsylvania and Blockley Hospitals, he studied sur- 
gical anatomy and operative surgery, under Doctor D. Hayes Agnew,. 
who furnished him with a diploma certifying to his proficiency in 
those branches. 

At the beginning of the civil war Doctor Budlong tendered his 
services to Governor Sprague for the medical staff of volunteers. How- 
ever, not receiving orders to appear before the examining board until 
he was advanced in his final lecture course, permission was granted 
to complete his studies. In July, 1863, he enlisted in the Third Regi- 
ment of Rhode Island Cavalry, and was immediately appointed assist- 
ant surgeon of that regiment. November 16th, 1863, he was promoted 
to the rank of surgeon, and a month later, with the First Battalion, 
sailed for New ( )rleans, where they reported to General Banks, January 
I Itli. L864. During the famous Red River Campaign they were as- 
signed t<» the Fifth Brigade Cavalry Division, Department of the Gulf, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 88c 

Colonel Gooding-, U. S. A., commanding, and thus participated in the 
battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Marksville Plain, Kane 
River, Yellow Bayou, and numerous lesser affrays. Doctor Budlong 
remained with the army until November 29th. 186f), when he was 
mustered out. 

Once more a free man, he returned to his native state, and entered 
into partnership with his late preceptor, Doctor Sawin, at Centredale. 
In 1868 the senior member of the firm removed to Providence, leaving 
the entire field to his associate, who succeeded in building up a large 
practice. Finding his duties were beginning to impair his health, 
Doctor Budlong attempted to secure a competent and worthy associate, 
and was rewarded in associating with Charles A. Barnard, M. D. In 
1883 he transferred to Doctor Barnard his business at Centredale and 
removed to Providence, where he has since resided and practiced his 
profession. 

On June 7th, 1866, Doctor Budlong manned Martha Alexander, 
daughter of the late Doctor and Professor Walter and Matilda (Massey) 
Williamson of Philadelphia. To them have been born seven sons 
and one daughter. 

Doctor Budlong was baptized into the fellowship of the Allendale 
(R. I.) Baptist church by the Reverend Francis Smith in 1857, but in 
1863 he united with Grace (P. E.) church of Philadelphia. He subse- 
quently served as vestryman in the parish of St. Thomas, at Green- 
ville, R. I., and St. Peter's at Manton. Despite the fundamental an- 
tagonism of the respective creeds of these denominations, we find a 
gentleman professing successively the tenets of both, without im- 
periling in the least his Christian reputation, while not a few belong- 
ing to one only, find the utmost difficulty in maintaining even the 
pretense of piety. 

On July 16th. 1863, Doctor Budlong was commissioned surgeon of 
the Pawtucket Light Guard Battalion; May 11th, 1874, brigade surgeon 
of the Second Brigade of the Rhode Island Militia, and March 8th, 
1875, by vote of the general assembly, over all competitors, surgeon 
general of the state, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Howard 
King, M. D. He was reelected to the position without formal oppo- 
sition in 1879, 1884 and 1889, when but one vote was thrown against 
him in the entire Grand Committee. 

Doctor Budlong represented the Rhode Island Homeopathic Soci- 
ety at the World's Convention, held in 1876, and. about that time en- 
rolled himself in the American Institute of Homeopathy, of which or- 
ganization he is still a prominent member. In 1880 he was elected 
treasurer of the Rhode Island Homeopathic Medical Society, and the 
following year was chosen president of the same. He has been fur- 
ther complimented by election as honorary member of the New York 



88d HISTORY OF PROYIDEISXE COUNTY. 

State Homeopathic Medical Society in 1881, and of the Massachusetts? 
Society in 1886. 

The New Jersey Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company made 
him medical examiner in 1867, and the Hahnemann in 1861). He has 
also examined for the Phoenix Life. Worcester Mutual Life, the Prov- 
ident of New York, and others. The Rhode Island Homeopathic 
Hospital has profited by his services as visiting- surgeon since its 
opening in March, 1886. Recently he has been placed on its board 
of trustees. Among other positions he has held the office of chair- 
man of the school committee. Doctor Budlong is also interested in 
Masonic affairs, being a member of What Cheer Lodge, the Calvary 
Commandery, and of the Rhode Island Sovereign Consistory 32 
Scottish Rite, all of Providence. Moreover, he is enrolled in Prescott 
Post, No. 1, G. A. R., in the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors' His- 
torical Society, and in the Massachusetts Commandery of the Mili- 
tary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 

Briefly, Doctor Budlong is of commanding presence, dignified bear- 
ing, modest and retiring, as well as forbearing disposition, kind man- 
ner and genial companionship; in harmonious relations not only with 
every member of the state society, but with the entire state profession 
as well; esteemed by all who know him, most by those who know him 
best. 

Robert Hall, M. I)., of Providence city, is distinctively a profes- 
sional man, and one who has but little time for other than strictly 
professional work. As a physician, he belongs to a class who lead the 
profession, and to whom the world is indebted, especially during these 
latter years, for the great progress made in the science of the healing- 
art. I )octor Hall was born in the town of West Greenwich, R. L, May 
L8th, L830. His parents, Robert and Zilpha (Weaver) Hall, gave their 
son the work allotted to all farmers' boys, and such educational 
advantages as the country district school afforded. When 17 years 
"f age, he went to the academy at Worcester, Mass., and subse- 
quently attended the seminary at East Greenwich. R. I. When 20 
years of age he began teaching school, and the year after commenced 
his medical studies under Doctor George D. Wilcox, now of Provi- 
dence. In the spring of 1856 he received his degree of M. D., from 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, and in 
L857 located, in the practice of his profession, at Centreville, R. I., 
where he remained 14 years. 

August 20th, 1861, he was married to Susan Wood Randall, daugh- 
ter of Stephen and Adaline Randall of Warwick, R.I. Her father 
was a manufacturer. I le was also the inventor of a machine for cot- 
tonizitig flax, which was in general use for several years. After the 
war, he went South, and was engaged for some time in the erection 
of cotton mills. In L87] Doctor Hall removed to Providence and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 88e 

formed a partnership with Doctor A. B. Foster, with whom he re- 
mained 11 years. In 1883 he purchased the handsome home where 
he now resides. Doctor Hall practices homeopathy, although a grad- 
uate of the old school, being convinced that the system of home- 
opathy is superior to that of allopathy. After his graduation in medi- 
cine, he attended other hospitals and colleges that he might the more 
thoroughly prepare himself for his chosen field of labor. He attended 
lectures at the Bellevue Hospital, at the Bellevue Hospital Medical 
College, and at Blackwell's Island Hospitals, and afterward completed 
his post-graduate course by spending five months in the hospital at 
Vienna, Austria. He is a member of the Rhode Island Homeopathic 
Society, and of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Doctor 
Hall's practice is general in its character, but he has had marked suc- 
cess in gynecology, and in the treatment of fever. During the epi- 
demic commencing in the fall of 1883 and ending in the spring of 
1884 he treated 65 cases of typhoid fever without losing a case. Dur- 
ing the epidemic influenza, of the winter of 1881) 90,he treated a large 
number of cases — over seven hundred in two months' time — without 
the loss of a single patient. He is decidedly a successful practitioner 
of medicine, and has had a very extensive business for many years. 

Among the physicians of the town of Glocester of former times 
the following may be mentioned. Doctor Samuel Mowry, who prac- 
ticed in Chepachet for over 40 years, was educated at Dudley and 
Amherst academies, and attended medical lectures in Boston in 1825 
and 1826. He was admitted a member of the Rhode Island Medical 
Society in 1838. He died at Providence. Doctor Reuben Mason 
practiced for a great many years in Glocester. He was a surgeon in 
General William West's brigade in the revolution. Doctor Allen 
Potter settled in the western part of Glocester in 1825 and practiced 
medicine there until overcome by the infirmities of age. He studied 
medicine with his father in Massachusetts three years, and two years 
with Doctor Hubbard in Pomfret, Conn. Doctor Jervis J. Smith was 
the son of Rufus Smith of Burrillville. He studied medicine with his 
uncle, W. Smith, M. D., and was admitted a member of the Rhode 
Island Medical Society in 1833. He settled in Chepachet and had a 
large practice in the vicinity. He was a prominent Mason. He died 
in 1864, and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. 

George Henry Kenyon, A. M., M. D., was born in the city of 
Providence on the first day of April, 1845. He is the eldest son of 
George Amos and Isabella Greene (Brown) Kenyon. His ancestors 
on his father's side came from England, and were among the early 
settlers of that portion of Rhode Island known as the "South County. - ' 
locating somewhere in either North or South Kingstown. His mater- 
nal ancestors came originally from Wales, and located in the vicinity 
of Wickford. R. I. The place first occupied by the first of the family. 



88f HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Beriah Brown, has ever since been, and is now occupied by his descend- 
ants. He came in the year 1640 and 20 years later built the house 
which now stands there and which is still occupied by his direct de- 
scendants. 

Doctor Kenyon received his early education in the public schools 
of the state, and then spent two and a half years in study at the 
Friends' Boarding' School in Providence. There he prepared for col- 
lege and entered Brown University, where he graduated, receiving 
the degree of A. B. Subsequently the degree of A. M. was conferred 
upon him by the same institution. Early in life he had acquired a 
strong desire to study medicine and during the last two years in col- 
lege devoted much of his time to that end, taking a course in practical 
chemistry in the laboratory at Brown. He entered the office of Doc- 
tors Capron & Perry as a student, and from there went to the medical 
department of the University of Vermont, where he graduated as 
Doctor of Medicine in June, 1866. Returning to Providence, he joined 
the Rhode Island Medical Society at the annual meeting in June, 1866, 
and commenced at once upon the practice of his chosen profession. 
vSoon after he became a member of the Providence Medical Associa- 
tion, which association he has served both as secretary and president. 
He was also for a time the treasurer of the Rhode Island Medical 
Society. He is also a member of the American Medical Associa- 
tion. 

During an active and busy life he has also found time to pay some 
attention to matters other than medicine. In 1862 he enlisted as a 
private in the Tenth Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers, serving 
in the Army of the Potomac during the term of enlistment. Some 
years later he became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
joining Prescott Post, No. 1, of Providence, in which he held the posi- 
tion of post surgeon for two or three years, and is at present the 
medical director of the Department of Rhode Island, G. A. R. Uniting 
with the militia of the state he was for a number of years surgeon of 
the United Train of Artillery, which position he resigned in 1883 to 
accept the appointment on the governor's staff of assistant surgeon 
general of the state, which position he still occupies. 

He has given some attention as well to fraternal societies, more 
particularly to Freemasonry. He is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, 
X". 30, A. ]■'. & A. M., having passed through the various offices in that 
body. Calvary Commandery, K. T., the Rhode Island Sovereign Con- 
sistory Scottish Rite, and has also held various offices in the Grand 
Lodge and is at this time serving his second year as grand master of 
Masons in Rhode Island. To this order he has devoted much time 
and attention, making steady progress in advancement, until crowned 
with the 33d degree. 

Stanistas A. Bouvier, M. 1 ).. was born in St. Marcel, in the province 
of Quebec, May 5th, 1864. He attended St. Aime Academv, and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 89 

graduated from Victoria College, Montreal, in 1888. He then joined 
his family at Marlboro, Mass., and soon after commenced the practice 
of medicine at Manville, where he has continued until the present 
time. 

Hiram Bucklin, M.D., was born in Seekonk, Mass. (now East 
Providence, R. I.), in 1803. He studied medicine under Doctor 
Artemus W. Johnson, and graduated from Brown University. He prac- 
ticed medicine at Valley Falls for 20 years, and died there, April 
17th, 1845. 

Frank George Burnett, M.D., was born in Dudley, Mass., May 30th, 
1860. He was fitted for college at Nicholas Academy, in that place, 
and after taking a course of lectures at the University of Burlington, 
Vt., and at the Long Island Hospital, Brooklyn, N. Y., he received 
the degree of M.D. from the University of New York, in 1885. He 
commenced practice in Windsor, Conn., in the same year, but in 
the winter of 1888 he removed to Pawtucket, where he now practices. 
He is a member of the Hartford County Medical Association, and of 
the Connecticut and Rhode Island medical societies. 

John J. Baxter, M.D., son of Charles and Elizabeth (McOueeney > 
Baxter, was educated at Christian Brothers' High School in Provi- 
dence, and graduated at the University Medical College of New York, 
in 1885. During the same year he began the practice of medicine in 
Woonsocket, where he still continues. He married Jennie C, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Furlong, of Providence, in 1886. He is a member of 
the hospital staff, and also a member of the Rhode Island Medical 
Society. 

Doctor Charles A. Barnard, of Graniteville, is a native of Macon, 
Ga., where he was born August 16th, 1843. When he was quite young 
his father removed to Providence, where he received a liberal educa- 
tion. He afterward graduated at the New York Medical College, in 
1878. He studied medicine, preparatory to his lecture course, under 
Doctors Wilcox and Barrows of Providence. Doctor Barnard is health 
officer for the town of Johnston, and is also medical examiner for the 
district. 

Doctor Sanford S. Burton, son of John and Harriet T. Burton, na- 
tives of England, was born at Providence, August 4th, 1862. He was 
educated in the city schools, and in the medical department of the 
University of Vermont, and in the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of Baltimore, graduating thence in 1883. He was a student of Doc- 
tor Timothy Newell of Providence. Upon his graduating he imme- 
diately began the practice of his profession in Providence. He was 
surgical externe of the Rhode Island Hospital from 1883 to 1886, and 
physician of the Providence Dispensary in 1883 and 1884. He was 
also medical examiner for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 
in 1884 and 1885. He was married April 21st, 1886, to Antoinette W., 
daughter of Orrin T. and Mary J. Angell, of North Providence. They 



90 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

have two children: Maud A., born August 26th, 1886, and Sanford 
S., Jr., born October 30th, 1887. 

Doctor Israel Bowen, born January 27th, 1812, in Coventry, R. I. r 
was a son of John and Sally Bowen. He attended the common schools 
of his native town, and the Castleton Seminary of Vermont. He 
studied medicine with Doctor Carpenter of Foster, and afterward 
graduated at the Vermont Medical School in 1837. He came the same 
year and commenced the practice of medicine in Johnston. He was 
married in 1839, to Ruth M. Waterman of Coventry, daughter of 
Stephen and Eliza Waterman. He practiced until his death, which 
occurred May 27th, 1879. He left three children: John E., Abbie M. 
and Annie S. 

William James Burge, M.D., was born April 12th, 1831, being the 
son of Reverend Lemuel Burge, whose wife was Elizabeth Ellery 
Shaw, daughter of William Gorham Shaw. Doctor Burge was edu- 
cated at home, at the Washington Academy in Wickford (his native 
place), at the Greenwich Academy, and under the tuition of Reverend 
Doctor Crane, by whom he was fitted to enter as a sophomore at col- 
lege. At this point, however, he changed his course, and commenced 
at once the study of medicine, under the care of Doctor James H. 
Eldredge, of East Greenwich. He was graduated from the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City, March 11th, 1853. He 
located for six months in New York, and occupied a chair at the Cen- 
tral Dispensary, and filled the office of an attache of the New York 
Lying-in Asylum. He removed to Salisbury, Conn., where he prac- 
ticed for a year, and then associated himself with his brother, Doctor 
J. H. H. Burge, in Brooklyn, N. Y. After three years spent there he 
spent three years in Taunton, Mass., when the war broke out, and he 
entered the navv as a surgeon and served four years. At the close 
of the war he located in Atchison, Kansas, where he practiced for 
eight years. He then returned to Rhode Island, and since then has 
practiced here, being located at Pawtuxet, in the town of Cranston. 
He has been twice married; first to a step-daughter of Bishop Vail of 
Kansas, by whom two daughters are living — Mrs. Jeter of Bethlehem, 
and Miss Bessie Vail Burge; and second to Mrs. M. D. Arnold, daugh- 
ter of Hon. James R. Doolittle, of Racine, Wis., by whom he has two 
daughters— Dorotha Brenton and Sara Doolittle. 

Elwood Adfer Ballon, M.D., was born in the town of Burrillville, 
on the 24th of September, 1858. There he resided until 1864, when 
li is mother died and he was placed under the care of a farmer in 
Smithfield, Mr. T. E. Phetteplaee, with whom he lived about20years. 
He attended the common schools during the early years, afterward 
the State Normal School and Mt. Pleasant Academy. In 1884 he en- 
tered the office of Doctor E. B. Smith, in Providence, and studied 
medicine with him one year. He then attended lectures at the Uni- 
versity Medical College m New York, and at Dartmouth Medical Col- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 91 

lege, where he graduated November 23d, 1887. He commenced the 
practice of medicine at Greenville the next year, and has remained 
there to the present time. He was married March 1st, 1882, to Harriet 
M. Conant, at Northbridge, Mass., and they have a son, Thurston P., 
six years of age, and a daughter, Elnora E., four years of age. 

Albert F. Barry was born in Nashua, N. H., in the year 1866. His 
boyhood was spent under favorable circumstances, he attending the 
public schools, and later receiving the instruction of a private tutor 
and a college course, graduating at the University of New York City. 
He began practice in that city, but came to Providence in February, 
1889. 

George Leonard Barnes, M.D., son of George L. and Eliza G. 
Barnes, was born in Smithfield, March 9th, 1839. He was brought 
up in that town, where he received his early education. After taking 
a partial course at Brown University he attended the University of 
Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1865. He then opened an office 
in New York city, in the fall of that year. In May, 1866, he estab- 
lished himself in practice at Hudson, N. Y., and after remaining there 
two years he settled in Providence, where he was very successful in 
his practice. He was married to Nettie Carr, April 3d, 1866. Four 
children have been born to them: Frederick A., Bradbury J., Carrie 
L. and Bradbury L. The first and last are living, the other two died 
young. About the beginning of 1884 his mind began to fail, and he 
gradually became incapacitated for his work. The disease grew upon 
him, and December 29th, 1885, he was taken to Butler Hospital, and 
is still an inmate of that institution. He was one of the founders of 
the Homeopathic Dispensary and the Homeopathic Hospital, both of 
Providence, and was a prominent member of the Rhode Island 
Homeopathic Society. His father had been a successful lawyer in 
Providence, and at his wish the son had adopted the profession of 
medicine. On the death of the father a large property had fallen to 
the son, and the subsequent loss of this was the occasion, if not the 
cause, of the development of the mental disease which retired him 
from active duties at an early age. 

R. Frank Cooke Browne, M.D., was born at Warren, R. I., October 
6th, 1855. He was the son of S. Carter Browne, D.D, and his wife, 
Maria Russell Browne. He was educated privately until able to com- 
plete his studies at grammar and high school. He then entered the 
employ of Albert L. Calder, in the drug business, and in 1873 he be- 
came a student with E. T. Caswell, M.D., then surgeon to the Rhode 
Island Hospital. In May, 1874, he entered the medical department 
of Boston University, remaining there until the spring of 1876. In 
September of that year he entered the office of Doctors Schneider & 
Boynton, of Cleveland, Ohio, where he could have unusual advant- 
ages in the study of surgery in the hospital practice of his instruc- 
tors. He was anions: the surgeons on the relief train from Cleveland 



92 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

to the scene of the terrible disaster at Ashtabula in the winter of 
1876-77. He completed his studies at the Cleveland Medical College 
in the spring of 1877, but remained in the employ of Doctors Schnei- 
der & Boynton till the following July. In September he was married 
to May Logan, daughter of William Logan, of Cleveland, and soon 
after removed to Warren, R. L, where he commenced practice, and 
soon saw a very prosperous business accumulating on his hands. In 
the midst of it, in November, 1882, he was prostrated by a stroke of 
paralysis, having already been prostrated by one stroke while at 
Cleveland. On September 20th, 1883, his wife died, and he now de- 
termined to abandon his practice for the time being. He spent the 
winter in study in the hospitals of New York city, and sailed for 
Europe in the spring of 1884. After visiting the hospitals of London, 
Paris and Vienna, he returned to Rhode Island, resuming practice in 
the city of Providence. He soon after formed a partnership with 
William Caldwell, M.D., but failing health obliged him to retire from 
the excessive work of a city practice, and he located at Riverside, in 
East Providence, where he still resides, practicing his profession, and 
contributing to professional and general publications of the time. 
He is actively interested in the political affairs of the state, and gives 
his allegiance to the democratic party. In religious matters he is a 
churchman, having been a vestryman of St. Mark's church, and is a 
member of several of the secret societies of the state. 

Asa W. Brown, M.D., is of Puritan stock, being- of the ninth gen- 
eration from the " Mayflower," and was born in Sterling, Conn., Sep- 
tember 28th, 1813. His father was Daniel Brown, a farmer in 
moderate circumstances. The family lived in Sterling until our 
subject was three years old, when they removed to Killingly. Our 
subject attended the common schools of the time, and at the age of 
18 began teaching school, and after his 21st year received an academ- 
ical education, for which he paid out of the small earnings of his 
school teaching. Having a fixed desire to enter the medical profes- 
sion he labored against unfavorable circumstances for many years, 
but finally graduated from the Homeopathic College of Cleveland, 
Ohio, in the spring of 1853. He soon after commenced practice in 
Centreville, R. I., but his health being poor he removed to Mystic 
Bridge, in the hope that the change might benefit him. There he re- 
mained until 1872, when he was obliged to give himself rest for a 
time on account of his health. In 1874 he located in Providence and 
soon had a large practice, and is still engaged in that field, enjoying 
good health and actively attending to business, at the age of 76 years. 
He has been three times married; first, at the age of 24, to Lucy M. 
Pray, by whom he had one daughter; second, to Maria Kies, by whom 
he had one son; third to Mrs. Lucy A. Brigs, when he was 69 years 
old. She is still living. Mr. Brown tried several other pursuits in 
early life, previous to entering the medical profession, but in none 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 93 

found his congenial or successful calling until he found it in this, but 
here he has been uniformly successful. 

Miss Lucy H. A. Brown, M.D., daughter of Doctor Asa W. Brown 
by his first wife, was born in Killingly, Conn., June 8th, 1841. Her 
mother died when Lucy was but two months old, but just before her 
death she had given her babe to her sister, who afterward proved to 
be a kind mother to her infant charge. On reaching years of help- 
fulness to herself Miss Brown learned telegraphy, and followed the 
art for two years, and afterward engaged as book-keeper and as 
cashier in business houses in Providence. In 1877, at the suggestion 
of a phrenologist, and in the face of discouragement of her friends, 
she determined to study medicine. After studying with Doctor 
Jewell, of Catskill, N. Y., for one year, she entered the Homeopathic 
Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, in the fall of 1880, and gradu- 
ated from that institution with an honorable record of standing (over 
90 per cent.), March 8th, 1882. She then came to Providence, and 
May 9th opened an office on Chestnut street. With health somewhat 
depleted by close application to her studies, the work of her practice 
soon began to wear upon her health, and after two years she was so 
far broken down that a change was necessary. She left this field and 
located at Normal Park, 111., where she procured a license and prac- 
ticed. In about two years her health was restored, and she returned 
to Providence, at first occupying the office with her father. Her 
practice soon grew so large that she opened an office by herself, at 
336 Willard avenue, where she is now located, in the enjoyment of a 
good practice. 

L. H. Beaudry, M.D., was born December 23d, 1842, in St. Damase, 
St. Hyacinthe county, Quebec; being the son of Francis X. and Euse- 
bie (Hebert) Beaudry. His father was a farmer, and is still living in 
Canada, at the age of 89 years. Our subject went to the parish school 
from 1850 to 1855, and from the latter date to 1861 attended St. Hya- 
cinthe College. After leaving college he was for a time engaged in 
farming, with his father. He was married about that time, to Marie 
P. Lucier of his native town. They have had twelve children, of 
whom six died in infancy. Those living are: Marie Louise, now the 
wife of Doctor L. P. de Prandpie of Fall River, Mass.; Louis Philippe; 
Rodrigue D.; Victorine H.; Edgar and Bertha. From 1866 to 1868 
young Beaudry engaged as a teacher at St. Pie, Bagot county, Quebec, 
and in the latter year he began to study medicine at McGill Univer- 
sity, Montreal. After graduating there with honors, in 1871, he 
practiced medicine 15 years at St. Cesaire, Rouville county, Quebec. 
While there he held the office of councilman for two years, post- 
master two years, and inspector of licenses under the federal liquor 
law, two years. From that place he removed to Pawtucket, where he 
has practiced since May 1st, 1886, being well patronized. 



94 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

George A. Brug, M.D., the son of Philip and Marguerita Brug, was 
born in New York city, May 29th, 1853. He was educated in the pub- 
lic schools of Providence, R. I., and after graduating from the clas- 
sical department of the liigh school, entered Brown University. After 
remaining there two years he took two courses of medical lectures at 
Bowdoin College, and one course at Detroit Medical School. He 
graduated with honors at Bowdoin in June, 1875. In September fol- 
lowing he went to Europe, where he visited the principal hospitals in 
London, and after visiting other countries, spent eight months in 
hospital work in Vienna and six weeks in Paris, and four months in 
Strasburg in study. Returning to Providence he opened an office at 
212 Broad street, and afterward moved to 137 Washington street. He 
has been engaged in practice in Providence for the past 11 years. He 
is a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society, the Providence 
Medical Association, and is connected with a number of charitable and 
beneficial orders, a surgeon in different organizations of militia, and 
has served as medical externe at the Rhode Island Hospital. He was 
married to Miss Eliza Campbell, at Norfolk, Mass., January 1st, 1879, 
and has three children: Philip G., Eden M. and Grace E. 

Edwin Boulster, M. D., was born in North Smithfield, July 4th, 
1843, his parents being Warren and Samantha M. Boulster. His edu- 
cation was confined to the common school until he was old enough to 
earn the means with which to pursue it further. He learned the 
trade of a brass moulder, and by working at that and other kinds of 
work he was able to pay his way at higher schools. He spent several 
terms in Lapham Institute, North Scituate,and afterward learned the 
trade of a carpenter and joiner, working in that line for several years. 
In 1872 and 1873 he took his first course in Bowdoin College, and in 
1874 entered the Eclectic University of Philadelphia. Graduating 
there in March, 1875, he went to Burrillville and began practice. 
A tier eight years spent there he entered a partnership with Doctor 
A. S. Wetherel at Woonsocket, but retained his office in Burrillville. 
He is still practicing in both places, mostly in Woonsocket. He was 
married in 1887, to Eudora E. Burlingame. 

Rufus Herbert Carver, M.D., son of Charles H. and Sarah Carver, 
was born at Taunton, Mass., January 22d, 1849. He attended the 
common schools, graduating from the high school in 1866, and from 
Harvard Medical School in 1870. He began practice in Providence 
in May of that year. In February, 1872, he removed to Pascoag, and 
took the practice of Doctor Samuel O. Griffin, who was sick, and in 
March, 1873, he returned to Providence and became associated with 
Doctors Capron and Perry. This partnership was dissolved in Octo- 
ber, 1877, since which time he has been practicing at 12 Aborn street. 
He has been visiting physician to the Providence Lying-in Hospital 
since its foundation, and admitting physician for the last two years. 
He is a member of the medical societies of state and city and is un- 
married. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 95 

Charles K. Clark, M.D., was born in Scituate, in 1851. He is a son 
of Daniel A. Clark, Sr., whose wife was Mary E. Harrington. His 
paternal ancestors for three generations back were of the same name. 
Charles K. was educated at Lapham Institute and Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, New York. He graduated from the latter institu- 
tion in 1874, and in 1875 located at Fiskville, in the Pawtuxet valley, 
where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. 
He has held the offices of assessor of taxes and school committee. 
He was married in 1876, to Miss Lizzie Manta, daughter of Reverend 
Zebulon Manta, of Maine, and they have had two children, a son and 
a daughter, of which only the former is now living. 

William Caldwell, M.D., was born in Boston, Mass., August 17th. 
1844. His parents were Samuel R. and Harriet Caldwell. In his 
youthful years he became a drug clerk and followed that business ten 
3 r ears. He commenced practicing medicine as a physician in 1867, 
and settled in Providence, his present location, in 1873. He was a 
member of the school committee from 1882 to 1889, and has been sur- 
geon to the United Train of Artillery, and examining physician for 
several benefit societies. He married Ella M. Tibbets of Portland, 
Me., in 1870, and has two children— Eva May and Edith Maude. 

Doctor Hector Canfield, son of Pearl and Lydia Canfield, was born 
in Stanstead, Province of Quebec, February 8th, 1834, where he shared 
the experience in general of the average country lad of half a century 
ago. He attended the district school three months in winter and did 
general farm work in summer, until 14 years of age, when he assumed 
the function of the " printer's devil " in the office of the local paper, 
the Stanstead Journal. There he remained about six years, and then 
went to Manchester, N. H., and thence to St. Johnsbury, Vt., to fill 
the position of foreman of the Caledonian office, where he superin- 
tended the introduction of steam power presses into that office. At 
that place he graduated from the printing office to the Christian min- 
istry, in 1861, and from that time forward he held the pastoral rela- 
tion successively in Cabot and Waterbury, Vt.; Pittsfield and Barn- 
stead, N. H.; Boston, North Attleboro and Newburyport, Mass.; and 
Providence, R. I. He was married in his native town, in 1854, to 
Laura L. Stone. Their children were: George C, Lillie E., Henry H. 
(deceased), Florence L. and Minnie E. Having pursued a somewhat 
systematic course of reading on the subject of medicine, under the 
direction and by the advice of different physicians he commenced 
the practice of medicine in 1868, in Pittsfield, N. H., and in his suc- 
cessive fields, at North Attleboro, Newburyport and Providence he 
has practiced, meeting with very encouraging recognition, and a good 
degree of success. 

George Wheaton Carr was born in Warwick, R. I., January 31st, 
1834. He was the son of John and Maria Brayton Carr. After a full 
preliminary academic education he entered Brown University, and 



96 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

graduated as A.M. in 1857. He then studied medicine in the office of 
Doctor J. W. C. Ely, of Providence, and in the medical department of 
Columbian College, at Washington, D. C, and subsequently in the 
University of Pennsylvania, graduating thence in 1860. In that year 
he was appointed assistant surgeon general of the state of Rhode 
Island, on the staff of Governor William Sprague. In 1861 he was 
commissioned assistant surgeon of the 1st R. I. D. Militia, on the 
staff of Colonel A. E. Burnside, who then commanded that regiment. 
He served with the regiment at Camp Sprague, Washington, and at the 
first battle of Bull Run. On the muster out of that regiment (being a 
three months regiment) in August, 1861, he was commissioned assist- 
ant surgeon, and soon after surgeon, of the 2dR. I. Vols., commanded by 
Colonel Frank Wheaton, afterward general. He was with the regiment 
at Camp Brightwood, Washington, and in all the battles and marches of 
the army of the Potomac, acting also as brigade surgeon and field 
operating surgeon, in which capacity he served at the battles of York- 
town, Mechanicsville, Hanover Junction, Gaines' Mill, Seven Pines, 
Chickahominy Swamp, the seven days battle before Richmond, Mal- 
vern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, Brandy Station, 
Mine Run and Gettysburg. He was mustered out with the regiment 
in 1864, and was soon after commissioned brigade surgeon of the 
Second Brigade of R. I. Militia. In 1868 he was appointed examin- 
ing surgeon of pensions; in 1869, medical director of the R. I. wState 
Militia; in 1878, consulting surgeon of the R. I. Hospital; in 1877 
consulting physician of the Butler Hospital, all of which positions he 
now holds. He served as surgeon of the R. I. Hospital from the 
opening of that institution till 1888, when he resigned, after 20 years 
service. 

Warren Cooke, M.D., of Lincoln, was at the time of his death one 
of the oldest and most prominent physicians in the town. He was 
the son of Jesse and Lydia (Thayer) Cooke, and was born in Uxbridge, 
Massachusetts, August 10th, 1809. He studied medicine with Doctor 
Hiram Cleveland of Pawtucket, and subsequently took a course of lec- 
tures in the Columbian Medical College, Washington, D. C, taking 
his degree of M.D. from that institution, then under the presidency 
of Doctor Stephen Chapen, in the year 1834. He practiced his profes- 
sion first in the state of Maryland. In 1836. under the advice of Doc- 
tor Cleveland he came to this place and for 30 years thereafter was 
located at Lonsdale, where he pursued a large and lucrative practice. 
He was always in feeble health, yet with few interruptions from 
sickness he labored faithfully until 1867, when his health became so 
much impaired that he was compelled to give up the greater part of 
his active business. About this time he moved a short distance 
from Lonsdale to what is known as the Smith place, one of the oldest 
landmarks in the country. It was his object in moving here to re- 
tire to a more quiet life, but he kept actively engaged in his profes- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 97 

sional pursuits until the day of his decease in 1878, when he dropped 
dead from heart disease while in conversation with a youthful friend 
then on a visit to the family. He was very attentive to the wants 
and needs of others in his profession, but was quiet, reserved and 
much opposed to ostentation or great show. 

While in Lonsdale he filled several positions of trust, honor and 
responsibility. He was selected at one time by his fellow townsmen 
for representative to the state legislature, but he felt the duties of 
his profession were such that he should not accept. He always took 
a deep interest in the affairs of the village. He delivered lectures 
before the Young Men's Lyceum. He was elected vestryman in 
Christ's church, October 23d, 1835. He' declined but was elected 
again April 18th, 1830, and continued to serve until 1848, when 
he was elected treasurer. He was sent to the Diocesan Convention 
several times. He was one of the school committee for eight or ten 
years. In all the various duties in life he acted conscientiously and 
from a high sense of integrity. " In the sick chamber he was kind and 
gentle," says a leading publication, " never precipitate or rash. In 
cases of doubt or perplexity he sought counsel. For double dealing 
and quackery he had the utmost contempt. Principle was always 
paramount to self interest. He died May loth, 1873." 

In November, 1845, he married Elizabeth Arnold of Smithfjeld, 
R. I. One daughter, Mrs. Harriet Elizabeth Thornton, survives him. 
Mrs. Cooke was the daughter of Jonathan and Abigail Arnold. Her 
mother was the daughter of John Randall of North Providence, of 
one of the oldest representative families in the county. 

Benoni Carpenter, M.D., of Pawtucket, was a native of Rehoboth. 
Mass.. being the eldest son of Caleb Carpenter. He studied medicine 
with Doctor Usher Parsons, and entered Brown L T niversity, graduat- 
ing in 1829. He then attended Jefferson Medical College, of Phila- 
delphia, from which institution he received his diploma in 1832. He 
commenced the practice of medicine in his native town, and subse- 
quently removed to Seekonk Center, and still later came to Pawtucket. 
After practicing there until 1856. he removed to North Attleboro, 
Mass., but returned to Pawtucket in 1860. During the war he was 
connected with the army in his professional capacity. He died in 
November. 1877. His wife was Adeline Everett, of Wrentham, Mass., 
and their children were: Everett A., a lawyer of Sag Harbor, Long 
Island; W. B. Carpenter, a lawyer practicing in New York city; Ade- 
line E., widow of J. Stone, now resides in Hyde Park. Mass.; Frank 
H., engaged in mercantile business in New York city; Fred. B., a 
physician of East Providence; and Sally S.,wife of Frank B.Webster, 
of Hyde Park. 

Fred. B. Carpenter, M.D., was born in Pawtucket, June 8th, 1845. 
After attending the high school of that town he entered Brown Uni- 
versity in 1864. He then studied medicine with Doctor Lloyd Mor- 
7 



OS HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ton, of Pawtucket, and in 1868 received his degree of M.D. from 
Harvard Medical College. In that year he began to practice medicine 
in East Providence, where he still remains. 

George Edward Carpenter, M.D., was born August 23d, 1849, in 
that part of the town of Seekonk, Mass., which on March 1st, 1862, 
became East Providence, R. I. His parents were George Otis and 
Amanda i Armington) Carpenter. His early life was passed on his 
father's farm and in attendance at the district schools of the town. 
In the fall of 1865 he entered the English and classical school of 
Messrs. Mowry & GofT, in Providence, from the classical department 
of which he graduated in 1868. He then entered Brown University, 
from which he was graduated with the degree of A.B., in 1873, having 
been absent from college one year in 1870-71, during which time he 
studied medicine. He received the degree of A.M. from Brown 
in 1878. After graduation he studied medicine with Doctor Sylvanus 
Clapp, of Pawtucket, R. I., and attended lectures at the Long Island 
College Hospital, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons of New York city, and from the latter institution he 
received the degree of M.D., March 1st, 1875. He joined the Rhode 
Island Medical Society in March, 1875, and in the following autumn 
commenced practice in the village of Sand Bank, Oswego county, N. 
Y., where he remained until April, 1878. On July 1st, 1878, he com- 
menced practice in East Providence, where he has since remained. 
He has held the offices of school committee, town superintendent of 
schools, and health officer, in East Providence. He was married 
November 9th, 1875, to Eliza K., daughter of Perry Barney, of East 
Providence, and their five children have been: Edna R., John B., 
George ( ). (deceased), Ida M. and Mary A. 

Lee Wheaton Clapp, M.D., was born January 3d, 1849, in Paw-* 
tucket, and graduated from Harvard Medical College in 1873. During 
the same year he commenced the practice of medicine in Pawtucket, 
and still continues in that field. 

Sylvanus Clapp, M.D., was born in West Hampton, Mass., Novem- 
ber 22d, 1815. After taking a course of lectures at Harvard College, 
he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1836. He practiced medi- 
cine five years in Massachusetts, and then came to Pawtucket, in 1S41. 
At the latter place he continued in practice till his death, June 15th, 
1879. 

Hiram Cleveland, M.D., late of Pawtucket, was born in Plainfield, 
Conn., January 8th, 1799. He graduated from Woodstock, Vermont, 
Medical College, and for a time practiced in Coventry, R. I. In 1823 
he came to Pawtucket, where he continued to reside and practice 
medicine till his death, in 1858. He joined the state medical society 
in 1824. Doctor Cleveland married Miss Esther Robinson, and be- 
came the father of three sons, all of whom grew to manhood, but are 
now dead. Their names were Henry A., George Clinton and Charles 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 99 

Carroll. The second was a physician of Rehoboth and Cumberland 
Hill. Doctor Cleveland was one of 34 who formed the first temper- 
ance society in Rhode Island. He was deeply interested in educa- 
tional matters, and assisted a number of young persons to obtain an 
education. Mrs. Mary, wife of Henry Jenks, was an adopted daugh- 
ter of Doctor Cleveland, and now resides on the old homestead. 

Doctor I. S. Cook, a graduate of Harvard, and of Tufts College, of 
Massachusetts, came to this county soon after the death of Doctor 
Nutting. He had been principal of Perkins Academy two years. He 
graduated from Harvard in 1886, and came here in 1887. He is still 
practicing at Georgiaville. 

Doctor James Henry Davenport, now practicing at 5 Harrison 
street, Providence, was born in Fall River, Mass., March 17th, 1862. 
His parents were William and Julia S. (Gifford) Davenport. He was 
educated in the public schools of Fall River, Brown University (class 
of 1883), medical department of the University of Vermont (class of 
1885), and medical department of Harvard University (class of 1887). 
He was interne at Rhode Island Hospital from September 1st, 188f), 
to November 1st, 1886; and resident physician at Boston Lying-in 
Hospital from January 1st to May 1st, 1887. He has been in private 
practice in Providence since September, 1887. He is a member of 
several medical societies, and is assistant surgeon in the department 
of Gynaecology at the Rhode Island Hospital. 

Francois X. Dion is located at Central Falls in the practice of 
medicine as a certified pharmacist, not having attained to the full 
degree of an M.D. He has, however, practiced his profession with 
success for many years. He is the father of nine children. 

Addington Davenport, M.D.,was born at Boylston, Mass., May 7th, 
1785. He married Eliza Kennedy, and practiced medicine in Paw- 
tucket many years. He died there, September 21st, 1822, leaving two 
sons, Addington and George. The former was born in Rehoboth, 
now Pawtucket, February 8th, 1808. He studied medicine with 
Doctor Ira Barrows, and graduated from Brown University. He 
practiced medicine in Pawtucket, Newport and Providence, and died 
in Pawtucket August 1st, 1864. His wife was Elizabeth Mumford, 
and they had four children, only one of whom, Horace W., is now 
living. 

Raymond P. Eddy, M.D., of Greenville, was born in Smithfield. 
August 17th, 1823. His early years were spent working on the farm 
and in the mill, and for a time he was engaged in the jewelry busi- 
ness. His health failing he turned his attention to the study of medi- 
cine. In 1860 he received the degree of M.D. from the Medical Insti- 
tute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and since that time has practiced in the 
town of Smithfield. He was married November 27th, 1846, to Eliza, 
daughter of Harry Smith. Their children were: Albert Fulton, 
Elmer Bertley and Raymond Perry. Mrs. Eddy died April 6th, 
L.ofC. 



100 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1842; and Doctor Eddy married his second wife, Miss Ella M. Haw- 
kins, and by this marriage is the father of one daughter, Ruth Pearl 
Eddy. 

Elmer Bertley Eddy, son of the last noticed, was born in Smith- 
field, January 8th, 1850. After his graduation from the Lapham In- 
stitute, in 1870, he began the study of medicine under his father. He 
graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, 
in 1873, and practiced with his father a short time afterward. He is 
now practicing in Olneyville. 

Elmer S. Fiske, M.D., was born in Manchester, N. H., April 19th, 
1861. His parents were Jeremiah and Sarah A. (Davis) Fiske. He 
attended the public schools in Manchester until May, 1877. when he 
removed with his parents to North Scituate, R. I. He attended Lap- 
ham Institute in the winter of 1879-80, and taught district school in 
the winter of 1880-81, in the town of Johnston, pursuing the study of 
medicine meanwhile under the instruction of Doctor Walter J. Smith 
of North Scituate. He also taught school in Scituate one year, be- 
ginning April 1st, 1881. In the fall of 1882 he entered the medical 
department of the University of the City of New York, from which 
he graduated in March, 1884. He immediately settled at Clayville, 
taking the practice of Doctor Jefferson Howard, who had recently 
died. He removed to Olneyville in September, 1884, and has prac- 
ticed there to the present time. He has held the office of member 
and secretary of the board of health, and town physician, and is a 
member of the State Medical Association. 

John T. Farrell, M.D., was born in Webster, Mass., September 
11th, 1858, and is the eldest of five sons of Thomas and Catherine 
(Thompson) Farrell. He received a high school education in his 
native town, and then entered the leading dry goods house as a 
clerk. In early boyhood industry and power of application were in- 
culcated in him by his parents, and his school-boy days were marked 
by evidence of ambition, energy and executive ability. During sum- 
mer vacations he published a local paper, which yielded some finan- 
cial returns. Later in the dry goods store he rose in four years from 
tlic rank of chore boy to that of confidential clerk. Love of physio- 
logical study, however, awakened in his high school course, devel- 
oped as he maintained manhood, and bore fruit in a determination 
to relinquish glowing mercantile opportunities, and with this ambi- 
tion inspiring him he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadel- 
phia, and pursuing its course, graduated in April, 1886. A few weeks 
later he opened an office for the practice of medicine at 1033 High 
street, Providence, where he has by earnest application built up a 
large and lucrative practice in the Olneyville section of the city and 
vicinity. 

Frank Lyman Forsyth, M.D.. was born in Hampton, N. H., Febru- 
ary loth, 1854. 1 1 is father was Francis Flint Forsyth, M.D., born in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 101 

Deering, N. H., and his mother in her maidenhood was Sarah Jane 
Dickerman, a native of Easton, Mass. Our subject lived in South 
Abington, Mass., from 1855 to 1862, and then moved to Weymouth, 
Mass. He was educated at the Public Latin School of Boston, and at 
the North Weymouth High School; matriculated at the Medical 
School of Harvard University in June, 1873, and received the degree 
of M.D,in June, 1876. He practiced a few months in Weymouth, 
then served one year as medical and surgical interne at the Rhode 
Island Hospital, and was connected with the out-patient department 
of that hospital for two or three years. Since 1877 he has been 
in practice in Providence, his present residence and office being at 
133 Broadway, corner of America street. He joined the Massachu- 
setts Medical Society in 1876, and Rhode Island Medical Society and 
Providence Medical Association in March, 1877. He held the com- 
mission as first lieutenant in Company E, Slocum Light Guards, R. I. 
Militia, for six years, resigning it in 1887. He is prominent in many 
secret beneficial societies, including Masons and Odd Fellows. He 
was married June 11th, 1873, to Bertha Y. Stevens, of New Haven, 
Conn. The progenitor of his family in America was Deacon Mather 
Forsyth, a native of Scotland, born about 1700, and settled in Ches- 
ter, N. H., in 1730. 

Frank Boutelle Fuller, M. D., is the eldest son of Ruel V. B. and 
Harriet A. (Houghton) Fuller, and was born in Wilton, Maine, 
August 28th, 1856. He attended Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at Read- 
field, and Bates College, at Lewiston, Maine. He was graduated 
from Harvard Medical College in the spring of 1878. He was house 
surgeon of Rhode Island Hospital at Providence, in 1879; house sur- 
geon for the Boston Lying-in Hospital, in 1880; and in the fall of 
that year came to Pawtucket, where he has from that time continued 
in the practice of his profession. He is medical examiner for the 
towns of Pawtucket and Lincoln, and a member of the medical socie- 
ties of Rhode Island and Providence, and of the Medico-Legal 
Society. 

Abraham Z. Falcom, M.D., was born in the province of Quebec, 
March 16th, 1S57. After taking a classical course at Montreal Classical 
College, he entered Victoria College, at Montreal, from which he re- 
ceived the degree of M.D. in 1879. During that year he established 
himself in the practice of medicine in Central Falls, where he still 
remains. He is a member of the medical societies and a registered 
pharmacist. 

Charles Henry French, M.D., is a native of Waterbury, Conn., 
where he was born January 29th, 1858. He was the only son of 
Henry W. French. After attending the local schools he took an 
academic course at North Wilbraham, Mass., and subsequently 
entered Yale College, where he graduated. He then took a course of 
lectures at Bellevue Hospital, New York, receiving the degree of 



1(,2 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

M.D. in 1880. He was a surgeon in the charity hospital, Blackwell's 
Island, from 1880 to 1882; began practice at Waterbury, Conn., in 
1882; and came to Pawtucket in 1887, where he still resides and 
practices his profession. He has held membership in many profes- 
sional and social societies wherever he has been located. He mar- 
ried Florence Wells, of Waterbury, and has one son, Horace. 

Doctor Charles Harris Fisher, son of George Clinton and Harriet 
(Cady) Fisher, was born in Killingly, Conn., June 30th, 1822. His 
early educational advantages were very limited, but later he acquired 
a fair classical and scientific education, the expenses of which, with 
those of his subsequent medical studies, were defrayed solely by his 
personal labor. He pursued the study of medicine with Doctor Jus- 
tin Hammond, of Connecticut, and Prof. Alfred C. Post, M.D., LL.D., 
of New York. He was connected as student and assistant with the 
New York City Hospital, and received his medical education at that 
institution and at the University of the City of New York, and at 
Dartmouth Medical College, where he was graduated in 1847; and 
afterward attended lectures at the medical department of Har- 
vard University. Immediately after this he settled in Scituate, R.I., 
where he engaged in general practice, but gave special attention to 
uterine diseases and to the surgical branch of his profession, perform- 
ing nearly all the surgical operations that were called for within a 
considerable extent of 'surrounding country, where he was for some 
years principal consulting physician. He has been prominent in the 
Rhode Island Medical Society since joining it in 1850, and repre- 
sented it at the meeting of the American Association in 1858. He 
has served the state society for many years as censor, vice-president 
and president. Outside of professional lines he has held various 
offices: superintendent of schools and various town offices; state sen- 
ator at different times, during which service he was a member of the 
judiciary committee and other prominent committees; member of the 
state board of education from 1870 to 1880, when he declined further 
re-election; trustee of State Normal School ten years; chairman of 
state fish commission; presidential elector in 1876; president of Citi- 
zens' Union Bank; president of Scituate National Bank, 1865 to 1876; 
secretary of state board of health, 1878 to 1890; and as presiding 
officer of many social, literary and benevolent associations of the 
county and state. He took an active part in the establishment of the 
State Normal School, the work of stocking the waters of the state with 
fish, and promoting the construction of the Providence & Springfield 
railroad. In 1862 he was appointed a member of the surgical board 
of exemption from draft, and from 1862 to 1865 was an inspector of 
recruits for the army, being denied service in the field because of 
physical disability. In L880 he removed to Providence, and was that 
year elected commissioner of public health and state registrar of 
vital statistics, both of which offices he still holds. He has done much 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENC] COUNTY. 103 

literary work, in various lines: contributed to the public press and to 
medical periodicals; prepared eleven annual reports on the registra- 
tion of births, marriages and deaths in Rhode Island, amounting to 
about 2,200, and twelve annual reports of the state board of health, 
comprising about 4,250 pages; edited the Monthly Bulletin of the state 
board of health (a periodical of 20 octavo pages) from the commence- 
ment in 1888; and drafted numerous acts for legislative approval, 
many of which are now embodied in the public statutes and laws of 
the state. He has been a member of the American Association for 
the Advancement of Science; the American Social Science Associa- 
tion; the American Public Health Association, of which he is one of 
the advisory council; the American Medical Association; the Inter- 
national Medical Congress of 1887, held at Washington, D. C, and of 
the Congress of 1890, held in Berlin, Germany. He was married 
February 22d, 1849, to Sophia R. Smith, of Scituate, and has four 
children: George R., a graduate of Brown University and a practicing 
physician; Mary S., wife of Franklin P. Owen, a lawyer by profes- 
sion; Ruth M., wife of Walter J. Smith, a practicing physician; and 
Lizzie H., wife of Albert W. Chapman, in the office of W. A. Chap- 
man & Co., contractors; all of Providence. 

Lucius F. C. Garvin, of Cumberland, was born in Knoxville, Tenn., 
November 13th, 1841. His parents were James A. and Sarah A. 
(Gunn) Garvin. When our subject was eight years of age his mother 
removed to Greensboro, N. C, his father, who was a professor in East 
Tennessee University, having died a year or two before. He was 
fitted for college in part at a private school in Greensboro, and later 
at New Garden (now Guilford College), a Friends' boarding school, 
six miles from his home. At 16 years of age he entered Amherst 
College, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1862, 
and from Harvard Medical School in 1867. Meanwhile he served in 
the war, enlisting as a private in Company E, 51st Mass. Vols., under 
General Foster, in North Carolina. He taught school at different 
times, before and after the war. In the spring of 1867 he began the 
practice of his profession at Lonsdale, where he still resides. He is 
medical examiner for District No. 7 (town of Cumberland), and has 
held the office of moderator of the town of Cumberland for two years, 
and representative from that town from March 6th, 1883, to May, 
1884, and again in 1885 to 1887. In 1880 he entered upon an active 
propaganda of the extension of suffrage in the state, and in the spring 
of 1888 had the gratification of witnessing the adoption of an amend- 
ment to the constitution granting a free suffrage to all adult male 
citizens in the election of all civil officers excepting members of city 
councils. In 1889-90 he represented his town in the state legislature 
as senator. He was married at Middletown, Conn., December 23d, 
1869, to Lucy W. Southmayd, and they have three children — Ethel, 
Norma and Florence. 



L04 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

William F. Gleason was born January 1st, 1861, at Milford, Mass., 
being the son of John and Anne Gleason. He graduated at the gram- 
mar and high schools of his native town, Exeter Academy and Har- 
vard Medical School, and settled in Hopkinton, Mass, in the practice 
of medicine in October, 1885. Thence he removed to Providence in 
February, 1887, and there continues to practice. He is still un- 
married. 

Mrs. Susan M. Grimwood, M.D., was Miss Susan M. Cooley, a native 
of Ossipee, N. H. (Stafford county). She commenced her education 
at Dover, N. H., and finished at Boston, where she married Doctor 
Fred. Clarke, an English allopathic doctor. After his death she 
studied medicine a year with Doctor Harrington, and then came to 
Providence, where she read a year with Doctor Capron, now deceased. 
This was just before the late war, and when that broke out she be- 
came interested in hospital work under Doctor Weeden at Ports- 
mouth Grove and at other hospitals. She married Daniel C. Grimwood 
in February, 1864. He was in the recruiting service at the beginning 
of the war, and later was in the quartermaster's department. He 
died in February, 1889. Her grandfather, John Cooley, came from 
Holland, and served in the war of the revolution. Her father, 
Thomas, was the youngest of his five sons. Her mother's maiden 
name was Williams. Mrs. Grimwood has practiced medicine in Provi- 
dence now some 35 years. She has two children: Vertine E. Grim- 
wood, now the wife of N. Hammond of Boston, and a son, F. S. Grim- 
wood. 

John R. Goodale, M.D., was born February 3d, 1837, at West 
Boylston, Mass., his parents being Norman H. Goodale, a native of 
Vermont, and Olive Read, daughter of Captain John Read, of West 
Boylston, where they lived on the farm until the end of their lives. Our 
subject worked on the farm and studied in Professor May's private 
school for several years, afterward a high school. He then studied 
medicine with Doctor Kelleyof Worcester, Mass., and later with Wal- 
ter Burnham of Lowell, Mass. From 1855 to 1858 he studied in the 
Worcester Medical Institution, and in 1858 began practice at West 
Boylston. In the following year he removed to Pawtucket, where he 
lias been practicing ever since. In 1871 he attended lectures at the 
New York Eclectic College of Medicine, and received his degree 
from that institution. He became a member of the National Eclectic 
Medical Association in 1871, and served as a delegate to represent this 
state m that body for J 4 years. He was married in 1859, to Addie, 
eldest daughter of Doctor Davis. Their two children are Addie, now 
married and living at Oakland, Cal.; and Lillie, now the wife of 
Frank Perkins and living in Pawtucket. 

William Gottschalk, M.D., is the son of Doctor William Von Gotts- 
chalk, the " Von " now being dropped from the name. The elder was 
a C.erman exile, and came to this country in 1848, after the revolu- 



HISTORY <>F PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 105 

tion in that country. He practiced medicine in Providence 35 years. 
The younger is a graduate of the medical department of Boston Uni- 
versity, and has practiced medicine at Central Falls since 1877. 

William Alpheus Gaylord, M.D., of Pawtucket. was born in West- 
field, Mass., June 17th, 1826. He took a classical course at Washing- 
ton Academy, now Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and afterward 
attended Harvard Medical College, where he graduated in 1848. 
Doctor Gaylord commenced the practice of medicine at Henniker, 
* N. H., during the year of his graduation. In the winter of 1849 he 
settled in Valley Falls, where he remained until 1856, when he re- 
moved to Pawtucket, and has since that time practiced there. 

Johnson Gardner, M.D., in his time a noted physician of Paw- 
tucket, was born at Rehoboth, Mass., November 22d, 1799, and was 
the youngest son of James and Susan Gardner. In his early life he 
taught school in his native town. He commenced the study of medi- 
cine w T ith Doctor Usher Parsons, of Providence, and graduated from 
the medical department of Brown University in 1824, after which he 
commenced the practice of medicine in Pawtucket, during the same 
year. From that time to 1842 he was one of the most prominent 
physicians in that town. In the year mentioned he removed to See- 
konk, now East Providence, where he remained until the winter of 
1853-4, when he returned to Pawtucket. In the fall of 1861, having 
been appointed by President Lincoln and Governor James Y. Smith, 
medical examiner of the state volunteers of Rhode Island, he opened 
an office on Benefit street, Providence. He was prominently con- 
cerned with political affairs, having been a member of the Massachu- 
setts house of representatives three or four terms, state senator, and 
member of the governor's council during the administration of 
Governor Boutwell of Massachusetts. He was appointed by Governor 
Briggs of Massachusetts as one of three commissioners to settle the 
boundary line between that state and Rhode Island, and his report 
was given the preference. He was an honored member of the state 
and local medical societies wherever he was located. He died at 
Pawtucket, December 12th, 1869, and left the following family: John 
A., who was district attorney of the state under President Grant's 
administration, and died at Providence in the 48th year of his age; 
Ellen, w r ife of Joseph A. Bourn, of Providence; Josephine, wife of 
Lyman B. Frieze, of Providence; Walter S., a resident of Pawtucket; 
Lenora S., wife of Richard Grinnell, of Providence, and Clarence T., 
a physician, of the same city. 

Edgar Chapman Gates, M.D., was born in Providence, September 
18th, 1858. His parents were Elam Horatio, and Elizabeth (Chap- 
man) Gates. After attending the public schools, at the age of 15 he 
entered the University Grammar School, and after graduating there 
entered Brown University in 1877. He commenced the study of 
medicine in the offices of Doctors Barrow, Wilcox and Green, and 



106 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

pursued the study in the University Medical College of the City of 
New York, graduating therefrom in March, 1881. After being asso- 
ciated with Doctor Edward Sanford for three months, he opened an 
office of his own in July, 1881. This was in Attleboro, Mass., where 
he remained five years, having a fair amount of practice. A favora- 
ble opening presenting" itself he removed to Providence in 1886, and 
there continues in practice. He is a member of many fraternal socie- 
ties, and holds honorable or professional positions in most of them. 
Simeon Hunt, son of William D. and Lydia (Chase) Hunt, was 
born in Seekonk, Mass., in 1837. He was educated in part at the 
Friends' school, at Providence, and entered Dartmouth College in 
L858. Graduating from the latter institution in 1862, he studied medi- 
cine, and graduated from that department in 1864. He was appointed 
by President Lincoln assistant surgeon of the 69th U. S. Colored In- 
fantry, in October, 1864. In the spring of 1865 he began the practice 
of medicine in Corry, Penn., remaining there about three months. 
He afterward practiced in Springfield, Erie county, Penn., and in the 
spring of 1868 located in East Providence, where he has since prac- 
ticed. He was health officer for a number of years, and for a number 
of years was on the school committee. In July, 1884, he was appoint- 
ed state medical examiner. He is a member of the local, state and 
national medical societies, and of several social organizations. His 
wife was Anna M., daughter of Samuel W. Balch, of Lyme, N. H. 

Joseph Hils, M.D., of Woonsocket, was born at St. Grigvire-Le- 
Grand, Iberville county, Quebec. He graduated at McGill Universi- 
ty. Montreal, in 1873, and immediately began the practice of medi- 
cine in Woonsocket. He is a member of the Hospital Staff, and also 
of the Rhode Island Medical Society, and was for several years presi- 
dent of the St. John Society. 

John R. Harrington, M.D., of Valley Falls, is the eldest son of Pat- 
rick and Ann Harrington, and was born in Fall River, Mass., Decem- 
ber 10th, 1849. After attending the local schools he became a stud- 
ent at the Bryant & Stratton Business College, in Providence. Later 
he pursued the study of medicine, and in 1877 graduated from Har- 
vard Medical College. In the same year he commenced the practice 
of medicine in Pawtucket, and remained there until 1879, when he 
moved to Central Falls. Thence he moved to Valley Falls in 1883, 
and there he has since continued to practice. His wife was Jennie 
Quigley, and their two children are John Edward, and Jennie G. 
1 larrington. 

"ev B. Haines. M.D.. of Valley falls, was born in Northfield, 
N"- H., May 31st, 1843, and was the eldest son of Benjamin and 
Martha (Kenison) Haines. After attending the local schools he en- 
tered the New Hampshire Conference Seminary, at Tilton, after 
which he studied medicine with C. B. Willis, M.D., of Tilton, and 
with Doctors John II. Clark and Thomas Ililard, of the U. S. Navy. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 107 

From 1S65 to 1872 he was in the employ of the U. S. Government, 
being stationed at Portsmouth, N. H., on board the receiving ships 
" Vandalia " and "Sabine." In 1870 he graduated from Dartmouth 
College, where he received his diploma. He commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine at Valley Falls in 1872, and there he still continues 
to practice. He is a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society. 

George A. Harris, M.D., of Chepachet, is a native of Scituate, 
where he was born May 19th, 1856. He graduated from the Lapham 
Institute in the class of 1873, and in 1876 began the study of medi- 
cine under Doctor Albert Potter, of Chepachet. He graduated from 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the City of New York, in 
the class of 1879. He then commenced practice in the village of 
Greenville, but in 1880 came to Chepachet, his present field of prac- 
tice. He married Ella L., daughter of Edward B. Smith, of Scituate. 

John Frederick Haller, M.D., was born in Smaland, Sweden, 
October 16th, 1862. His father was a music teacher as well as a 
teacher of other branches, in the high school. Our subject received 
a common school education, and afterward college tuition with a 
view toward the study of medicine, but he graduated from the com- 
mercial department and became a bookkeeper and office clerk for 
several years. He emigrated to the United States at the age of 19, 
and became organist in the First Lutheran church of Jamestown, 
N. Y., being at the same time bookkeeper for a wholesale firm. He 
worked for some time in a piano manufactory at Jamestown, as tuner 
and regulator. He took a lively interest in politics and held minor ward 
positions, and bought a Swedish newspaper in 1884 and published it 
until 188S. In the meantime he was studying medicine at the Uni- 
versity of Buffalo, graduating from that institution in 1888. He then 
sold his newspaper, and removed to Providence, R. I., and began 
practice, making specialties of diseases of throat and air passages and 
bowels and liver. In November, 1888, he started the first Swedish 
newspaper in Rhode Island, The Tiden, and he is also a writer for 
newspapers and periodicals and a frequent speaker at public meet- 
ings on temperance, church matters and political questions. He is a 
member of many social and medical societies. He was married to 
Adelaide Luther, of Providence, June 11th, 1889. 

Doctor Edmund Abbott was born March 12th, 1857, at Winter- 
port, Maine. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at the 
State College of Maine, in 1876, and the degree of M.D. from the 
medical department of the University of New York City, in 1879. 
He was in successful practice of medicine at Winterport, Me., from 
1879 to 1887, and held the office of president of the Waldo County 
Medical Association in 1885, and of the Penobscot Medical Associa- 
tion in 1886. He removed to Providence in 1887, where he has be- 
come a member of the state and city medical societies. His father 
was Doctor Charles Abbott, who practiced surgery in Maine for 25 



I (IS HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

years; grandfather, Doctor Edmund Abbott, practiced 52 years; and 
great-grandfather was Doctor Ware, of Dighton, Mass. 

Sayer Hasbrouck, M.D., was born at Middletown, Orange county, 
X. V.. June 3d, 18(H). His father was John W. Hasbrouck, and his 
111 >ther Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck. The circumstances of his boyhood 
were in every way comfortable, and after the usual discipline in the 
public schools of Middletown he pursued a four years Latin scientific 
course at Cook Academy, Havana, N. Y., graduating there in 1879. 
In the following fall he began the study of medicine at Boston Uni- 
versity wSchool of Medicine, and graduated with the degree of M.D. 
in June, 1882. While in Boston he was house surgeon of the city 
dispensary for one year. He spent the next two years abroad, and 
while there received the degree of " L. M." — Licentiate of Midwifery 
— from the Rotunda Hospital at Dublin, Ireland. In the same city 
he was also connected with St. Mark's Eye and Ear Hospital as house 
surgeon, for nearly a year. He was also clinical assistant, and acting- 
assistant surgeon to Moorfield Ophthalmic House, London, and clini- 
cal assistant at the Gray's Inn Throat and Ear Hospital of London. 
After spending some time in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Paris, he re- 
turned home and located in Providence in July, 1884, devoting him- 
self specially to diseases of the eye, ear and throat. He was married 
in Providence, September 25th, 1889, to Mary Owen Fiske, daughter 
of John T. Fiske, of Chepachet. He has been connected as ophthal- 
mic surgeon with the Rhode Island Homeopathic Hospital since 
its organization, and as consulting ophthalmic surgeon to the 
Providence Homeopathic Dispensary. He was one of the active 
organizers of the Rhode Island Yacht Club, was for three years 
its president and is at present its commodore. He is a member 
of the Rhode Island and New York state medical societies and 
of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Besides being a mem- 
ber of various social and charitable organizations, and a contribu- 
tor to American literature, he is a member of the Holland Society of 
New York, a society of Dutch Knickerbockers whose ancestry came 
to this country previous to the year 1675. 

Doctor J. Philip Hcnriques was born in New London, Conn., July 
23d, 1856. His parents were John A. Henriques, a captain in the U. 
S. Marine service, and Ellen Stoddard. Pie attended the common 
schools until 12 years of age, then took the trip to San Francisco, 
around Cape Horn. At 14 he entered the high school at New 
Britain, Conn., and completing the four years' course, entered Yale 
College at 20. lie left the regular course at 23, and entered the 
Medical School of Yale, where he graduated as valedictorian at the 
age of 26. He then entered the New Haven General Hospital as 
surgeon, and graduated and remained two years, after which he en- 
gaged in private practice in New Haven for two years. In 1881 he 
went to Yienna, Austria, where he spent three years in the hospital, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 109 

returning in 1884. He then entered private practice in Providence, 
where he has been ever since. 

Artemus Johnson, M.D., was among the first physicians of Paw- 
tucket. He was born in Sherborn, Mass., in 1780. He married the 
widow of Doctor Addington Davenport, and had one son, Samuel, 
who died young. Doctor Johnson was one of the most noted physi- 
cians of his day, his practice extending throughout all the adjoining- 
towns. He died December 29th, 1827. His residence, an old fash- 
ioned house, is still standing on the corner of Summit and Vernon 
streets, in Pawtucket. 

Francis Johnson, M. D., of Pawtucket, is a native of Ireland, and 
was born August 16th, 1835. He came to America in 1847, and 
studied medicine with Doctor Sylvanus Clapp, after which he attended 
a course of lectures at Harvard Medical College, and still later gradu- 
ated from the medical department of the University of Vermont, in 
1865. He practiced medicine in Providence and Woonsocket, and in 
Pawtucket since 1872. 

George W. Jenckes, M.D., was born in that part of Cumberland 
now Woonsocket, August 17th, 1829. His parents were George and 
Abigail Jenckes. His father was one of the earliest cotton manufac- 
turers in the town, and continued the business for about 40 years. 
Our subject enjoyed the usual facilities of life and education in his 
youthful years previous to 1845, when he entered an academy at 
Worcester, and prepared for college, entering Brown University in 
1847. Thence he graduated in 1851, receiving the degree of A.B. 
He immediately began the study of medicine, and graduated as an 
M.D. at Harvard University in 1854. He settled at once in practice 
at Woonsocket, securing a good patronage, and has continued there 
until the present time. He is chief of staff of the Woonsocket Hos- 
pital, in the erection of which he was actively interested, and is in 
active service there. He has always been largely interested in edu- 
cational matters, and for more than 20 years was an active member 
of the school committee. Political offices he has declined to hold, 
with the exception of member of town council, of which board he has 
been president two years. He has been associated in the manage- 
ment of several business enterprises, and at one time was president 
of the Bailey Wringing Machine Company, one of the largest of its 
kind in the country. In 1859 he married Martha A. Hunt, of Black- 
stone, Mass., by whom he has had four children, all of whom are liv- 
ing. They are Frank H. Jenckes, M.D. , practicing in Franklin, Mass.; 
Waldo W. jenckes, treasurer of Milford Shoe Company; Clara H. and 
Earle Jenckes. By appointment of International Congress of Physi- 
cians in Philadelphia in 1876, he was one of a committee to secure the 
creation of a state board of health in Rhode Island, of which he was 
a member for many years. He has held the position of health officer 
in his native town and city for many years, and is actively interested 



lid HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

in sanitarv matters, having written several articles on the subject, 
and is often consulted in regard thereto. 

Michael W. Kelliher, M.D., was born in Palmer, Mass., February 
20th, 1861. After graduating from the high school in that town he 
attended the University of Vermont, and afterward pursued a medical 
course in the University of the City of New York. Graduating from 
that institution in March, 1886, he studied at the New York Polyclinic 
and Post Graduate School till July 1st of the same year, and then 
located in Pawtucket, where he is still practicing. He is a member 
of state and Providence medical societies, and of the Pawtucket 
school board from November 5th, 1889, for a term of three years. 

Edward N. Kingsbury, M.D.,of Woonsocket, was born at Frances- 
town, N. H., September 7th, 1858. His parents were John L. and 
Abigail (Hyde) Kingsbury. He was educated in the district school, 
at Francestown Academy, and New London Literary and Scientific 
Institute, and graduated at Amherst College and Hahnemann Medi- 
cal College of Philadelphia. He began practice in 1880, at Spencer, 
Mass., and came to Woonsocket in 1885. He was married in 1881, to 
Clara A. Coffin of Newton Centre, Mass., and they have three child- 
ren — Newell C, Mabel and Mary B. 

Albert Mason Knapp, M.D., was born in Lyman, N. H., October 
14th, 1842. He was' educated in the public schools of Racine, Wiscon- 
sin, was a member of the Normal school of that state, and taught 
school for two years. A considerable part of his boyhood was passed 
in the state of Maine, much of it at Kendall's Mills. He graduated 
from the University of Michigan, taking the degree of M.D., with the 
class of 1865. After graduating he practiced in Racine, and then in 
Chicago, up to the time of the conflagration of 1871, when his office 
and much other property being destroyed by the fire, he availed him- 
self of an offer to associate with a physician in Lowell, Mass. He 
soon left that field and practiced for two years in Manchester, N. H. 
He located in Providence about 16 years ago, and has remained in 
practice there ever since. He is a member of the medical societies, 
and professionally represents several benevolent organizations. He 
was married in 1865, to Kittie A., daughter of Thomas W. Crane, an 
old resident of Chicago. The marriage was performed in Dubuque, 
Iowa. They have two children — Kittie Mabel and George H. The 
father of Doctor Knapp, Doctor Horace Knapp, was born in King- 
field, Me., was a school teacher in early life, afterward a L T niversalist 
minister, and finally a physician and lecturer on medical and other 
subjects. His wife, the mother of Doctor A. M. Knapp, was Lucretia 
I Mckenson, daughter of a New Hampshire farmer. 

Eugene Pride King, physician and surgeon, of Providence, was 
born November 5th, 1854, at Apponaug, R. I., son of Absalom 
Pride King. He was educated in the Providence public schools, 
the Episcopal Academy of Connecticut, at Cheshire, in the class 



HISTORY OF PROVIDED E COl \TY. Ill 

of 1872, at Brown University in the class of 1870. at the medi- 
cal department of the University of Vermont, and at Jefferson 
Medical College, from which he graduated in March, 1880. He im- 
mediately began practice in Providence. His father, Absalom P. 
King, was the son of Dan and Cynthia King, whose maiden name was 
Pride. Absalom was born in Preston, Conn.. May 1st, 1820. From 
the Berkshire Medical Institution he was licensed to practice by the 
censors of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in November, 1845. He 
married Celia Ann Hendrick, on Christmas day, 1845. He practiced 
first at Woonsocket, then at Providence, where he died October 10th. 
1868. His children and the dates of their births are as follows: Ase- 
nath Caroline, September 19th, 1846 (died November 20th, 1850); Wil- 
liam Henry Herbert, November 8th. 1850 (died May 31st, 1853); 
Eugene Pride, November 5th, 1854; and Virginia May, April 28th, 
1859 (died October 11th, 1861). The children of Dan'and Cynthia 
King were: John, merchant; Absalom, physician; Thomas Knight, 
lawyer; Howard Williams, physician; Jane Knight, married Alex- 
ander Williams; Henry Clay, physician; Charles Phillips, merchant; 
Huldah Maria, wife of James Winsor; George Augustus, lawyer; Wil- 
liam Brewster; and Mary Stanton, wife of James Pitts. 

John Henry Kingman. M.D., of Pawtucket, was born in New Bed- 
ford, Mass., May 13th, 1860. After attending the local schools of his 
native city he entered Yale College in 1878, and graduated from there 
in 1882. He then commenced the study of medicine with Doctor A. 
Martin Pierce, of New Bedford, Mass.. and in 1885 received the degree 
of M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York 
City. For a year and a half he was on the staff of Bellevue Hospital, 
part of that time being house physician. He commenced the private 
practice of medicine in 1876, at New Bedford, of which place he was 
city surgeon for two years. He removed to Pawtucket in 1889. 

Joseph Lariviere, M.D., was born in St. Alexander, Province of 
Quebec, Canada, October 16th, 1849. He attended St. Mary's Acad- 
emy, also Victoria College, of Montreal, and graduated from the 
American Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1879. He com- 
menced the practice of medicine in Manville, in 1874, and is still 
located there. 

Doctor Byron J. Lillibridge was born in East Greenwich, R. I., 
Wednesday, October 3d, 1860. His father was Jesse R., and his 
mother Mary C. Lillibridge. The family moved to Warwick in 1863, 
and for the 18 years following lived upon a farm. Young Byron 
meanwhile attended the public school of the district until he reached 
the age of 14, when he entered Greenwich Academy, where he was a 
regular attendant for the six years following, taking first the English 
course, then the commercial, and finally the Latin scientific, which 
he completed and received a diploma in 1880. During the last year 
of his course he entered the office of Doctor James H. Eldredge, and 



112 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

began the study of medicine. He matriculated at Jefferson Medical 
College, Philadelphia, in the fall of 1880, and received his degree 
from that college in March, 1883. He returned to Rhode Island and 
for a few months attended some of his preceptor's night practice. In 
the summer he located at Pascoag and remained there six months. 
He then removed to Providence, succeeding to the practice of the 
late Uriah H. Holbrook, M.D., at No. 716 North Main street, where 
he has ever since remained. He was made a member of the city and 
state medical societies in 1884, and was elected physician to the out- 
patient department of the Rhode Island Hospital in 1886, occupying 
that position still. He was married December 25th, 1885, in Scituate, 
Mass., to Gertrude Vinal, and they have two children — Ethel V.,born 
October 18th, 1886; and Marjorie V., born May 26th, 1889. 

Augustine A. Mann, M.D., was born October 15th, 1837, at Ran- 
dolph, Mass. He was admitted at Harvard and Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, and graduated from the latter March 12th, 1860. He then 
settled in Valley Falls, R. I., May 10th, 1860. He was appointed 
assistant surgeon in the First R. I. Cavalry, June 7th, 1862, and dis- 
charged November 18th, 1864. In the meantime he was a prisoner 
in Libby Prison, from June 17th, 1863, to November 18th, 1863, hav- 
ing been captured at Middlebury, Va., on the date first mentioned. 
He settled in Central Falls, December 3d, 1864, where he has re- 
mained to the present time. He was married to Sarah T. Bucklin, 
June 6th, 1865, and has four children, two boys and two girls. 

Doctor Joseph C. Maranda was born November 27th, 1846, at St. 
.Simon, Bagot county, Quebec. His parents were Charles and Sera- 
phine Duhaime Maranda. He was educated at St. Plyacinthe, and 
graduated in Quebec Laval University, in 1875. He practiced at .St. 
Norbcrt and .St. Christophe, Arthabaska county, Quebec, and in 
Woonsocket from 1879 to the present time. He was married to 
Cleophee Amanda Cadieux, September 27th, 1875. 

Martha H. Mowry, M.D.. was born in Providence, June 7th, 1818. 
She was the daughter of Thomas Mowry, a merchant, and Martha 
Harris Mowry. I ler mother died when she was eight weeks old, but 
her father lived to the good old age of 86. Miss Martha in her infant 
years was an attendant at the girls' schools of two excellent teachers 

Miss Sterry and Miss Chace. When nearly seven years of age she 
was sent to an academy in care of a Methodist minister's widow, Mrs. 
Walker, and in the spring before she was nine years old she was sent 
to the Friends' Yearly Meeting Boarding School in Providence, where 
she remained four or five years. She then attended boarding schools 
for voting ladies kept by Latham and Winsor. While at the latter 
school she was prostrated by fright and over exertion, being pursued 
by strange men so that she and two other girls were obliged to run 
a distance of a mile and a quarter to reach the school. Heart debility, 
aggravated by this, retarded her progress four years. Later she was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 113 

a student in the Green Street Select School when Margaret Fuller, 
afterward "Countess Ossili," was a prominent teacher. She pursued 
her studies after leaving school and while engaged in overseeing the 
domestic work of the household composed of her father and herself. 
In 1844, chiefly heeding suggestions of physicians who at different 
times had noticed her manifest interest in anatomy and physiology 
and cognate branches, she began to study in these directions, with a 
purpose. At this time no woman was admitted into medical colleges, 
and a strong current of professional prejudice opposed the admission 
of the sex into practice. Against this tide Miss Mowry and the few 
women who dared to face it were obliged to press their way. But 
even at the time of which we speak she had not formed the intention 
of publicly practicing medicine. She improved such opportunities 
as were within her reach, having access to the libraries of practicing 
physicians, and reviewing with them, at different times with Doctors 
Briggs, Fabyan, Fowler and Mauran, until they told her that she only 
needed opportunities for dissection beyond what skeleton or manakin 
could show. She then studied under the direction of Doctor De Bonne- 
ville and his wife, who were professors in magnetism, and he in 
homeopathy, and when, in 1849, they removed from the city they 
gave her a testimonial expressing their confidence in her ability 
to treat diseases. About 1850 she spent six months in close study 
in Boston, under the supervision of Doctor Cornell, a physician of 
good standing there. About that time Doctor Paige came to Provi- 
dence as a lecturer and instructor in electropathy, and formed a class 
for instruction. She joined that class, also took private lessons, and 
in due time received a diploma for faithful study and attainment. 
By special requests of friends she subsequently gave many lectures 
before physiological societies and in different villages. In recogni- 
tion of such services and their appreciation she received, in 1851, a 
silver cup from the Providence Physiological Society, and later me- 
mentoes from other societies. Her superior attainments thus be- 
came known and her reputation extended throughout a wider sphere 
than she knew. In 1853 she was visited by a committee from Phila- 
delphia Female Medical College, then an institution of three or four 
years growth, and without making known their purpose to her, in the 
course of an informal interview with her, investigated her knowledge 
of kindred subjects until the}'' were abundantly satisfied of her attain- 
ments, and on their return she received from the college a diploma 
conferring upon her the degree of M.D., with signatures of the col- 
lege faculty, which was of the allopathic school. This was followed, 
a week later, by an appointment to a professorship of obstetrics and 
diseases of women and children in the Female Medical College of 
Pennsylvania. With great reluctance her father consented that 
she should go to Philadelphia to occupy the position offered, and she 
did so, in 1853-4, but returned to Providence at the wish of her 
8 



114 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

father. She then began regular practice here. Her father presented 
her with a horse and chaise, and since then, for nearly 40 years, she 
has constantly kept one or two horses in use in her rounds of prac- 
tice. In 1880 she partially retired from practice, but the demands 
upon her seemed so pressing that she consented in 1882 to resume 
work under limitations absolving her from going out nights except 
in extreme cases. She is still doing all the professional work it is 
well for one of her age to do, and is especially interested in educat- 
ing mothers to a knowledge of the laws of life, physical, mental and 
spiritual. 

Charles F. Marston, M.D., son of John L. and Hannah F. Marston, 
was born in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1863. In his early years his parents 
moved to Manchester, N. H., where he lived three years, and then 
removed to Rhode Island. His early business years were spent in a 
grocery. He was educated in Baltimore (Md.) College, and graduated 
in medicine March 15th, 1888, and on the first of the following No- 
vember he opened an office for practice in Providence, and has thus 
far been very successful. 

Elmer E. Moore, M.D., was born in Hartford, Vermont, October 
10th. 1861. His parents were Doctor David Comstock Moore and his 
wife, Hannah A. When our subject was about ten months old he 
removed with his parents to South Royalton, Vermont, where his 
father practiced medicine, and during part of the time was interested 
in the drug business in the place. The elder served during part of 
the war as a volunteer surgeon, located most of the time at Point 
Lookout, Maryland, and at the close of the war returned to South 
Royalton, remaining there till 1872, removing then to Charlestown, 
X. II., carrying on the apothecary business there awhile, and return- 
ing to South Royalton, where he died October 9th, 1876. After his 
death the family, consisting of the widow and two sons, James S. and 
Elmer E., removed to Boston. Here the subject of this sketch was 
educated in the public schools, and after passing the high school spent 
two years in the famous Eliot School at Jamaica Plain. After leav- 
ing school he spent nearly five years in the drug business in Vermont 
and later in Boston. At the latter place he attended the Massachu- 
setts College of Pharmacy. In 1883 he began the study of medicine, 
in 1885 entered the medical department of the University of Vermont 
at Burlington, and from there went to the medical department of 
Dartmouth College, where he graduated in June, 1886. In the fol- 
lowing September he located at East Providence Centre, where 
he has met with considerable success, being surrounded in domestic 
affairs by his mother and brother James. 

Le Roy Albert Merrill, M.I)., was born in Roxbury, Vt., May 23d, 
1855. He was the eldest son of Albert and Adelina (Young) Merrill. 
After attending the district schools he was sent to Barre Academy 
(Vt.), and afterward took a classical course at the Universitv of Ver- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 11.") 

mont. He studied medicine with Doctor Le Roy Bingham, of Bur- 
lington, Yt., and graduated, after a full course of lectures, in 1882, 
from the medical department of the University of Vermont. He 
commenced the practice of medicine at St. Albans, Yt., in 1882, and 
came to Lonsdale in 1884, where he still practices. 

Dennis McCaffrey was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, in 
April, 1844. He came to America when he was ten months old with 
his parents, Owen and Catherine McCaffrey. After attending school 
at YVoonsocket eight years he moved to Martinsburgh, Pike county, 
111., in April, 1865. He finished his preliminary education at Illinois 
College, Jacksonville, in 1867; taught school in Pike county. 111., four 
years; studied medicine with Doctor John A. Thomas, of Pleasant 
Hill, and Doctor Joseph H. Ledlie, of Pittsfield, three years; entered 
St. Louis Medical College, Mo., in September, 1871, and graduated 
from that institution in 1874. He came to North Smithfield in Decem- 
ber, 1S74, and has since resided and practiced medicine in that place. 
He was married to Catherine J. Rowan, September 5th, 1877, in St. 
Paul's Catholic church, Blackstone, Mass. They have six children: 
Charles W., John F., Hugo E., Yeronica, Thomas a'Kempis and Mary 
Catherine; the last one being born December 22d, 1880. 

Napoleon Malo, M.D., was born in St. Marc, Province of Ouebec, 
Canada, September 29th, 1857. His father was Claus Malo, a well-to- 
do farmer of the place, who has served four years in Parliament, as a 
member of the general assembly representing the county of Yer- 
cheres. His mother was Elionore Supierre. Attending in his youth 
a school kept by his uncle in the vicinity of his home, he was prepared 
at the age of nine to follow a classical course at St. Hyacinthe College, 
to which he was sent. There he continued until about the middle of 
the fifth year, while in the class of belles-lettres, his course was ar- 
rested by order of the physician, who saw gathering symptoms of 
pulmonary difficulty in the young student. He then went into the 
employ and at the same time under the instruction of his uncle, Joseph 
Caderre, a merchant in the parish of St. Antoine, where he worked in 
the store, and took lessons of his uncle, who was a highly educated 
man, having passed a full nine years' course in St. Hyacinthe College 
and studied for the priesthood two years and a half . He also had the 
help of the curate of the parish toward completing his classical course. 
He studied and received his degree of M.D. at the Yictoria Medical 
College of Montreal in the spfing of 1879. He has been practicing 
for some time in Pawtucket and is about changing his residence to 
Central Falls. He married MissOdelie Bernier of Providence, in the 
fall of 1881. 

Miles Manchester, M.D., was born in tne town of Cranston. ( Icto- 
ber 4th, 1777, and died in Pawtucket, June 15th, 1848. He was the 
son of Job Manchester. Commencing the study of medicine with 
Doctor Benjamin Dyer, in 1793, after three years spent with him he 



116 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

continued the study with Doctor Caleb Fiske of Scituate until the 
year 1800, when he returned to his father's home in Cranston and 
commenced the practice of medicine. In 1802 he removed to Johns- 
ton, where he married Phebe, daughter of Pardon Fenner. In August, 
1800, he removed to Pawtucket, where he continued the practice of 
medicine till his death. He was a charter member of the Rhode 
Island Medical Society. At his death he left three children, none of 
whom are now living. 

Charles F. Manchester, M.D., was born in Pawtucket, February 
7th, 1805, being the son of Doctor Miles and Phebe Fenner Manches- 
ter. After attending the local schools he entered the Episcopal Acad- 
emy at Cheshire, Conn., and graduated from Brown University in 
September, 1825. He received his degree of M. D., from Harvard 
Medical College, in August, 1828 After practicing according to the 
allopathic system for eleven years he embraced the principles of 
homeopathy in 1840, and was one of the founders of the American 
Institution of Homeopathy. He began his labors as a physician in 
Pawtucket, afterward practiced in Providence and in New York city, 
but returned to Pawtucket in 1842, and practiced there until his 
death, April 5th, 1878. He was twice married: first to Amelia Ames, 
of Providence, by whom he had three children — Susan A., wife of 
Latham H. Clarke, of Brooklyn; Charles Miles, now of New York; 
and Maria L., wife of A. Boyd Shedan, of Brooklyn; and second to 
Kate E. Le Valley, of Pawtucket, by whom he had no children. Doc- 
tor Manchester became a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society 
in 1838, and was surgeon of the Pawtucket Life Guard. He was the 
first president of the First National Bank of Pawtucket. 

Thomas Henry McNally, M.D., was born in Cranston, March 7th, 
L855. After leaving the public schools he attended La Salle Acad- 
emy, at Providence, and then studied medicine with Doctors T. G. 
and W. W. Potter, of that city. He then took two courses of lectures 
at Detroit, Mich., Medical College, and two more at the University of 
Burlington, Vt., graduating in 1880. He began the practice of medi- 
cine at Central Falls in 1887. 

Joseph E. Y. Mathieu, M.D., of Central Falls, was born in St. Bar- 
nabe, Province of Quebec, August 8th, 1856. He took a classical 
course at St. Hyacinthe, and in 1876 entered Victoria Medical College, 
Montreal, where he graduated in 1879. In the spring of the same 
year he began the practice of medicine in Central Falls, where he 
now resides, lie is a member of the Rhode Island Medical Society. 
WilliP.fi! C. Monroe, M.D.,was born in Woonsocketin 1850. He was 
educated atWoonsocket tligh School, at the Friends' School, of Prov- 
idence, and at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York city, 
where he graduated in L876. He began the practice of medicine in 
Woonsocket the same year. He was for a number of years connected 
with the school board Kind is now a member of the hospital staff. He 

V- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 117 

married Carrie M., daughter of William W. Remington, of Phenix, 
in 1876. 

Doctor Thomas Nutting, of Georgiaville, was a prominent mem- 
ber of his profession in the town of Smithfield for many years. He 
was a self-made man, and possessed a great deal of energy. He was 
a prominent supporter of the Universalist church at the place men- 
tioned. After having practiced medicine at Georgiaville about 40 
years he died there in the spring of 1886, at the ripe age of 76 years. 

Asa Harden Nickerson, the only child of Captain Asa W. and 
Ruth A.. Nickerson, was born July 1st, 1854, in South Dennis, Barn- 
stable county, Mass. He was the eighth generation from William 
Nickerson of Norwich, Norfolk county, England, who was born 1604, 
arrived in Boston June 20th, 1637, and is supposed to have settled on 
Cape Cod in 1639. From the original in this country down to out- 
subject the genealogical line of descent is as follows: William, Nicho- 
las, John, John, John, Harden, Asa W., Asa Harden. The boyhood 
of Asa Harden was spent attending the district school of the village 
until 16 years of age. He graduated from the New Hampton Liter- 
ary and Biblical Institution, of New Hampton, N. H., July 2d, 1873, 
and the next year taught a grammar school in the town of Harwich, 
Mass. He moved to Providence in 1875, afterward took a special 
course of instruction, worked in a drug store at odd times, studied in 
the office of the late Doctors Capron & Perry, and graduated from 
Harvard Medical School June 28th, 1882. He settled in Central Falls 
in the fall of the same year. He is a prominent member of several 
social benefit societies. He was married to Carrie Evelyn Bunker, 
daughter of Cyrus E. Bunker, at Bethlehem, N. H., October 12th, 
1887. 

Doctor Robert Fanning Noyes was born in South Kingstown, R. L, 
February 8th, 1850. He was the oldest son of Thomas W. and Julia 
Elma Noyes. His mother's maiden name was Julia Elma Allen, 
daughter of Reverend Joseph W. Allen, of North Kingstown, R. I. 
Born and reared on a farm, he attended the country schools of Kings- 
town, was a private pupil of Reverend J. Hogadorn Wells, attended 
Providence Conference Seminary of East Greenwich, the Literary In- 
stitution of Suffield, Conn., and Friends' School of Providence. At 
the age of 19 he began the study of medicine with Job Kenyon,M.D., 
of Providence; in 1870-71 attended lectures at Harvard Medical Col- 
lege; in 1871-73 attended lectures at the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of New York city, and graduated thence in February, 1873. 
He began the practice of medicine in Providence in December of the 
same year, and has been in continuous practice there ever since, hav- 
ing served as physician fo the department of out-patients of the 
Rhode Island Hospital for a number of years, and from 1882 to the 
present time as visiting physician to the same institution. May 15th, 
1888, he married Miss Katharine H. Gifford, of Providence. He is 



118 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

vice-president of the Providence Medical Association, and 2d vice- 
president of the Rhode Island Medical Society. 

Clement D. O'Leary, M.D.,son of Charles and Louise O'Leary, was 
born in New Haven in 1864. He pursued the course in Brown Uni- 
versity, receiving' the degrees of A.B. and A.M., the latter in 1884. 
He was afterward educated in the professional direction at the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, where he received the 
degree of M.D. in 1887. He was house surgeon to the Rhode Island 
Hospital in 1887-8, and is now in private practice at corner of Plane 
and Public streets, Providence. 

John A. O'Keefe, M.D., was born in Grafton, Worcester county, 
Mass., March 17th, 1863, and was named after the great war governor 
of Massachusetts, John Andrews. His parents were Thomas and 
Elizabeth O'Keefe. He spent his first 15 years on a farm, attending 
the district school in the winters meanwhile. At the age of 13 he 
entered the grammar school of Grafton, four miles distant from home, 
walking the distance daily. When he was 15 years of age the family 
moved to Worcester, and he entered the high school there, remaining 
until within one year of graduation, when he left it to learn a trade. 
He soon after abandoned that and took up the study of medicine, 
with Doctor James Sullivan as preceptor. He afterward entered the 
Long Island College Hospital, of Brooklyn, N. Y., from which he 
graduated in June, 1884. During the summer of that year he prac- 
ticed at Norwich, Conn., but left there in October, to take a course in 
foreign hospitals. He spent eight months abroad, visiting the prin- 
cipal hospitals in Great Britain and on the continent, being in Italy 
during the cholera epidemic of 1884 and 1885. Returning to New 
York he was appointed one of the house and ambulance surgeons at 
the Eastern District Hospital, which position he held until he re- 
signed to engage in practice at Providence. He is now practicing in 
Providence, and is a member of numerous medical, literary and 
social societies. 

Emma A. Phillips, M.D., of Pawtucket, was born at Medfield, 
Mass., August 25th, 1844. She was the daughter of Reverend Daniel 
\V. Phillips, D.D., a Baptist minister, a native of Carmarthen county, 
Wales; and her mother was Elizabeth Cross, of Beverly, Mass. She 
( Emma) was educated in the public schools of Wakefield, and at home, 
during her girlhood and youth, after which she taught school in the 
city of Nashville, Tenn., in county schools, and for eight years was. 
a teacher of music and some other branches in Roger Williams 
University, Nashville, Tenn. Her medical education was obtained at 
the Boston University School of Medicine, and she settled in prac- 
tice first at Taunton, Mass., from July, 1881, to June, 1883, and since 
that time has been practicing in Pawtucket. She removed to Nash- 
ville, Tenn., with her parents in 1865, and returned to New England 
for medical education in October, 1878, after having studied for two 
years under Doctor J. P. Dake of Nashville. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 119 

George B. Peck, M.D., eldest son of George B. and Ann Power 
vSmith Peck, was born in Providence, August 12th, 1843. Manifest- 
ing an unusual fondness for books at an early age, his parents deter- 
mined that his inheritance should be a good education. Pie was kept 
at school from an age so young that he was excused daily at eleven 
o'clock for a morning nap, until he was graduated in letters (with 
a civil engineer's diploma additional) at Brown University in 1864. 
During his university days the war was raging, and though it was 
not convenient for him to go to the front he joined the noted Provi- 
dence Marine Corps of Artillery in the early part of 18G3, and in 
subsequent years became an active and prominent member of it. 
He also had a record in the field during the latter part of the war. 
Availing himself of the first opportunity after the completion of his 
college course he was mustered, December 13th, 1864, as second 
lieutenant of Company G, 2d Regiment R. I. Vols., conditionally on 
raising a company to refill it. March 13th, he sailed with the com- 
pany to City Point. A few weeks later he received a bullet wound 
through his left side, on the field of Sailor's Creek, which termi- 
nated his active campaigning. He rejoined the regiment at Wash- 
ington in a weak condition and poor health, but soon after resigned 
and received an honorable discharge July 5th, 1865. He soon after 
entered the office of Peck & Salsbury, as a bookkeeper in their coal 
and wood business. During the season of 1869-70 he attended 
lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, both 
the winter and summer courses, and followed that by a similar 
double course at the Medical School of Yale College, where 
he received his diploma in June, 1871. He spent the next year in 
the laboratory of the Sheffield Scientific School, devoting himself 
chiefly to chemistry. From August, 1872, to June, 1874, he served 
as assistant chemist at the United States Naval Torpedo Station at 
Newport, R. I., and during the fall of 1874 had charge of the chemi- 
cal department of the University of Vermont at Burlington, during 
an illness of the professor, Peter Collier, Ph.D. June 1st, 1875, he 
opened an office in Providence as a general practitioner of medi- 
cine, and this occupation he still pursues in the very place where his 
maternal grandfather kept store for some 40 years, and in which his 
mother was born. His residence is the house built by his paternal 
grandfather, and in which his father and himself alike were born. 
He is a member of the Rhode Island Homeopathic Society, of the 
Western Massachusetts Homeopathic Medical Society, and an hon- 
orary member of the Homeopathic Society of the State of New York. 
He has filled many important professional positions, and served en 
the school committee for the last nine years, is a prominent member 
of the Baptist church, and has devoted himself considerably to liter- 
ary work, which has commanded a very favorable reception. 



120 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Ara Marshall Paine, son of Ara and Lydia M. Paine, was born Oc- 
tober 31st, 1836, in Burrillville, R. I. His boyhood was spent upon 
his father's farm, where he attended the district school. He after- 
ward attended the Providence Conference Seminary of East Green- 
wich, for several years. After teaching school for a short time in his 
native town, he engaged in mercantile business, previous to com- 
mencing the study of medicine. He attended lectures at Albany 
Medical College, of New York state, and Harvard Medical College, 
where he was graduated March 6th, 1861. In the following winterhe 
began the practice of medicine in Providence. Beginning with Sep- 
tember, 1862, he served three years as acting assistant surgeon at the 
Lovel General Hospital at Portsmouth Grove, R. I. At the close of 
the war he settled in Woonsocket, where he has ever since practiced 
medicine with encouraging success. He has served the town as 
member of the town council, and of the school committee, and as 
health officer. He was married in Blackstone, Mass., August 17th, 
1861, to Henrietta, youngest daughter of Rufus and Susan Jefferds. 
They have two daughters: Evelyn W. and Alice J., the latter being 
married August 22d, 1888, to George W. Green, of Woonsocket. 

Albert Potter, M.D., of Chepachet, is a descendant of the seventh 
generation from Robert Potter, and through the maternal lines, a 
descendant cf Roger Williams, of the eighth generation. The line 
of descent, as far as we have learned, was as follows: 1, Roger Wil- 
liams; 2, his daughter Mercy, who married Samuel Winsor; 3, their 
son, Samuel Winsor, whose wife was Mercy Harding; 4, their daugh- 
ter Mary, who married Fisher Potter; 5 and 6, we have not learned; 
7, John Waterman Potter; 8, his son, Doctor Albert Potter, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He was born in Sturbridge, Mass., February 28th, 
is:! |. He graduated at Harvard in 1855. In 1861 he joined the 5th 
R. I. Regiment, as assistant surgeon, and in 1863 was promoted to be 
surgeon of the regiment, serving till the following year. In 1865 he 
settled in Chepachet, where he is still in practice. He recently held 
the office'of president of the Rhode Island Medical Society. In 1855 
he married Urania T., daughter of Daniel and Mary Harris. 

Albert Orlando Robbins, M.D., was born in Providence, March 
25th, 1840. He was the second child of Horace and Julia Emily (Hop- 
kins) Robbins. Horace Robbins carried on the tin and sheet iron 
business, in connection with a retail grocery, and at the time of his 
death, in August, 1844, was in fair circumstances. The mother took 
care of the children and administered the property after the death of 
the father, our subject being then but about four years old. He was 
given a liberal education in the public schools of the city, including 
the high school, and an academic course at the New Hampton Insti- 
tute, of Fairfax, Vt. This was followed by a medical training under 
the instruction and direction of Doctors Usher and Charles H. Par- 
sons, and at the medical school and medical department of Harvard 



\ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 121 

University, from which he graduated in 1866. He then located in the 
town of Harwich, Mass., where he married Zulette, daughter' of Thomas 
and Hope D. Eldridge, returning to Providence in 1870. Here he 
remained until the death of his wife, in 1873, when he removed to 
the town of Sutton, and practiced there until 1878. He then returned 
to his old home, and there has remained until the present time. In 
1861 he enlisted in the First R. I. Cavalry, and remained with them 
until November 19th, 1863, when he was commissioned an assistant 
surgeon of the Second R. I. Infantry, and shortly afterward resigned 
and went home. Doctor Robbins is a lineal descendant on the mater- 
nal side, in the fourth generation, from Stephen Hopkins, signer of 
the declaration of independence. On the paternal side he is related 
to Asher Robbins, and later, Winfield Scott was own cousin to Horace 
Robbins. 

Edgar W. Remington, M.D., son of Horatio A. and Martha A. 
Remington, was born in Warwick, August 27th, 1862. He entered 
Mo wry & Goff's Classical School, and graduated in 1881. He entered 
Brown University the same year, and graduated in 1885, with 
the degree of A.B. In the fall of that year he entered Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College, and taking there a three years' course, gradu- 
ated in the spring of 1888. He began practice in Providence in April, 
1888, and there continues, He married Miss Dilla Ralph, of Phenix, 
April 16th, 1888, and they have one son, Edgar Demarest Remington. 

James M. Ryder, M.D., was a native of Pawtucket, and was a grad- 
uate of Woodstock (Vt.) Medical College. He began the practice of 
medicine at Woonsocket, but during the gold mania of 1849, went to 
California. After a residence of a few years there he returned to 
New York state, and finally died in London, England, in 1886. 

Samuel Starkweather, M. D., was a practitioner of medicine in 
Pawtucket for a short time between the years 1830 and 1840. He re- 
moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became mayor of the city and 
one of the associate judges of that state. 

George Henry Stanley, M.D., is a graduate of Harvard Medical 
College, and has practiced medicine with flattering success in Paw- 
tucket since 1870. 

Waldo Hodges Stone, M.D., was born July 8th, 1855, at Olean, N. 
Y. His father was Samuel Hollis Stone, and his mother Betsy Cope- 
land vStone. In 1860 his parents moved into southwest Missouri, 
where in 1861 they were driven from their home by the rebels, find- 
ing refuge in western Illinois. There they remained, and amid the 
rugged surroundings of that life our subject passed his boyhood until 
1873, working on the farm summers and attending school in the old 
log school house winters whenever there was no work to do to pre- 
vent. So the little hamlet of Hamburg became the scene of his child- 
hood. In 1873 he came East and entered Bridge water (Mass.) Acad- 
emy, where he spent two years, and then took a two years' course in 



122 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the Bridgewater Normal School. After that he taught school two 
years, a part of which time he was superintendent of the public 
schools in the town of West Bridgewater, where he taught. In 1879 
he entered Boston University, where he graduated in 1882, with the 
degree of M.D. In the fall of 1882, by invitation of J. W. Hay ward, 
M.D., of Taunton, Mass., he settled there as his assistant, a position 
which he continued to fill until January, 1886, when he moved to his 
present field in Providence. He was married June 13th, 1882, to Miss 
Mary E. Goss, of Danvers, Mass. They have two children— George 
B. and Samuel H. Stone. Doctor Stone recently took into his office 
as an associate in medical practice, Doctor C. H. Hadley, who occu- 
pies the field with him. 

Samuel Fuller Stowe, M.D., was born in the town of Providence, 
October 6th, 1814. His father was Samuel Stowe, a native of 
Stonington, Conn., and his mother's maiden name was Catharine 
Ham, a native of Providence. Doctor Stowe left Providence in 
L829, and attended a school in Worcester county, Mass., return- 
ing to Providence in October, 1837. At that time he turned his 
attention to physiology, and later took up chemistry. He located 
in New Bedford in December, 1844, and continued a general and 
successful practice in medicine, in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fair 
Haven and Westport. In February, 1859, he sold out his botanic 
store and returned to Providence, where he practiced medicine until 
the spring of 1866. He then went to Boston and engaged in other 
business. Returning again to Providence in 1S74, he commenced 
business in the line of his former botanical practice at No. 555 High 
street, where he remains. He was never married. 

Grenville Smith Stevens, M.D., of Providence, was born in Rayn- 
ham, Mass., July 10th, 1829. He was sent to school at an early age, 
and at that time manifested that eagerness for knowledge which 
has been a marked characteristic with him through life. In 1845 
he attained a remarkable degree of proficiency in the common 
English branches and entered upon an academic course preparatory 
for college, having then the medical profession in view. After 
three years thus spent he entered Brown University in 1848, and 
graduated therefrom in 1852. During his college vacations he pur- 
sued his preliminary medical studies in the office of Doctors Bar- 
rows & Graves of Taunton, Mass. In the fall after his graduation 
he entered the office of Doctor Okie, in Providence. In 1853 he 
attended his first course of medical lectures, in Pittsfield, Mass. 
He afterward attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 
New York city, where in 1854 he graduated. In July of the same 
year, during the prevalence of the great cholera epidemic, he went 
to Chicago, but being taken ill after a brief residence he returned 
to the East, and in August, 1854, he opened an office and com- 
menced practice in Providence. He soon gained a good reputation 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 123 

for professional skill, and had the confidence and ejsteem of his 
friends. After some 13 years of close application to the calls of 
his practice, he found his health failing, and retired to his farm 
for the space of two years. In I860, his health having been re- 
stored, he again entered the field of practice in Providence, and has 
since continued in a successful and prosperous career of practice. 
He has been twice married: first, to Hannah Wheaton Smith of 
Warren, R. I., February 3d, 1859; and second, to Lydia Browning 
White of Providence, March 18th, 1869. 

Esek P. Sumner, M.D., was born in Eastford, Windham county, 
Conn., January 29th, 1821, being the son of Samuel and Sally Cla.pp 
Sumner, whose maiden surname was Preston. He worked on his 
father's farm and attended the district school until 15 years old, 
learned to make shoes and followed that a year or two, and then 
learned to manufacture carriages, and worked at that business a 
year or two. Then he studied at Plainfield Academy for a year, and 
then taught school for a while, meanwhile taking up the study of 
medicine. He attended medical lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., and 
Woodstock, Vermont, graduating at the latter college in 1847. He 
commenced the practice of medicine in September, 1847. and con- 
tinued in the adjoining towns of Seekonk, Rehoboth and Swansea, 
Mass., and Barrington, R. I., till 1859. He then settled himself in 
the business of pharmacy and office practice at 381 High street, 
Providence, where he has remained to the present time, with a fair 
measure of success. He has from boyhood been a keen lover and 
student of history, general literature and the Greek and Latin and 
English classics. He has been president of the Rhode Island Phar- 
maceutical Association and has filled some minor political and 
educational positions. He was married November 24th, 1853, to Cor- 
nelia Hall Munroe. They have one. daughter, now married, Minnie 
Preston Moulton, and her five year old son is named, in perpetuation 
of the family names involved, Preston Sumner Moulton. 

Henry W. Stillman, M.D., was born in Hopkinton, R.I., in 1824. 
He was the son of Ezra and Charlotte (Wells) Stillman. He was 
educated at the public schools of Jewett City, Conn. He began the 
course in medical study in the medical department of Yale College, 
and graduated at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., in 
1845, being then 21 years of age. He began practice in Pawtucket, 
and afterward practiced in Lime Rock, in the town of Smithfield, for 
11 years. In 1858 he removed to Cumberland Hill, and practiced there 
27 years, and in 1883 removed to Woonsocket. He was one of the 
first members of the hospital staff, and is a member of the state 
medical society. He was married in 1847, to Harriet N., daughter of 
Roswell Downing, of Lisbon, Conn. She died in 1849. He was 
married again, in 1852, to Clara, daughter of Benjamin Lindsey, of 
Smithfield, and she died in 1882. 



124 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

■ 

Walter J. Smith, M.D., of Scituate, was born in Berkley, Mass., in 
1857. He was educated at Bridgewater High School, and graduated 
at Yale College Medical School, taking his degree of M.D. in the class 
of 1878. He came to North Scituate in the same year, and has been 
there ever since. His father, John D. Smith, was a surgeon in the 
navy during the war, and his grandfather, Prof. Nathan Smith, be- 
longed to the faculty of Yale College in the medical department. 
His wife was a daughter of Doctor Charles Fisher, of Providence. 

Thomas J. Smith, M.D., of Valley Falls, was born at Adams, Mass., 
April 18th, 1859, and is the second son of Michael and Bridget. He 
has been a student at the West Farnum Academy, at the St. Patrick 
Institution of Granby, and at the Ottawa University, all located in 
the province of Quebec, Canada. He also attended La Salle Acad- 
emy, of Providence, and studied medicine with Doctor L. F. C. Gar- 
vin. He then took a course of lectures at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons of Baltimore, Md., graduating in 1884. He commenced 
the practice of medicine in Cumberland in the same year, and still 
continues in that town, being a resident of Valley Falls. He is a mem- 
ber of the state medical society. 

Doctor George R. Smith, son of George A. and Caroline A. (Salis- 
bury) Smith, was born in Greenville, R. I., December 26th, 185G. After 
a preliminary education in the village academy he studied two years 
at the Coddington School, in Newport. After this he spent three 
years at the State Normal School, and subsequently taught school for 
three years. He then entered the office of Doctor J. W. Mitchell, of 
Providence, where he remained as a medical student nearly two 
years. He then entered the medical department of Bowdoin College, 
spending two years there. He then spent one year at the medical 
department of the University of Vermont, graduating in the class of 
1882. He immediately commenced practicing with his preceptor, 
Doctor Mitchell, but after six months removed to Woonsocket, where 
he has ever since remained. He became a member of the state med- 
ical society in 1883, and the same year was appointed medical exam- 
iner for the Fifth district of Rhode Island, also elected a member of 
the school committee. George A. Smith, father of our subject, was a 
soldier in the war of the rebellion, and served with General Banks in 
the Red River expedition. The house now in possession of the Smith 
family is one of the oldest in Rhode Island, having been in the hands 
of the Smith and Mowry families over 200 years. 

Doctor Stephen Slater was born in Foster, R. I., in 1817. His 
father, also named Stephen, was born in 1779. Doctor Slater in early 
life worked at the business of a cabinet maker. While a youth he 
moved with his parents to Slatersville, in 1825. He attended the 
Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, for about two years, but his 
health forbade his pursuing the course quite to its completion. He 
began to practice medicine in 1858. He married Sally B. Caroll, 
November 28th, 1839, and lias two children— James S. and Emma L. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 125 

Dennis Jerome Sullivan, A.B., M.D., was born in Providence, in 
1850. He was the son of Daniel and Alicia Sullivan. He entered St. 
Charles College, Ellicott City, Md., in 1865, and graduated with honors 
at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., in the class of 1870. He 
studied medicine under George E. Mason for two years, and gradu- 
ated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1876. From that 
time to the present he has practiced medicine in Providence. 

Charles A. Stearns, M.D., was born in West Medway, Mass., in 
1858. His ancestors on both sides came to America in 1630, or just 
previous to that date, and settled in Massachusetts. His father, An- 
drew J.Stearns, was a merchant, and his mother was Mary M.Stearns. 
Doctor Stearns was educated in the public schools of Worcester, 
whither the family had moved, and after graduating from the high 
school in 1877, entered Amherst College in the fall of that year, and 
graduated in 1881. In the fall of that year he entered the medical 
department of Harvard University, graduating thence in 1884. He 
was then serving in the out-patient department of Boston City Hos- 
pital. He began the practice of medicine in Shrewsbury, Mass., in 
1884, but in the fall of that year changed to Providence. In 1885 he 
removed to Pawtucket, where he has since been settled. He was 
married to Miss Anna E. Greene, October 22d, 1889, at Pawtucket, 
and is a member of several social and beneficial societies. 

Doctor William H. Sturtevant, of Pawtuxet, was born at Centre- 
ville, Mass., April 10th, 1823. His parents' names were Josiah and 
Lucy Sturtevant. His father was a clergyman settled in Centreville 
at the time. Pie was left fatherless at an early age, and removed with 
his mother and his six brothers and sisters to Plymouth, Mass. The 
names of the family in the order of their ages were: James, Thomas, 
Josiah, George, Lucy, Eunice and William. At the age of 12 years 
our subject left home barefooted and with 50 cents in his pocket, de- 
termined to make his own way in the world. He secured employ- 
ment in a grocery store in Nantucket, Mass., and remained there two 
years. His employer failed and he was again out of a position. He 
found his way to New Bedford, and there learned the trade of a 
painter, being seven years employed in it. At the age of 21 he com- 
menced business for himself. His health failed. By advice of his pastor 
he undertook to study for the ministry. He was, after some preparation, 
licensed to preach. After preaching in the suburbs of the city for 
ten years he received a call to the Congregational church of Vineyard 
Haven, Mass., where he was ordained and installed as pastor. After 
four years spent there he was called to the Congregational church in 
South Dennis, Mass., where he remained four years more. H,e was 
then called to the Congregational church at West Tisbury, Mass., 
where he remained 18 years. In 1863 and 1864 he was a representa- 
tive to the state legislature, and at the close of the war was appointed 
on the committee to revise the valuation of property in the state. He 



126 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

also served on other important commissions in behalf of the town of 
West Tisbnry. During that time he also turned his attention to the 
study of medicine under private tutorship, having become a disciple 
of Hahnemann, and there being no physician of that school within 36 
miles of his home. He gradually fell into the practice of answering 
calls from neighboring families in addition to the treatment of his 
own family, which was his original design in the study of medicine. 
His next pastoral field was Tiverton Four Corners, R. L, where, after 
spending four years, he removed to Pawtuxet and gave his attention 
to the practice of homeopathy. There he has remained for the last 
five or six years. He married Sarah Hilliard, of North Charlestown, 
X. H., January 1st, 1845, and they have four children, the two oldest 
of whom are married — Louise B. Potter, Olive C. White, Sarah E. 
Sturtevant and Alfred G. Sturtevant. 

Thomas H. Shipman, M.D., was born in New London, Conn., 
September 9th, 1851, being the son of Joseph A. and Abbey J. Ship- 
man. His parents were hard working people, his father being a 
blacksmith, having a family of seven children. He attended the 
public schools of his native city until 13 years of age, and then went 
to live with his great-uncle, Leander Kenny, in New York city. 
After spending four years in the grammar schools of New York, on 
the death of his uncle he returned to New London. Two years after- 
ward he became a drug clerk in Colchester, Conn., and then he de- 
cided to study medicine. He pursued preliminary studies under 
tutorship of Doctor S. E. Swift,. while in the drug store, where he 
remained three years. He entered the Homeopathic Medical Col- 
lege of New York, in October, 1874, and graduated in the spring of 
1876. In October of the same year he married Addie C. Chapman, of 
Colchester, and immediately settled in Bristol, R. I., where he prac- 
ticed 12 years. In March, 1888, he located in Providence, where he 
is now practicing. In December of 1888 he was called to suffer the 
loss of his beloved wife, leaving one child, Ethel C, now three years 
of age. Another child, Thomas H., died when but one day old. 
Doctor Shipman was the first homeopathic physician ever appointed 
on the state board of health in Rhode Island, being appointed to that 
position in 1878. He is a member of the Rhode Island Homeopathic 
Medical Society. 

Alzamat] .Sawyer, M.D., was born in Worcester county, Mass., 
January 5th, 1828, being the son of James and Naomi Sawyer. He 
received his early education in the country schools, and at the age of 
2o commenced the study of medicine. In 1850 he entered the office 
of Doctors Poor& Mitchell, of Saratoga. At the end of that season 
he went to New York, and continued the study of medicine under 
the direction of Doctor A. Upham, giving his attention particularly 
to diseases of the eye. In 1852, he located in Newark as an occulist. 
In 1855 he removed to Syracuse, N. Y., continuing the practice of his 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 127 

specialty and pursuing studies of medicine and surgery under in- 
structions of Doctors Foote and Van Slyke. He afterward spent two 
years at the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, re- 
ceiving there his diploma. Successive fields of practice, mainly as an 
occulist and aurist, after leaving Syracuse have been, to Dixon. 111., 
in 1857; to New Bedford, Mass., in 1860; to Providence in 1808, where 
he remains in practice. 

Henry Arthur Sherman, M.D., was born in Stafford Springs, Conn., 
in the year I860. He was the son of Charles W. and Virtue Sher- 
man, being next to the youngest of a family of five children. After 
the civil war the family removed to Putnam, Conn., the father having 
been shot during the war. Our subject grew up in the public schools 
of Putnam, receiving additional instruction in French, German and 
Latin, and studied medicine and surgery with Doctor F. A. Bos- 
worth, of Webster, Mass., for two years. At the age of 23 he entered 
Jeffefson Medical College, and after being there two years entered 
the medical department of the University of Vermont for one year. 
Returning again to Jefferson Medical College he graduated there. 
He received his diploma April 9th, 1888, and located in Providence, 
for practice, on the first of June following. Here he has been to the 
present time. 

John Baptiste Antony Tanguay, M.D.. was born at St. Rosalie, 
Province of Quebec, Canada, in 1845. He was educated at St. Hya- 
cinthe College, Montreal. His professional education was pursued 
at McGill University, and later at Victoria College, Montreal, where 
he was graduated in 1869. He practiced at St. Hyacinthe until 1881, 
and since that time has practiced in Providence. He was married in 
1875, to Miss Vitaline Glautier, from which marriage five children 
have been born: Joseph Antony Edgar, now 13 years old; Maria 
Alma Eva, died at the age of seven weeks; John Baptiste Prosper 
Raphael, now nine years old; Mary Antoinette Blanche, now seven 
years old; and Mary Carinne, now three years old. 

Herbert Terry, M.D., was born at Fair Haven, Mass., December 
8th. 1854. His parents were Isaac Terry and his wife, whose maiden 
name was Jane S. Ingraham. He was educated at the Friends' Acade- 
my, at New Bedford, Mass.; at Cornell University, 1876; and at Har- 
vard, graduating as M.D. in 1880. Since that time he has practiced 
in Providence. He has held numerous positions of professional re- 
sponsibility, and is connected with several social and other societies. 

Hugh Ernest Trapnell, M.D., was born in Havre de Grace, New- 
foundland, and is of English descent. He received the degree of 
B.A. from McGill University, of Montreal, and also his medical di- 
ploma in 1887. He commenced the practice of medicine in Provi- 
dence in that year, but in 1888 located for practice in Valley Falls, 
having also engaged in the drug business at that place. In 1889 he 
he removed to Putnam, Conn., where he is engaged m the drug 
business and the practice of medicine. 



128 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Doctor James E. Tobey, of Central Fall c , was born in Greenville, 
R. I., October 18th, 1848. After graduating from Lapham Academy, 
in Scituate, he commenced the study of medicine with Doctor Syl- 
vanus Clapp, of Pawtucket, and in 1872 graduated from Harvard 
Medical College. From May, 1871, he was house surgeon for one 
year at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In July, 1872, he began 
practicing medicine in Central Falls, where he still remains. He is 
a member of the state medical society. 

Herbert Osgood True, M.D., was born in New London, N.H.,May 
30th, 1859, being the youngest son of Mark and Mary Crocker True. 
He took an academic course at Phillips, Exeter, N. H., and entered 
Brown University in 1880. In 1882 he entered Harvard Medical Col- 
lege, where he received his degree of M.D., in 1885. He was home 
physician of the City Hospital of Worcester, Mass., for a time, and in 
the spring of 1887 commenced the practice of medicine at Pawtucket. 
He is a visiting physician of the Pawtucket dispensary, and a mem- 
ber of both state and Providence medical societies. 

Emily Metcalf Thurber, M.D., was born of American parents, in 
Providence, May 19th, 1837. Her father was Jesse Metcalf, and the 
maiden name of her mother was Eunice Dench Houghton. She was 
educated in the public schools of Providence, graduating from the 
high school in 1853. She was married, in Providence, to Isaac 
Brown Thurber, June 14th, 1858. Her four children, all of 
whom are now living, are: John Houghton, Edward Metcalf, Walter 
and Amey. Mrs. Thurber entered the Boston University School of 
Medicine in the fall of 1876, and graduated in 1878. Since that time 
she has been practicing in Providence. She is a member of the 
Rhode Island Homeopathic Medical Society, and has been attending 
physician to the Children's Friends' Society for eight years. 

Stephen A. Welch, M.D., of 243 High street, Providence, is a native 
of this city, having been born here December 16th, 1857. His parents 
were George and Lydia A. J. (Gladding) Welch. He attended the 
public schools, graduating from the high school in 1875, and from 
Brown University in the class of 1879, and from Harvard Medical 
School in 1884, and at the Boston City Hospital in the same year. He 
practiced medicine in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1884 and 1885, and in Prov- 
idence from 1885 to the present time. He is a member of several 
medical and other societies. 

Doctor Henry A. Whitmarsh, of Providence, was born September 
29th, L854, in Providence. His parents were Edwin B. and Harriet 
Barden Whitmarsh. He was educated at Mowry & Goff's school in 
Providence, at Brown University, at Columbia Medical College, at 
the New York Homeopathic Medical College, at Chambers street (N. 
Y. i Hospital, at the New York Polyclinic, and at the General Hospital 
of Vienna, Austria. He was the first homeopath to locate in East 
Providence, where he practiced from 1879 to 1SS8. Pie was married 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 129 

to Martha M. Gent, of Brooklyn, June 16th, 1881. She died May 8th, 
18SS, leaving no children. In June, 1880, Brown University conferred 
upon him the degree of A.M. He removed to Providence, his present 
field, in the spring of 1888. and is now surgeon to the Rhode Island 
Homeopathic Hospital. 

Dvvight S. Whittemore, M.I)., was born in Union, Conn., May 14th, 
1864. His father was Dwight T. Whittemore. His mother's maiden 
name was Sarah A. Crawford. The father died when our subject was 
but one month old. He was brought up under the instruction of his 
mother until over seven years old, after which he attended the dis- 
trict school for a few years, and later the academy at East Green wieh, 
where he graduated in the college preparatory course in 1882. He 
taught school one year, then attended the Boston University of Lib- 
eral Arts for a year, and after some preliminary study under private 
tutors entered Boston University School of Medicine, completing the 
three years' course and receiving the degree of M.D., in June, 1887. 
He settled in Providence soon after graduation, and has been prac- 
ticing there ever since. He was married July 26th. 1887, to Mary M. 
Williams of Providence. He has been one of the attending physi- 
cians at the Providence Homeopathic Dispensary since coming to the 
city, and in October, 1888, was appointed out-patient physician to that 
institution. He is a member of the Rhode Island Homeopathic Med- 
ical Society, and of several social orders. 

Frank L. Wyman, M.D., son of Ambrose H. and Nancy Wyman, 
is a native of Whitfield, Lincoln county, Maine. He worked on his 
father's farm until he reached the age of 14, attending meanwhile 
the common schools and a few terms in- an academy. He then at- 
tended a commercial college at Augusta, Me., about three years, com- 
pleting the course, also studying special branches. Previous to 1880 
he was engaged in various pursuits at which he was able to earn 
money with which to pay his way in further studies. He took his 
first course in Columbus Medical College, next attended the Univer- 
sity at Burlington, Vermont, and graduated from Toledo (Ohio) Med- 
ical College in 1884. He immediately commenced practice in Olney- 
ville, and was successfully engaged until 1888, when he was disabled 
by an accident which has retired him from active work to the present 
time. 

P. Francis Walker. M.D., son of Nehemiah and Emily A. (Bliss) 
Walker, was born in Dighton, Mass., July 30th, 1858. He was edu- 
cated at the public schools of Dighton and Taunton, Mass., at Bristol 
Academy, and at Boston University, where he graduated from the 
school of medicine in the class of 1881. He located at Providence in 
the fall of that year, and has remained in practice there ever since. 

Doctor George Galen Wheeler was born in East Orrington, Maine, 
in 1856. He was the son of William H. Wheeler, of that place, a car- 
penter by trade. He received his preliminary education at the East 
9 



130 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Maine Conference Seminary at Bucksport, Maine, then read medicine 
with Doctor Galen M. Woodcock, of Bangor, Maine, for about two 
years. He attended lectures at the Medical College of the University 
of New York, where he graduated in March, 18S2. He settled at 
once in practice at Providence, where he is still employed. He was 
married in May, 1883, to Miss Mary Mary J. Osier of the city. In 
1884, thinking it would be beneficial to his failing health, he built 
and moved his residence to the suburban village of Auburn, still re- 
taining his office in the city. 

James One Whitney, M.D.. was born in North Attleboro, Mass., 
March 2d, 1823. He was the second son of Martin and Nancy (Orne) 
Whitney. After attending the district schools of his town he became 
a student of Perkins Academy, at North Attleboro. He attended a 
course of lectures at Woodstock (Vt.) Medical College, and afterward 
at Berkshire Medical College at Pittsfield, Mass., where he graduated 
November 20th, 1845. He commenced practice at Central Falls, Au- 
gust 8th, 1846. He removed to Pawtucket in June, 1863, and is still 
in active practice there. He became a member of the Rhode Island 
Medical Society in 1848, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 
1849. He was married April 24th, 1850, to Elizabeth S., daughter of 
Josiah Miller, and has three daughters: Anna R., Mary, wife of Doc- 
tor Charles C. Carter, of Rock Island, 111.; and Sylvie, wife of Win- 
throp C. Durfee, of Boston. 

James L. Wheaton, M.D., of Pawtucket, was born in Seekonk, 
Massachusetts, in 1823 and is a descendant of Robert W T heaton, an 
associate of Roger Williams. Robert Wheaton's son Ephraim was a 
clergyman, and inherited a farm in Rehoboth, which has always been 
owned by some member of the family. James Wheaton, the father 
of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1794, on the old home- 
stead. In the early part of the present century he removed to what 
is now a part of Pawtucket, being then a portion of Seekonk, but 
prior to 1812 embraced in Rehoboth. In that part of Seekonk cut off 
in 1828 and made an independent town in Massachusetts, under the 
name of Pawtucket. was where Doctor Wheaton spent his boyhood. 
Having a predilection for the medical profession, he availed himself 
of favorable opportunities to prepare for college, but failing health 
compelled him to forego a collegiate education. His health finally 
improved, however, and when he was about 20 years of age, he began 
his medical studies under the guidance of Doctors Barrows and Man- 
chester, and subsequently attended the several courses of lectures at 
Berkshire, Harvard. Boston, and Woodstock, Vermont, receivino- the 
degree of doctor of medicine from Berkshire Medical College, Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1847. In June of that year he 
entered upon his professional career in Pawtucket. where he has 
since continued in active practice, his residence, however, being 
changed to North Providence, directly opposite Pawtucket, in 1842. 








' ^ /Art^ct^C 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 131 

In early life he took an active part in politics, and for two years (185? 
and 1858) represented the town of North Providence, in the Rhode 
Island general assembly. While a member of that body he served as 
chairman of the committee on education, in which position he com- 
menced an agitation for reform in the policy then adhered to, of 
excluding colored children from the public schools in Providence, 
Newport, and Bristol; separate schools being provided for them and 
the privilege of attending the high school being denied them. The 
reports Doctor Wheaton made to the general assembly, although of 
the minority of the committee, have since borne fruit. 

Doctor Wheaton was president of the Homeopathic Society for 
the years 1876, 1877 and 1878. In 1881, he was appointed on the 
medical and surgical visiting staff of the Rhode Island Homeopathic 
Hospital, and was chairman of that staff, which position he has held 
to the present time. For the first seven years of his professional life 
he was associated with Doctor Manchester, who at the end of that 
time retired, on account of the infirmities of age. In 1871, he asso- 
ciated with him his son-in-law, Doctor J. A. Chase, who continued 
with him to 1883. Doctor Wheaton has been a successful physician 
and a useful citizen. He possesses vigorous health, and a constitu- 
tion sufficiently robust to stand the demands of his large practice. 

In 1850 he married Anna M. Jencks, of Grafton, Massachusetts, 
daugher of Charles B. Jencks, manufacturer. They have had four 
children, three of whom are living. Martha Jencks, his eldest daugh- 
ter, has been twice married; first to Doctor William P. White, who 
died in 1870, three months after marriage, and second to Doctor J. A. 
Chase, a prominent physician of Pawtucket. His second daughter, 
Fannie, was married in 1872 to S. Frank Dexter, manager and assistant 
treasurer of the Dexter Yarn Company. James Lucas is the name of 
his youngest child, a student at Brown University, at present at Ham- 
burg, Germany, preparatory to his medical studies. 

Doctor Robert Wilcox, of Pascoag, physician and coroner, was 
born in Burrillville, in 1854, being the son of William and Ann 
(Tabb) Wilcox. He studied medicine with Doctor Joslin, of Mohegan, 
and took two courses at the State University of Michican, at Ann 
Arbor, and then went to New York, where he graduated at the Long 
Island College Hospital, in 1878. He soon after settled in practice at 
Burrillville, and has continued there ever since. He held the office 
of superintendent of public schools for two years, and was elected 
coroner in 1885. He married Fanny C, daughter of Edwin B. 
Brewer, of Wilbraham, Mass.. in 1879. 

Doctor Stephen A. Wilcox, born in Foster, R. I., in 1808, was a 
son of Doctor Jeremiah Wilcox. He was educated in the common 
schools, studied medicine with Doctor Harris of Canterbury, Conn., 
came to Johnston in 1827 and commenced the practice of medicine 
there. He was an old school physician, and practiced in Johnston 



132 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

until his death, which occurred February 15th, 1838. He married in 
1832, Phebe Knight, daughter of Jacob and Freelove Knight, and 
they had two sons, Israel K., and Henry M. Wilcox. Doctor Wilcox 
was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and enjoyed a large practice. 

Doctor Thomas Wilbur was born in Glocester, March 10th, 1802. 
His parents were poor but respectable people. He spent most of his 
life in Rhode Island, but passed one year in Connecticut, and one 
year in Ohio. His father died when he was but 12 years of age, and 
he at that age was required to earn his living at work in a cotton fac- 
tory. His mind, however, was in youth inclined toward the study of 
medicine, and at the age of 18 he began the study, and having pur- 
chased books, placed himself under the private instruction of Doctor 
.Spencer Pratt for one year. Another year was passed under Doctor 
Charles Gardner, of Newport, and this was followed by a course of 
lectures with Doctor Kidder of Philadelphia. He was in 1846 asso- 
ciated with others in starting a medical college in Worcester, Mass., 
and was one of the founders of the first Odd Fellows Lodge in Woon- 
socket, in 1846. He was at onetime president of the Medical Reform 
Society. In politics he has been a democrat. He has practiced medi- 
cine in the vicinity of North Scituate about 40 years. His father, 
Thomas Wilbur, was born in Newport, R. I., and his grandfather, 
Joseph Wilbur, was born in Little Compton, R. I. Phebe, the wife of 
the last named, was a native of Somerset, Mass. Doctor Wilbur 
married Sarah C, daughter of John Whitford, February 5th, 1827, 
and they had four children, two sons and two daughters: Daniel, the 
eldest, married Mercy Matthewson; Mary married George M. Adams; 
Abby married William Bellows; Edward married Elizabeth Austin, 
and has since died. 

Doctor Charles Wilson, manager of a private sanitarium at 105 
Atwell's avenue, Providence, makes a specialty of rheumatism in all 
its forms, nervous diseases and disorganized joints, his method con- 
sisting of medicated hydraulic bath and massage treatment, aided by 
remedies of his own discovery after careful research. He belongs to 
the class of independent thinkers to whom the world owes about all 
it can boast of progress — men who are not bound by the prejudices 
or formulas of any conventional school, but strike boldly out into 
new fields and carve their own reputation and success, standing alone 
on the merits of their own genius or achievements, and not upon the 
prestige of any diploma or testimonial of an institution whose methods 
they have learned to imitate. Doctor Wilson was born at Ashford, 
now Eastford, Conn., in 1840. His parents were Jesse C. and Lucy 
(Pearce) Wilson. He was in early life 20 years employed in the rub- 
ber business with Studley Brothers of Providence. After having 
spent several years in the same line previously, he took up his present 
practice about six years ago. He has occupied several positions of 
honor among his fellow citizens, as member of school board, chair- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 133 

man of city conventions, and democratic candidate for city council. 
He married Sally Tobey Stowe, daughter of Doctor Samuel Stowe, 
of Providence, in 1874, and they have two children: Florence Cutler, 
aged 24, and Samuel Fuller, aged 22. Doctor Wilson's patients come 
from many different states, and many board in his institution while 
under his treatment. 

William R. White, M.D., was born in Cavendish, Windsor county, 
Vermont, October 31st, 1849. His parents were Joseph A. and Ellen 
L. (Proctor) White. From the district schools at home he went to 
Black River Academy, at Ludlow, Vt., and then to Kimball Union 
Academy, at Meriden, N. H., graduating there in 1870. Entering 
Dartmouth College, he graduated there with "the degree of A.B., in 
1874. During his college course he taught six months in Cavendish, 
Vt., and then three months in West Acton, Mass. In December, 1875, 
he entered the Dartmouth Medical School, where he remained a year 
and a half. He then attended Harvard Medical School, and gradu- 
ated in 1877. He followed up this preparation by a service for 18 
months as interne at the Rhode Island Hospital of Providence. He 
began private practice in the same city in December, 1879, locating 
then at 52 Jackson street, from which he moved to his present loca- 
tion at 7 Green street, in April, 1881. He was married December 10th, 
1879, to Miss Helen G. Farmer, of Providence. They have four 
children: Howard Joseph, William Edward, Donald Proctor and Mar- 
garet Helen. Doctor White has been eight years a visiting physi- 
cian to the Rhode Island Hospital, and is a member of state and 
city medical societies. 



CHAPTER V. 



TOWN OF PROVIDENCE— SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY. 



The site of Providence selected by Williams and his Companions. — The title secured. — 
The Settlement begun. — Building and Planting. — The Settlement named. — Williams 
and the Indians. — Signing the Civil Compact. — The Town Government. — Plot of the 
Settlement. — Brief notice of the Settlers individually. — Divisions of the Land. — 
Establishing the Bounds. — Delegating Town Powers. — The Town Constitution. — 
Organization of Government under the Charter. — Appointing Delegates. — The 
"Towne Streete." — Condition of the Eai'ly Settlers. — Internal Improvements. — 
Military Officers chosen. — Fort on " Stamper's Hill." — Discord in the Settlement. — 
Proprietors distinct from Inhabitants. — New Charter in 1663. — Changes under it. — 
A double Town Meeting. — Discord in the Town. — King Philip's War. — Burning of 
the Town. — Indians taken Prisoners and sold as Slaves. — Under Edmond Andros. — 
A Prison built. — Training Ground. — Weybosset Bridge.— The Small-pox.— Growth 
of the Town. — Bridges, Lotteries, Fire Apparatus. — Alarm by the French and In- 
dians. — Market House built. — Lotteries, Printing Office. Theatrical Exhibitions. 



THE history of the life and adventures of Roger Williams, the 
founder of Providence, and the detailed events connected with 
the first settlement here, are subjects which concern the whole 
county, hence are treated with more detail in another section of this 
work. In that section we have already seen that Roger Williams in 
the latter part of the year 1635 fled from Salem to evade the edict of 
banishment which had been pronounced upon him, and after a so- 
journ of privation and exposure in the wilderness during the wild 
months of winter, having spent much of the time on the east side of 
the Seekonk, in the spring of the following year crossed the river 
and began the settlement which has grown to be one of the great 
cities of the Atlantic seaboard. The time and the scene is thus 
graphically described by a native historian, Mr. Henry C. Dorr: 

" During Williams' sojourn on the east side of the Seekonk he had 
not been inattentive to the resources of the unclaimed region on the 
opposite shore. He must have known the spring toward which he 
directed his canoe and where he made his first landing. When he 
had built his wigwam and refreshed himself by the waters, he 
climbed with Harris and Olney, the first surveyors of our primitive 
wilderness, to the summit of the eastern hillside, directly above his 
dwelling place, for a wider view of their new home. From an emi- 
nence of nearly 200 feet they looked westward, through the openings 
of the oak woods, over an estate which, to an unbiased observer, must 
have seemed more picturesque than promising. 'The Great Salt 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 135 

River' flowed far below, broad and unconfined. On the east it was 
bordered by ancient forest trees, and on the west by deep marshes, 
studded with islands overgrown with coarse grass and nearly covered 
by every spring tide. At the head of the bay the channel widened 
into a cove, with a broad, gravelly beach on the east and north, and 
a border of salt marshes on the west. It received on its northern 
side two small and sluggish rivers, each with its own environment of 
swamp and woodland. One of these, the Meshassuek, gave its name 
to the adjoining region. Still further westward, low sandhills scant- 
ily covered with pines rose above the marsh. Beyond these, unprom- 
ising ridges of rock and gravel stretched along the western horizon 
and shut in the view. On its western side, the hill upon which our 
explorers stood ascended abruptly from the very margin of the ' Salt 
River,' but sloped with an easy descent to the Seekonk nearly a mile 
away in the east. Both its eastern and western hillsides were thickly 
wooded with ' eminent trees ' of oak and cedar. Both declivities were 
well watered, but the rains of centuries had well nigh washed away 
whatever fertilizing principles the soil of the western hillside once 
possessed, and it promised only a scanty return to the labors of the 
settlers. But when our eager observers turned their steps northward 
toward the streams which poured their turbid waters into the Cove, 
and enjoyed their first view of the natural meadows, ' upstreams with- 
out limits for the use of cattle,' and thence looked southward over the 
Pawtuxet valley, ready to be converted into corn lands and pastures, 
a sense of relief came over them as to the prospects of the new plan- 
tation. Descending among the rocks and through the pine weeds, 
for a closer inspection of the shore, the hearts of the exiles were made 
glad by the discovery of great beds of clams, bordering the east side 
of the 'Salt River' and of the Cove, and of oysters whose flavor took 
away any lingering regret for the shell-fish of Massachusetts. Still 
further observation showed ample supplies of pigeons and other wild 
birds, and of fish, some varieties of which were unknown to the waters 
of Massachusetts bay. Yet more cheering prospects were afforded 
by the salmon ascending the river, and by glimpses of deer in the 
uplands. The settlers took heart. Banishment from the society of 
Puritan elders and magistrates was not without its alleviation. With 
cheerful courage they laid the foundation of a town — without capital, 
without aid, with little good will or assistance from England, and 
with none whatever from their neighbors." 

The documentary evidences of the processes by which title was 
secured from the Indians and transferred to the individuals who 
joined in the settlement, are incomplete, as are also the plans and 
record of progress of the settlement. It is uncertain whether any 
complete record of the proceedings of the first settlers was kept or 
not. It is evident, however, from existing records that others were 
kept which are not now to be found. They are supposed to have 



136 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

been destroyed when the town was sacked and burned by the Indians 
in 1676. It appears that on some occasion previous to his memorable 
landing on the west side of the Seekonk, Williams had engaged in 
negotiations with the Indians who held jurisdiction, in regard to the 
purchase of a tract of their land. To what extent these negotiations 
were previously carried we do not know, but the understanding be- 
tween the parties appears to have been harmonious and satisfactory. 
The settlement proceeded, and in March, 1637, the following deed 
was given: 

" At Nanhiggansick, the 24th of the first month, commonly called 
March, in ye second yeare of our Plantation or planting at Moos- 
hausick or Providence. 

" Memorandum, that we Cannaunicus and Miantunomi, the two 
chief sachems of Nanhiggansick, having two yeares since sold vnto 
Roger Williams, ye lands and meadowes vpon the two fresh rivers, 
called Mooshausick and Wanasqutucket, doe now by these presents, 
establish and confirme ye bounds of those lands, from ye river and 
fields at Pautuckqut, ye great hill of Notquonckanet, on ye north- 
west, and the town of Maushapogue on ye west. 

" As also, in consideration of the many kindnesses and services 
he hath continually done for us, both with our friends at Massa- 
chusetts, as also at Quinickicutt and Apaum or Plymouth, we doe 
freely give unto him all that land from those rivers reaching to 
Pawtuxet river; as also the grass and meadowes upon ye said Paw- 
tuxet river. 

" In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands. 
Ye mark of + Cannonnicus. 
Ye mark of + Miantunnomi. 

" In ye presence of 

The mark of + Sottaash. 
The mark of -f Assotemeweit. 

" 1639. Memorandum 3 mo. 9th day. This was all again con- 
firmed by Miantounomi; he acknowledged this his act and hand, 
up the streams of Pautuckqut and Pawtuxet without limits, we 
might have for use of cattle. 

" Witness hereof, Roger Williams, 
Benedict Arnold." 

This deed is the earliest document the purport and effect of which 
is to convey lands, in the records of Providence. It is in the hand- 
writing of Williams, and the memorandum appended to it and signed 
by him and Arnold is in the handwriting of Thomas James. The 
first conveyance, to which this has reference, and of which it appears 
to be a confirmation, is supposed to have been only a verbal one. The 
land thus acquired was at first the property of Mr. Williams, but he 
soon made it over to his associates, for the sum of ^30. These asso- 
ciates, who joined him in the settlement, were Stukely Westcott, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 137 

William Arnold, Thomas James, Robert Cole, John Greene, John 
Throckmorton, William Harris, William Carpenter, Thomas Olney, 
Francis Weston, Richard Waterman and Ezekiel Holyman. The 
transfer of title from Williams to them was made about the year 
1638, but its exact date is unknown and uncertain. A record of it was 
made at the time, but it bore no date, and was further unintelligible 
in names therein referred to, and some 28 years afterward a dupli- 
cate was given in which the names were expressed in full and an 
approximate date given. 

But the settlers did not stop to secure a written confirmation of 
their title to the land before going to subdue the wilderness and 
plant the seeds of civilization in this virgin soil. We are told that 
Williams had five companions with him in the canoe on that spring 
morning when he left Seekonk, and paddled around Fox point and 
up the Providence river to find the new landing place, concerning 
which he had doubtless already had interviews with the Indian 
sachems. They are supposed to have been William Harris, John 
Smith, Joshua Verin, Thomas Angell and Francis Wickes. After 
calling to exchange friendly salutations with the natives at the rock 
which ever since has been hallowed by historic remembrance of the 
occasion, they passed on to a final landing place near a spring of 
sparkling water, a little south of the present site of St. John's church. 
This spring, in remembrance of the event, has ever since borne the 
name of Williams's spring. 

They now began to plant and build. Williams gave the place its 
name, as he himself declares, from a sense of God's merciful provi- 
dence to him in his distress. He also desired that it might be for " a 
shelter for persons distressed of conscience." He recognized the 
rights of the Indians to their lands, and obtained those lands of them 
without doubt by their free consent, which seems to have been a 
matter entirely of good will, as no consideration is mentioned and it 
does not appear that any price was paid. Having obtained this con- 
sent of the Indians that they might build and occupy some of their 
lands, Williams lost no time in making known to his "loving friends" 
who were selected from among his "distressed countrymen," the 
favorable opening which Providence had made for him and them, 
and he was soon joined by the twelve whose names we have already 
given. 

We can perhaps give no more faithful representation of Roger 
Williams' position m the land transaction than to quote his own 
words: — "And whereas, by God's merciful assistance, I was the pro- 
curer of the purchase, not by monies nor payment, the natives being 
so shy and jealous, that monies could not do it; but by that language, 
acquaintance, and favour with the natives and other advantages 
which it pleased God to give me, and also bore the charges and ven- 
ture of all the gratuetyes which I gave to the great sachems, and 



138 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

other sachems and natives round and about us, and lay ingaged for 
a loving and peaceable neighborhood with them all to my great 
charge and travell. It was, therefore, thought by some loveing 
ffriends. that I should receive some loving consideration and gratuitye; 
and it was agreed between us, that every person that should be ad- 
mitted into the fellowship of injoying landes and disposing of the 
purchase, should pay thirtye shillings into the public stock; and ffirst 
about thirtye pounds should be paid unto myself by thirty shillings 
a person, as they were admitted." 

Further light on the relations of Williams with the Indians, as the 
means by which he was able to secure the lands upon which the set- 
tlement was made, is best given also in his own words. Speaking of 
his first appearance here he says: "coming into the Narragansett 
country I found a great contest between three sachems, two (to wit, 
Cononicus and Miantonomy) were against Ousamaquin on Plymouth 
side, I was forced to travel between them three, to pacify, to satisfy 
all their and their dependents' spirits of my honest intentions to live 
peaceably them. I testify that it was the general and constant dec- 
laration that Cannonicus his father hhad three sons, whereof Cannoni- 
cus was the heire, and his youngest brother's son Miantonomy (be- 
cause of his youth) was Marshal and Executioner, and did nothing 
without his unkle Cannonicus' consent. And therefore I declare to 
posterity that were it not for the favor that God gave me with Can- 
nonicus, none of these parts, no, not Rhode-Island had been purchased 
or obtained, fori never got any thing out of Cannonicus but by gift. 
I also profess that being inquisitive of what root the title or denomi- 
nation Nahiganset should come, I heard that Nahiganset was so 
named from a little Island between Puttisquomscut and Musquoma- 
cuk on the sea and fresh water side. I went on purpose to see it, and 
about the place called Sugar-Loaf Hill, I saw it and was within a pole 
of it, but could not learn why it was called Nahiganset. I had learnt 
that the Massachusetts was so called from the Blue Hills, a little Is- 
land thereabout: and Cannonicus' father and anchestors living in 
those southern parts, transferred and brought their authority and 
name into those northern parts all along by the sea side, as appears 
by the great destruction of wood all along near the sea side: and I 
desire posterity to see the gracious hand of the Most High, (in whose 
hands is all hearts,) that when the hearts of my countrymen and 
friends and brethren failed me, his infinite wisdom and merits stirred 
up the barbarous heart of Cannonicus to love me as his son to his last 
gasp, by which means I had not only Miantonomy and all the Cow- 
esit sachems my friends, but Ousamaquin also, who, because of my 
great friendship with him at Plymouth and the authority of Cannoni- 
cus, consented freely (being also well gratified by me) to the Governor 
Winthrop's and my enjoyment of Prudence, yea of Providence itself, 
and all the other lands I procured of Cannonicus which were upon 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 139 

the point, and in effect whatsoever I desired of him. And I never 
denyed him nor Miantonomy whatever they desired of me as to 
goods or gifts, or use of my boats or pinnace and the travels of my 
own person day and night, which though men know not, nor care to 
know, yet the all-seeing eye hath seen it and his all-powerful hand 
hath helped me." 

Returning to our notice of the movements of Williams and his 
company of loving friends in the early summer of 1636, we find that 
they entered into a compact soon after settling themselves, and be- 
gan the exercise of town functions. The compact ran as follows: 

" We whose names are hereunder, desirous to inhabit in the town 
of Providence, do promise to subject ourselves in active and passive 
obedience to all such orders or agreements as shall be made for pub- 
lic good of the body in an orderly way, by the major consent of the 
present inhabitants, masters of families— incorporated together in a 
Town fellowship, and others whom they shall admit unto them only in 
civil things." 

This is dated August 20th and the names appended to it are sup- 
posed to be those of a subsequent addition to the company who began 
with Williams in the spring. This second or additional company 
thus subscribing to the compact in August were as follows: Richard 
Scott, William Reynolds, Chad Brown, John Warner, John Field, 
George Rickard, Edward Cope, Thomas Angell, Thomas Harris, 
Francis Wickes, Benedict Arnold, Joshua Winsor and William 
Wickenden. 

The corporate business of the settlers was conducted in frequent 
meetings of their number, called together as occasion required to 
act upon any question that came up. It does not appear that the 
matters of this town were managed by any materially different 
scheme from that generally followed by the New England towns -of 
that period, except that there was here no dabbling with or attempt 
to regulate ecclesiastical matters. The town assumed jurisdiction 
only over civil affairs. One of the first corporation orders that has 
been preserved to the present time, is one requiring a fine of one 
shilling and sixpence from every delinquent who should delay his 
appearance at the time and place of a duly warned town meeting for 
more than a quarter of an hour. The same fine was repeated at a 
subsequent meeting. Fines were also imposed on some members for 
neglecting to improve their ground by preparing to fence, build and 
plant. As in other towns it was deemed necessary to appoint com- 
missioners to have charge of the timber on the common lands, and to 
prevent a wholesale appropriation of public property to private uses. 

Settlement by individual members was at first made conformably 
to the taste and desire of each, as far as they could be accommodated. 
The cornfields which had been cleared by the Indians were doubtless 
utilized. But circumstances soon developed the necessity for a more 



140 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

systematic division of lands and settlement of the people. The 
"Town Streete " was laid out along the east bank of the river, and 
this has been substantially preserved to the present time as Main 
street, now divided into two sections distinguished respectively as 
North and South Main. The land east of the street and running up 
the slope and over the ridge was divided by lines running east 
and west into lots of about five acres each. The rear of these lots 
bordered on "the highway," which ran along the valley nearly 
identical with the present Hope street. This division began 
at the north end near the spot where Williams and his companions 
landed, now nearly the site of Olney street, and extended about to 
the present site of Wickenden street, where it takes its east and west 
course. Beginning at the north end, according to the plot which has 
been restored by that careful and laborious student of the subject, 
Mr. Charles W. Hopkins, whose researches have thrown much light 
upon it, the home lots of the settlers lay in order proceeding south- 
ward as follows:— Gregory Dexter, Matthew Waller, Thomas Paintor, 
Edward Manton, John Greene, Jr., Benedict Arnold, Francis Wickes, 
William Arnold, Thomas James, John Greene, Sr., John Smith, 
Widow Reeve, Joshua Verin, Roger Williams, John Throckmorton, 
William Harris, Alice Daniels, John Sweet, William Carpenter, Rob- 
ert Cole, Thomas Olney, Thomas Angell, Francis Weston, Richard 
Waterman, Ezekiel Holyman, Stukely Westcott, W T illiam Reynolds, 
Daniel Abbott, Chad Brown, John Warner, George Rickard, Richard 
Scott, William Field, John Field, Joshua Winsor, Thomas Harris, 
Adam Goodwin, William Burrows, William Mann, William Wicken- 
den, Nicholas Power, Widow Joan Tiler, Widow Jane Sears. Thomas 
Hopkins, Edward Hart, Matthew Weston, John Lippitt,Hugh Bewitt, 
Robert West, William Hawkins, Christopher Unthank and Robert 
Williams. 

Tims it will be seen the ground selected for the initial town plat 
was that now embraced by Main street on the west, Hope street on 
the east, Olney street on the north and Wickenden street on the 
south. In the north part of the plat the lots were laid out about 122 
feet wide. Nineteen of them averaged about that width, and they 
covered the ground as far down as the present Meeting street, which 
perpetuates an old highway separating the home lots of William 
Carpenter and Robert Cole. These lots contained about 5£ acres. 
The 21 lots which lay between Meeting street and Power street were 
somewhat longer and consequently not as wide. They had an aver- 
age width of about 107 feet, and contained a little more than five 
acres each. The 12 remaining lots at the south end were shorter than 
those in the middle section, had an average width of about 120 feet 
and contained about 4\ acres. The present Halsey sreet runs nearly 
between the lots of Edward Manton and John Greene, Jr. Jenckes 
street runs through what was the lot of William Arnold. St. John's 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 141 

church stands on the lot of Widow Reeve, and Church street runs 
between that and the lot of Joshua Verin, while Allen's lane is upon 
Roger Williams' lot, which lay next south. Bowen street runs 
nearly between the lots of Roger Williams and John Throckmorton. 
Cady street is about the middle of the lot of William Harris. The 
state house stands on the lot of John Sweet, and North and South 
Court streets are substantially on the same lot. Meeting street runs 
along the north side of Robert Cole's lot. Arsenal lane is upon the 
lot of Thomas Olney, while Thomas street and Angell court are upon 
the lot of Thomas Angell. The First Baptist church stands on the lot 
of Francis Weston, and Angell street is upon the same lot. Water- 
man street leaves North Main nearly on the lot of Richard Water- 
man, after which it veers away southwardly across the lot of Ezekiel 
Holy man and then resumes its easterly course on the lot of Stukely 
Westcott. Jackson court is upon the same lot. The State Normal 
school is on the lot of Richard Waterman. Brown University occu- 
pies the width of several lots, being upon those of William Reynolds, 
Daniel Abbott, Chad Brown, John Warner and George Rickard. Col- 
lege street is substantially between the lots of Daniel Abbott and 
Chad Brown. George street is in part upon the lot of Richard Scott. 
Benevolent street is between the lots of John Field and Joshua Win- 
sor. Charles Field street crosses the line from the lot of Adam 
Goodwin to that of William Burrows. Power street runs between the 
lots of William Wickenden and Nicholas Power. Arnold street is on 
the lot of John Lippitt, while the Tillinghast burying ground is upon 
the lot of Hugh Bewitt. Transit street is on the lot of Robert West 
and Sheldon street is on the lot of Christopher Unthank. 

A brief notice of the settlers who occupied these lots may not be 
out of place here. Gregory Dexter, a native of London, a printer by 
trade, came to Providence about 1644, and a few years later, having 
joined the Baptist church, became its pastor. He was also an active 
man in civil affairs, was town clerk a number of years, a commis- 
sioner to represent the town in general assembly, and served as presi- 
dent of Providence and Warwick in 1653-4. He was a man of admira- 
ble and accomplished parts. Of Matthew Waller we know but little. 
His name appears on the compact of 1640. His home lot was after- 
ward in the possession of Gregory Dexter. Thomas Painter appears 
to have been but a transient resident. His home lot soon reverted to 
the town and was granted to Pardon Tillinghast. Of Edward Man- 
ton we know but little beyond the fact that his name appears on the 
compact of 1640, and he received a home lot in this plat. A school 
house belonging to the city now stands upon the west end of his lot. 
John Greene, Jr., was a transient resident here, and soon became a 
resident of Warwick, where he served in several public positions of 
trust. Benedict Arnold was scarcely identified with Providence. His 
home was soon changed to Pawtuxet, and shortly afterward to New- 



142 HISTORY OK PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

port. He had the reputation of being the second wealthiest man in 
the colony, Roger Williams being the first. 

Francis Wickes, one of the five who came hither with Roger Wil- 
liams on his first landing, remained here but a short time, his home 
lot in 1663 being the property of John Whipple. On this lot the old 
" Whipple Tavern " was located, which was at 369 North Main street. 
William Arnold came from England to Hingham, Mass., in 1635, and 
the following year removed to Providence. In 1638 he removed to 
Pawtuxet, and his home lot became the property of John Whipple. 
Thomas James was an ordained minister, and received a grant of 
land here in 1637. He sold his home lot to William Field, in 1639, he 
becoming a purchaser at Pawtuxet. John Greene, Sr., was an edu- 
cated surgeon, and came with his family from Hampton, England, in 
1635. He was one of the thirteen original proprietors of Providence. 
His second wife was Alice Daniels, a widow who had received a home 
lot here. His lot was soon after cast at Warwick, where he became 
prominent in affairs. He sold his interest in Providence to his son 
John, in September, 1644. 

John Smith, a miller, was banished from Massachusetts (Dorches- 
ter i and came hither with Roger Williams in 1636. He was allowed 
a grant of land in the valley, where he first built a house, on condi- 
tion that he would set up a mill for grinding corn, which he appears 
to have done, though the exact site of that mill is not at present 
known. He died about the year 1648, and about half a century later 
his home lot appears in the possession of the heirs of Major John 
Dexter, deceased. Widow Reeve removed from Salem to Providence 
and received a home lot. This lot afterward fell into the hands of 
Richard Scott, by what means we are not informed, and by subse- 
quent sales came into the possession of Nathaniel Brown, by whom 
the western part of it was, with the lot originally belonging to Joshua 
Verin, lying next south of it, given to the "Church of England," in 
the early part of the eighteenth century. St. John's church was 
erected upon it. 

Joshua Verin was one of the five who came in the traditional canoe 
with Roger Williams on the first recorded voyage. He received a 
home lot in this division and settled here, but soon became involved 
in a development of the liberty of conscience idea which has coupled 
his name with history in a way to preserve it to future ages. It ap- 
pears that religious meetings were held with such frequency, and in 
such manner that Yerin, who may not have been a religious man, 
objected to having his wife attend them, and even forbade and re- 
strained her from doing so. The town considered him a proper sub- 
ject for censure, but in his defense it was urged that he had acted on 
the promptings of his conscience, which taught him that a wife should 
be obedient to her husband, and that she ought not to frequent meet- 
ings called by men under cover of religion, the good design or effect 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 143 

of which he questioned. The popular sentiment, however, was 
against Verin, and the following record appears under date of May 
21st, 1637: 

"It was agreed that Joshua Verin, upon the breach of a covenant, 
for restraining of the liberty of conscience, shall be withheld from 
the libertie of voting till he shall declare the contrarie." 

It does not appear that Verin declared to " the contrarie," but it 
does appear that he left the settlement and removed to Salem. In 
1650 he addressed a letter to the town of Providence setting forth his 
claim to his share in the lands of the town as one of the six original 
explorers and purchasers. His prayer for their serious consideration 
and his own reasonable satisfaction was answered by the reply that 
if he should come into court and prove his right they would do him 
justice. He appears to have proved his claim and lands were allowed 
him on it. He afterward sold his home lotto Richard Scott. In 1674 
he was represented here by John Whipple, Jr., who held a power of 
attorney from Verin, he having gone to Barbadoes to reside. In the 
year mentioned 94 acres of land were laid out to him as " part of his 
purchase right in ye first division," the other part of his right being 
the home lot already alluded to and a share of salt meadow which 
he also had sold to Richard Scott. 

Of Roger Williams we need not speak here, since a more extended 
notice of his career is given in another part of this work. John 
Throckmorton came from England with Williams in 1630, having 
been engaged somewhat in the practice of law. He resided awhile 
at Salem, and became one of the first settlers at Providence, as well 
as one of the original members of the church here. He served as a 
deputy for this town in 1664, 1665 and 1666, and became one of the 
earliest converts to the preaching of George Fox. William Harris 
came to Salem in 1635, and removed to Providence in the following- 
year, being among the original proprietors. He was one of the four 
arbiters appointed to prepare a plan of government in 1640, a magis- 
trate of Providence in 1655, and served as a commissioner of the town 
in 1657-8, and 1662-3. He was a surveyor, and had also studied law 
to some extent. He was an assistant in 1667, from which office he 
was deposed for calling a meeting of the assembly without sufficient 
cause. A fine of ,£50 was also pronounced upon him, but this was 
remitted. His position in regard to the proprietorship of lands 
brought him into pronounced opposition to Roger Williams. In 1679 
he sailed for England, and died in London in 1680. 

Alice Daniels received a grant of land the second year of the plan- 
tation. She married John Greene, Sr., and her home lot was sold to 
Valentine Whitman. John Sweet received a home lot in the first 
division, but after a few years' residence here he removed to War- 
wick, and his home lot became the property of Edward Manton. Wil- 



144 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

liam Carpenter was the son of Richard, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, 
England, and came to Providence in 1636. He served as commis- 
sioner from 1658 to 1663, and as assistant for several years. Robert 
Cole is supposed to have come to this country with the first settlers 
of Massachusetts. He appears there as early as 1630, and was among 
the early proprietors here in 1637. He was one of the arbiters on a 
form of government in 1640, and afterward became one of the original 
proprietors of Pawtuxet, and an inhabitant of Shawomet, and died 
about 1655. Thomas Olney came from Hertford, England, in 1635. 
After residing awhile at Salem he removed to Providence about 1638. 
He was the first town treasurer, also served as commissioner and as 
assistant for several years. 

Thomas Angell, one of the companions of Williams on his first 
landing, was a native of London. There are indications that he was 
a member of Williams' family, before coming hither. Besides his 
own home lot he afterward acquired possession of that of Francis 
Weston, which lay next on the south. Francis Weston was admitted 
as a freeman in Massachusetts in 1633. In the following year he was 
a deputy from Salem to the general court. He was not long a resi- 
dent of Providence. Joining in the purchase of Warwick, he was 
with others seized by the Massachusetts soldiers in theirdescentupon 
that colony, whom they regarded as trespassers. Subjected to labor 
in the prison at Dorchester, and exposed to privations and inclement 
weather, he fell a victim to consumption, and about or before 1645 
died from the effects. 

Richard Waterman became a resident of Salem in 1629. He re- 
moved to Providence about 1638. He was one of the town council in 
1651, and was a commissioner in 1650, 1652, 1655 and 1656. He also 
acquired possession of the lot of Ezekiel Holyman, next south of his 
own, and upon this lot his remains were buried after his death, which 
occurred in 1673. Although concerned in the purchase of Shawomet, 
he did not remove thither but retained his residence here. He also 
resided at Newport for a time. Ezekiel Holyman or Holliman,as the 
name is variously spelled, was a native of Hertford county, England, 
came to this country about 1634, became a resident of Salem in 1637, 
and about 1638 removed to Providence. Here, on the formation of 
the First Baptist church, he became* the assistant pastor. About 1642 
he removed to Warwick, where he held for successive years different 
offices of responsibility. Stukely Westcott removed from Salem to 
Providence in April, 1638, and received a home lot, which he soon 
after sold to Samuel Bennett, himself removing to Warwick, where 
he died in 1677. William Reynolds, in the second year of the plan- 
tation, received a home lot, which a few years later he sold to Robert 
Williams, a schoolmaster of Newport. Daniel Abbott held for a time 
the position of town clerk. In 1679 he urged the building of a town 
house, but without avail. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 145 

Chad Brown, born in England about the year 1600, came to Amer- 
ica in 1638 and settled in Providence soon after his arrival. He was 
a surveyor, and also had the honor of being the first elder of the Bap- 
tist church in Providence. He was ordained pastor of the church 
here in 1642. and performed the duties of the office until his death, 
which occurred about 1663. He was at various times entrusted with 
the performance of important public commissions. Roger Williams 
spoke of him as " that wise and Godly soul." lie was the ancestor of 
Nicholas Brown, the liberal patron of the University. John Warner 
appears to have been a man of clerical aptitude, and his talents were 
sought for the benefit of the embryo settlement. But the charms of 
Warwick drew him away from here and he sold his home lot to Wil- 
liam Field. Besides holding various offices in the local government 
he was clerk of the general court of Providence Plantations in K'AS. 
He probably removed from Providence about the year 184;"). George 
Rickard purchased of William Field the home lot formerly belonging 
to John Warner. His residence here was but a few years, as he died 
previous to 1663. Richard Scott, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Anne 
Hutchinson, removed with her from Massachusetts, became a Quaker, 
and was one of the early settlers of Providence. His name appears 
among the freemen of this town in 1655, and he served as a deputy 
in 1666. He became the owner of the home lots of Widow Reeve and 
Joshua Verin. 

William Field was a man of prominence in his day. He was an 
assistant in 1650 and from 1658 to 1665. and commissioner from this 
town 1656 to 1663. His family were among the chief landholders of 
the town, and one of them is honored in giving the name to Field's 
point. The house of William Field stood a little east of where the 
Providence Bank now stands, and during King Philip's war was used 
as a garrison house. It was one of the largest houses of that time, 
and when the citizens set about fortifying themselves this was, among 
others of the strongest houses, strengthened with iron gratings at 
the windows. By that means this part of the town was saved from 
the conflagration of 1676. The house mentioned stood 40 or 50 feet 
from the street and there remained until 1772. John Field removed 
from Bridgewater to Providence soon after its settlement, received a 
home lot and became one of the early inhabitants. Joshua Wmsor 
came from Windsor, England. He had one son, Samuel, by whom 
his home lot was, in 1691, sold to Gideon Crawford. Five descend- 
ants of his surname were settled Baptist ministers in the state. 
Thomas Harris, a brother of William Harris, was a commissioner 
from Providence for a number of years. He appears to have been 
here as early as 1637, and in 1665 was one of the committee appointed 
to run the "seven-mile line." He died about 1686. 

Adam Goodwin was among the early settlers of Providence. He 
received a home lot, which he sold to Richard Osborne in 1(148. 
10 



146 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

William Burrows was an early inhabitant and received a home lot, 
but he was unsuccessful in financial matters, and had to reeeiYe pub- 
lic help. His home lot has become historic ground on account of 
being the site of the house in which the capture of the "Gaspee" 
was planned. That house stood on the corner of South Main and 
Planet streets. William Mann was an early settler of whom but lit- 
tle is known. William Wickenden removed hither from Salem, be- 
-coming a purchaser here previous to August 20th, 1637. He filled 
the offices of town councilman, commissioner, committeeman to form 
a plan of government in 1647, and to run the boundary line in 1661. 
He also filled the pastoral office at different times, being for a time 
colleague with Chad Brown in the Baptist church of Providence. He 
died February 23d, 1670. Nicholas Power received a home lot at an 
early date, which he retained until his death in 1657, after which it 
became the property of his widow, Jane. Joan Tiler received a home 
lot among the early inhabitants, which in 1663 was in the hands of 
William Hawkins, having successively passed through the hands of 
her subsequent husband, Nathaniel Dickens, and Ralph Earl and 
John Sayles. Jane Sears was another woman who received a home 
lot in the early distribution of lands in Providence. By some means 
now unknown to us, her lot came into possession of Daniel Williams, 
a son of Roger Williams. Thomas Hopkins, a native of England, 
received a home lot and was a member of the church here. He was 
a commissioner for several years and a member of the town council 
in 1667 and 1672. He died at Oyster Bay, Long Island, in 1684. 

Of Edward Hart we have no information, beyond the few facts 
connected with his receiving a home lot, and that the lot was, previ- 
ous to 1679, in the possession of Robert West. From this we infer 
that Edward Hart, like so many others of the first settlers, did not 
long remain a resident of Providence. Mathew Weston was another 
transient resident. He received a home lot in 1643, on condition of 
occupying it. He evidently occupied it a short time, but abandoned 
it previous to 1650. John Lippitt was among the early inhabitants, 
and served on the committee to draft a plan of government in 1647. 
In 165-2 lie sold his real estate here to Arthur Fenner, excepting his 
home lot. He afterward removed to Warwick, where his name ap- 
pears on the roll of freemen in 1655. Hugh Bewitt was a resident of 
Massachusetts, whence he was banished in December, 1640, on a 
charge of heresy. He was by that decree pronounced dangerous in 
his person and errors and threatened with death by hanging, should 
he refuse to obey the decree of banishment. He came to Providence, 
where he was received into the church and the civil compact, and 
given some land. He, however, did not remain here many years. By 
sales in 1644 and L650 he appears to have disposed of all his rights here. 
William Hawkins was one of the early settlers. He is represent- 
ed as being faithful in his place during the troublous times of King 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 147 

Philip's war. In recognition of his firmness at that time the assem- 
bly, in 1677, gave him with others a grant of land in Narragansett. 
Christopher Unthank was a weaver who joined the settlers at an 
early date and received land. Abont the year 1658 he appears to 
have moved to Warwick, and sold his house and home lot in Provi- 
dence to Thomas Roberts. Robert Williams is supposed to have been 
a brother of Roger Williams. He was one of the first commissioners 
from Providence, being appointed in 1758. He also held the same 
office in 1651 and 1652, was a member of the town council in 1655, 
justice of the peace in 1664, and general solicitor in 1673 and 1674. 
About 1665 he appears to have removed to Newport, where he was 
engaged in the occupation of a schoolmaster, and sold his house and 
lot in Providence to John Scott. 

After accepting the initial deed, on October 7th, 1638, the thirteen 
proprietors at that time made a division in their extensive purchase, 
and subjected the different parts to different rules of subsequent sub- 
division. The two parts are known in the records as the " grand pur- 
chase of Providence," and the " Pawtuxet purchase." The division of 
the home lots in the former tract we have already noticed at considera- 
ble length, and its historic importance was much in advance of any 
other tract. Besides this division there were also the " JSix-acre Lots." 
Each individual settler had one of these allotted to him in addition 
to his " Home Lot." Of the " Six-acre lots," that of Roger Williams 
adjoined " What-cheer," on Seekonk river. Seven other lots were 
located to the south of his, on the same river, extending to Mile End 
cove. This cove was at the south end of the town, between Fox point 
and Wickenden street, but has long since disappeared. Other six- 
acre lots were located, according to the desires of individuals, in 
other parts of the purchase, as " on the North side of the Wanasqua- 
tucket," and "by the west river." 

In 1718 the proprietors made another division of home or house 
lots. Lands on the southerly and easterly side of Weybosset street, 
on the west side of North Main street, north Canal market, and on the 
south side of Olney street, were divided into 101 house lots, and dis- 
tributed one to each proprietor at that time. The land on the west side 
of Main street and north of Mile End cove, was subsequently plotted" 
and divided into warehouse lots, and in most cases sold by the proprie- 
tors to the owners of the house lots opposite them. Other lands in 
the common propriety were generally disposed of by town vote to 
particular persons, or a division of a specified number of acres to each 
proprietary right was voted, and the location of each was left to the 
choice of the individuals interested. The proprietors' surveyor was 
charged with the duty of laying out such lands, generally under the 
direction of a committee appointed for the purpose by the proprie- 
tors, and the transaction was duly recorded by the town clerk. Up 
to the year 1718 the land affairs were managed by the people of the 



14S HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

town, and the records were kept, as we have said, by the town clerk, 
but after that time the proprietors were recognized as a distinct 
body from the town, and land records were kept by a clerk of their 
own. 

It may be of interest to mention in passing, that the home lot of 
Roger Williams was near the historic spring where he first landed 
here. The northwesterly corner of the lot is now occupied by the 
corner of North Main and Howland streets, and the spring was on 
the opposite side of Main street, which then passed along the shore, 
the tide flowing almost up to the spring. 

During the first years of the town it does not appear that any of 
its political powers were exercised by or delegated to any portion of 
its members. The town was a pure democracy, the original pur- 
chasers and such as they saw fit to admit to the fellowship of their 
number meeting in town meeting monthly, or when stress of busi- 
ness demanded it, and transacting all the business pertaining to their 
little commonwealth. Though the records of their proceedings are 
very meagre, yet it must have been that they adopted some general 
rules for their government beyond the simple compact which we have 
already quoted. The cardinal principle upon which the government 
of the town was established was the idea of perfect religious liberty 
as interpreted and contended for by Roger Williams both at Salem 
and at Plymouth. " No man should be molested for his conscience." 

The first remove made from a pure democracy was in ]640. The 
people had, no doubt, experienced the difficulties attendant on this 
form of civil government. Matters in dispute in regard to land claims 
and boundaries were entrusted to a committee in 1640, the commit- 
tee whose decision the town agreed to accept as final, being composed 
of Robert Cole, Chad Brown, William Harris and John Warner. By 
the award of this committee a line was drawn between the particular 
propriety in Pawtuxet lands, which some of the inhabitants had, and 
the common proprietorship of Providence lands. This line was de- 
scribed as " a straight line from a fresh spring, being in the gully at 
the head of the cove running by that point of- land called Saxefrax, 
into the town of Mashapang, to an oak tree standing near unto the 
cornfield, being at this time the nearest cornfield unto Pawtuxet, the 
oak tree having four marks with an axe, till some other land-mark be 
set for a certain bound. Also, we agree, that if any meadow ground 
lying and joining to that meadow that borders upon the river of 
Pawtuxet, come within the aforesaid line, which will not come within 
a straight line from long cove to the marked tree, then, for that 
meadow to belong to Pawtuxet, and so beyond the town of Masha- 
pang from the oak tree between the two fresh rivers Pawtuxet and 
Wanasquatucket of an even distance." 

Five men were thenceforward to be chosen for the purpose of dis- 
posing of the common lands and allotting the same to individuals, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 149 

and to have charge of the town's stock and the interests of the town 
in general. These men were also to consider the qualifications and 
application of any who might propose to join the settlement, and not 
to admit any one without first giving six days' notice to all the towns- 
men, that any one having an}- objection to the candidate might have 
a chance to show cause why he should not be admitted. Further, no 
one was to be admitted to a residence in the town without first sub- 
scribing to the compact and regulations which had been adopted for 
its government. An appeal might be taken from the decision of the 
" disposers," to the general town meeting, by any aggrieved party. 
The office of town clerk was at this time constituted. The liberty of 
conscience was reiterated. 

The settlement of personal disputes was recommended to arbitra- 
tion, but in the event of any party in a case refusing to submit to 
such a settlement, and refusing to choose arbitrators, the five dis- 
posers had power to compel the refractory party to choose arbitrators, 
or to choose for him, and to enforce the award of the arbitrators so 
appointed and to require the party found in fault to pay the arbitra- 
tors for their time. If the arbitrators (two for each of the disputing 
parties) failed to agree on a case, the disposers should appoint three 
men to decide upon it, the vote of the major part of the five disposers 
only being necessary to choose the arbitrators, and the vote of the 
major part of them only being required to give a final decision. Ar- 
bitrators when hearing a case should give it their attention to the 
exclusion of any other business or employment until a decision was 
reached, unless by consent of all parties interested. In case a de- 
fendant should in the beginning of a case offer a reasonable condition 
of settlement and the plaintiff should refuse it, then at the close of 
the arbitration the cost thereof should be exacted of the plaintiff, not- 
withstanding the verdict should be in his favor. 

Theft and slander were to be prosecuted by the disposers at the 
request of any citizen, even though the party against whom the 
wrong was committed should neglect to brino- an action. The entire 
community was pledged to assist any man in attaching and obtaining 
justice of a delinquent party, but if any plaintiff should obtain the 
help and efforts of others under false pretense, having no just cause, 
he should be required to pay for such help and efforts of others as he 
had secured. In case a dispute arose between any man and one of 
the disposers that could not be deferred till the next general town 
meeting, the clerk was authorized to call a special town meeting to 
try the case. The five disposers were authorized to give every man 
a deed for such lands as were or should be allotted to him. The dis- 
posers were to hold regular meetings once a month, and were to hold 
office for a term of three months, regular town meetings being held • 
quarterly. The term of office of the clerk was for one year. He was 
entitled to fees of four pence for every cause that came to the town for 



L50 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. «. 

trial, and twelve pence for making each deed. The price of a share 
in the common proprietorship of the town was then fixed at 30 shil- 
lings, and all who had not already paid in that amount were required 
to make it up. Whilst no specific regulation to that effect appears, 
the rule seems to have been carried out in practice that no proprie- 
tor should receive from the town more than one share in the common 
interests in the land. The estates of some individuals were, however, 
increased by purchase of the lands of others. 

This town constitution, as it may quite properly be called, has only 
been preserved in a legible copy made in 1662. Only 39 names are 
appended to this copy. Whether the original was signed by others 
or not we have no means of knowing. It seems quite probable that 
those present at the time of its adoption or soon after signed it, and 
that the matter of signing it fell into neglect through official paucity. 
The names appended to the copy spoken of were Chad Brown, Rob- 
ert Cole, William Harris, John Throckmorton, Stukely Westcott, 
Benedict Arnold, William Carpenter, Richard Scott, Thomas Harris, 
Francis Wickes, Thomas Angell, Adam Goodwin, William Burrows, 
Roger Williams, Robert West, Joshua Winsor, Robert Williams, Mat- 
thew Waller, Gregory Dexter, John Lippitt, John Warner, John 
Field, William Arnold, William Field, Edward Cope, Edward Man- 
ton, William Man, Nicholas Power, William Reynolds, Thomas Olney, 
Richard Waterman, William Wickenden, Edward Hart, Hugh Bewii t, 
Thomas Hopkins, Joan Tiler, Jane Sears, Christopher Unthank and 
William Hawkins. 

So far as the records show, the constitution went into immediate 
effect and became the foundation of town government for several 
years. Though but a small remove from the pure democracy of the 
first years, it marks an epoch in the history of the town and indicates 
the growth of the colony and the increase of a population that re- 
quired a more energetic and less onerous form of government than 
the simple one that had preceded it. The new form, however, pre- 
serves the same love of equality and liberty, and the same regard to 
the rights of individuals that was manifest in the former. 

Tli is government, however, was not satisfactory, and did not long- 
answer the desires of the people. It was found that some govern- 
ment based upon authority more dignified than the simple subscrip- 
tion to a few simple articles of confederation was necessary to pre- 
serve the peace and prosperity of the little colony. Massachusetts 
refused to help them to carry out their own laws unless they would 
submit themselves to the authority of that colony. To do this would 
be to repudiate the principles for which they had already sacrificed 
most. A few. however, were ready to do even this. William Arnold, 
William Carpenter, Robert Cole and Benedict Arnold, all of whom 
were at the time residing at Pawtuxet,in 1642 accepted the authority 
of Massachusetts and submitted themselves and their lands to the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 151 

jurisdiction of that colony. This action introduced a new series of 
complications and involved the people in additional perplexities. 
Now surely some authority must be invoked which was equal to or 
greater than that of Massachusetts. A bold stroke of diplomacy was 
determined upon, and an appeal directly to the Crown was made. 
Mr. Williams himself most appropriately championed the cause, and 
personally went to England to present the cause of his people at the 
throne. Without repeating the details, which have been given more 
fully elsewhere in this work, this movement resulted in the colonial 
charter of 1644, which embraced the towns of Providence, Portsmouth 
and Newport. 

The government under this charter was not organized until May, 
1647. During this time Providence had grown slowly. The site of 
the present city did not seem to be a general favorite. It must have 
been observed that a great majority of the first settlers soon sold out 
their home lots and removed to more desirable localities southward, 
some to Pawtuxet, some to Warwick and others to Newport or some 
other place. The town in 1645 numbered 101 men capable of bearing 
arms, which number doubtless included the residents of Pawtuxet 
and Warwick. On the 16th of May, 1647, the town meeting in Provi- 
dence was held to appoint delegates to the meeting at Portsmouth 
two days later to organize a government under the charter. Roger 
Williams was moderator of this town meeting, and the following 
delegates, or committee, were appointed to represent this town in 
the coming convention: Gregory Dexter, William Wickenden, 
Thomas Olney, Robert Williams, Richard Waterman, Roger Williams, 
William Field, John Green, John Smith and John Lippitt. 

A somewhat lengthy code of instructions was given the committee 
whereby they might be guided in their action so as most effectually to 
carry out the desires of their constituents. The substance of these in- 
structions was as follows: The committee were to act as a unit or indi- 
vidually. No basis of representation having been previously given, 
the committee might reduce its number by its own choice, should the 
town be found not to be entitled to so large a number of representa- 
tives. The town desired a copy of the charter to be kept in its juris- 
diction, and agreed to accept any form of government agreeable to 
the charter that the general court should decide upon. The town 
also declared its willingness " to receive and be governed by the 
laws of England, together with the wav of administration of them, 
so far as the nature and constitution of this place will admit." The 
town desired to have full liberty in the selection of its own town 
officers, transacting- all its home affairs and the trial of all its own 
cases, and executions of the same " excepting such cases and execu- 
tions as the colony shall be pleased to reserve to general trials and 
executions." It desired "no intermixture of general and particular 
officers, but that all may know their bounds and limits."' A plan by 



152 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

which appeals might be taken to the general court was desired. Be- 
yond these the town authorized its committee to act in any question 
not included in the instructions, always reserving, however, an equal 
voice in the general court. The instructions concluded with the fol- 
lowing benediction: 

•• Thus betrusting you with the premises, we commit you unto 
the protection and direction of the Almighty, wishing you a com- 
fortable voyage, a happy success, and a safe return unto us again." 

Though the town was thus represented by a committee, it is sup- 
posed that a majority of the men of the plantation were at the scene 
of the convention at Portsmouth. The proceedings of that conven- 
tion are given elsewhere. 

The first record, of a town election in Providence, under the charter 
which the general assembly (which name was thus early applied to 
the general court) gave the town March 14th, 1648, was held on the 
first Monday in June, 1651. At that time the following officers were 
elected: Gregory Dexter, town clerk; Robert Williams and Thomas 
Olney, deputies; Thomas Harris, William Wickenden, Richard Wa- 
terman, and the assistant and two deputies altogether made the town 
council; Hugh Bewitt, town sergeant; Thomas Harris, treasurer. 

In reference' 1 to the material improvements of the town in those 
early years, we are told that the first one of a public nature was the 
" Towne Streete," running along the foot of the hill and along the 
shore of the great " Salt River." This we have already spoken of, 
and it has in modern times received the appropriate name of Main 
street. A straggling village of some two score houses was set upon 
the east side of this street, extending along a tract about two miles 
in length. This was the nucleus of the great and busy city of Provi- 
dence of to-day. It followed the curves of the shore at a proper dis- 
tance to secure solid ground. The ascent of the hill was abrupt. 
From the southern end of the settlement by Fox hill the road lay by 
the water side until it approached the falls of the Moshassuck. There 
leaving the shore it ascended in a long diagonal slope, by the side of 
a steep ravine, to the high ground later known as Constitutional hill. 
Thence forward at an elevation of some SO feet above the stream, it 
went on to the utmost limits of the clearing. As we have before 
said, the home lots extended eastward over the mound and down the 
other side to a road that ran up the valley. This road had no dis- 
tinctive name, but for IfiO years it was called " the Highway." After 
the " Upper Ferry " was established in 1678, at the site of the modern 
" Red Bridge," the road spoken of was popularly known as the "Ferry 
Fane" for more than a century, and in 1806 the town council gave it 
the name of Hope street, which it still bears. A highway three rods 
wide extending from the Towne street to the water-side, was opened 
January 2d, 1681, to facilitate the approach and use of a wharf, which 
was then being prospectively considered. This is now Market Square. 



HISTORY OK PROVIDEN< 1 COl NTY. 153 

For a long time the highways mentioned were connected by only 
three narrow lanes. These were Power's lane, near the south end: a 
lane at first nameless, but afterward known as Jail lane, King street, 
and later as Meeting street; and the lane at the north end, called Dex- 
ter's lane, then Olney's lane. 

Most of the houses built upon the Town street during the first 
generation here were a single story, or a story and a half in height, 
with a large, rough stone chimney at one end. The earliest houses 
had but two rooms, called the " lower room " and the " chamber." To 
economize space a ladder was often the only provision for reaching 
the "chamber." This humble style of dwelling was almost universal 
until the last decade of the 17th century. Subsequently the popular 
model was enlarged to a house with four apartments, having a chim- 
ney in the middle of the house. At a later period a two-story model 
was adopted, with a lean-to and a steep roof. In these primitive 
houses chairs were an unusual luxury and cooking utensils were few 
and simple. The light of pine knots, as they sputtered and flashed 
and blazed and rolled out great wreaths of black, tarry smoke, afforded 
all the means of artificial light, and by such uncertain illumination 
the good cheer and home comfort of the settlers during the long win- 
ter evenings were enjoyed. Think of it ye modern Dives, luxuriating 
in the dazzling glow of your electric light ! but think not that happi- 
ness was a stranger to the hearthstone of the hardy settlers, whose 
blazing pitch-knots revealed the faces of loved ones gathered around 
the great open fireplace, upon whose crumbling stones perhaps your 
own lordly mansion is built. The wells of the settlers were usually 
dug in the street, and were free to the public. It was, of course, un- 
necessary that every householder should' have one on his own prem- 
ises. A single one -was sufficient for a number of families. 

In their property the settlers slowly gathered about them such 
personal belongings and other possessions of a movable character as 
opportunity came to them. But little stock could be obtained, but 
after a few herds of cattle had been secured the care of the planters 
rapidly increased the number. Goats and swine are thought by some 
to have been the first specimens of live stock brought hither. But 
there is no doubt that the ambition of the settlers rested with nothing 
less than herds of beef cattle. The common pasture plains on the 
west side of the river, then known as Weybosset, afforded an excel- 
lent field in which the settlers in common turned their cattle for pas- 
turage. An old Indian trail led down at the north of the present 
Steeple street, over a shell bank which made a fording place to a neck 
of the island reaching to where Washington Row now is, across the 
island and over a ford on the west side to the Weybosset meadows. 
Over this trail the cattle were driven back and forth to pasture. 

It is thought the first o-rist mill in the town was established under 
the patronage of the town in 1G46, by John Smith " the miller," who 



154 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

came with Roger Williams at an earlier date, but for some reason 
seems to have delayed the needed improvement of setting up a grist 
mill for several years. Perhaps a lack of capital, or want of confi- 
dence in the stability of the settlement deterred him from sooner 
entering upon the enterprise. This mill was located at the lower fall 
of the Moshassuck. Here the land and water privilege necessary 
were granted him by the town, with the monopoly of the business, 
on condition that he would erect the mill and keep it in order, and 
be prepared to grind corn for the people of the town on the second 
and fifth davs of each week, taking toll of one-sixteenth for grinding. 
The plan of the mill is said to have been a pounding process, imitat- 
ing the mortar and pestle which it superseded. The erection of this 
mill created a center for the scattering village, and in its vicinity 
other business efforts followed, a new street being laid out to afford 
an approach to the mill from the Town street. The first bridge across 
the river was built just north of the mill. Near it were also located 
in due time, a tavern, a tannery, a cattle pound and a jail. 

In November, 1654, an election of military officers appears for the 
first time on the records. The town then chose a lieutenant, an ensign, 
and a sergeant. A further sign of progress is shown in the order the 
same year, that the laws of the town should be written in a book. 
The growth of the town was slow. It was at that time but little 
larger in numbers than Warwick, which was much smaller than 
either Portsmouth or Newport. The little town of Providence then 
did not look like becoming a greater body than all its sisters put to- 
gether many fold. The freemen of this town in 1655 were 42 in 
number, as follows: William Arnold, Thomas Angell, James Ash- 
ton, John Browne, Samuel Bennett, William Burrowes, Henrie 
Browne, Hugh Buwitt, Thomas Clement, Nathaniel Dickens, Gregorie 
Dexter, William Carpenter, John Feild, William Feild, Arthur Fen- 
ner, William Harris, Thomas Harris, William Hawkins, Thomas 
Hopkins, Edward Jermon, John Joanes, Roger Mowrie, Edward 
Manton, Thomas Olney, Sen'r, Thomas Olney, Jun'r, Nicholas 
Power, Henrie Redick, Thomas Roberts, John Sailes, Thomas Suck- 
linge, Christopher vSmith, Richard Scott, Thomas Slowe, John Throg- 
morton, Roger Williams, Robert Williams, Robert West, Richard 
Waterman. William Wickenden, Thomas Walline. Josua Winser and 
Mathew Waller. 

' )f internal improvements bridges were among the necessities 
which became apparent and pressing at an early date. About the 
year 1650, or perhaps a year or two later, there was at least one bridge 
being kept in order at the expense of the town. What bridge it was 
does not appear plain. The records show that the town treasurer 
paid about the time mentioned, three pounds, for " mending the 
bridge, highways beyond the bridge, mile-end cove, fence at Dickens 
and the pound these several years." At what time Wevbosset bridge 



HISTORY OF PROVIDEN( I COl NTY. 155 

was first established is not known. It may Have been built about the 
year 1660. The records show that in that year the town had expend- 
ed .£160 in the erection of a bridge at some point not specified. 
Staples inclines to the probability that it was Weybosset bridge. It 
appears to have been in existence as early as 1663 at least for in 
April of that year one George Sheppard made a gift of lands for the 
support of this bridge. The town could poorly afford to keep in 
order a bridge, and if any other means could be devised of meeting 
such an expense to the relief of the public treasury it was gladly ac- 
cepted. Roger Williams was allowed to assume control of this 
bridge and exact tolls from all who crossed it, provided he would 
keep it in order without any expense to the town. This continued 
from 1667 to 1672, after which it was taken under the patronage of 
the general assembly and that body made grants for the expense of 
its maintenance. 

At this period the precious metals were scarce and taxes as well 
as all private debts, were paid in wheat, peas, pork, horses and cattle, 
at stated values. The population of the town steadily increased, but 
its increase was slow, and it was doubtless a serious and uncertain 
question in the minds of many of the settlers whether the plantation 
of Providence would gain a permanent foot-hold or after a few years 
be abandoned. Progress was slow under the discouraging circum- 
stances which beset them. These dangers threatened from neigh- 
boring colonies, with whom they were not in favor; from the Indians 
whose vengeful passions were being continually aroused by those 
neighboring colonies; and from the many rash opinionists, holding 
different and inharmonious views, whom the peculiarly liberal con- 
stitution of the town had allowed to enter its society. Certainly it 
required a strong faith to enable the freemen of this town to risk 
their lives and fortunes on the ultimate triumph of the little town. 
Various discordant questions also arose between this town and its 
neighboring towns of the colony. The charter of 1643 was not satis- 
factory in its results. To add to the perplexities of the people the 
apparent efforts of William Coddington of Newport to gain some 
ruling advantage in the colony broke like a thunderbolt on the sus- 
picions of the people, and the citizens of this town could not be in- 
different to the general excitement. 

In January, 10o6, the town gave permission to such as pleased to 
do so to erect a fort on " Stampers' Hill." Tradition has preserved 
the statement that soon after the settlement was commenced, a body 
of Indians approached the town in a hostile manner. Some 
of the townsmen, by running and stamping on this hill led the Indi- 
ans to believe that a large force of men was stationed there to oppose 
them, and so they gave up the designed attack and retired. From 
this circumstance the hill has always been called Stampers' hill. 
Stampers' street passes along the brow of this hill. Other acts of 



156 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the same town meeting' were one establishing a new town court hav- 
ing jurisdiction over disputes not exceeding 40 shillings in amount, 
Roger Williams, Thomas Olney and Thomas Harris being first elec- 
ted judges of the court; and another declaring all the inhabitants, 
though not admitted as freemen, liable to be elected to office, and 
liable to fine for refusing to serve when so elected. 

In 1657 a grave charge of high treason was preferred by Roger 
Williams against William Harris, at a general court held at Newport 
in Maw Proceedings were postponed to a subsequent court meeting, 
when the following decision was given. 

•• Concerning William Harris his book and speeches upon it, was 
found therein delivered, as for doctrine, having much bowed the 
scriptures to maintain it, that he that can say it is his conscience, 
ought not to yield subjection to any human order amongst men. 
Whereas the said Harris has been charged for the said book and 
words with high treason, and inasmuch as we being so remote from 
England cannot be so well acquainted in the laws thereof in that 
behalf provided, as the state now stands, though we cannot but con- 
clude his behaviour therein to be both contentious and seditious, 
we thought best therefore, to send over his writing, with the charge 
and his reply to Mr. John Clark, desiring him to commend the 
matter, in our and the Commonwealth's behalf, for further judg- 
ment as he shall see the cause require, and in the meantime to 
bind the said Harris in good bonds to the good behaviour until 
their sentence be known." A bond of ^"500 was required. What 
termination the case ever reached we are not informed, but as he 
appears for many years afterward to have been a prominent repre- 
sentative in the councils of the colony we presume that he was not 
found guilty of the charge. 

The number of freemen required to make a town meeting was at 
one time ten, but in 1658 the number was reduced to seven. As early 
as L662 the proprietors of common lands began to be recognized as a 
distinct body, and to hold meetings by themselves, independent of 
the town meeting, but they still had the same clerk and their pro- 
iings were recorded in the town record book. In April of this 
year they made Mr. John Clark a member of their body, and granted 
him full rights with themselves as a proprietor. This appears to 
have been done in recognition or return for his services in their be- 
half as agent of the colony in England. 

Among the diversity of character and manners which no doubt 
showed itself in this primitive community, Mr. George Sheppard, 
whom we have already spoken of as the donor of lands for the bene- 
fit of Weybosset bridge, is worthy of notice. He was evidently a 
very retiring man, refusing to take part in town meetings, and de- 
claring his cheerful acquiescence in the vote of the town disfranchis- 
ing him, on account of his thus absenting himself. In a letter to the 
townsmen explaining his position, he says: 



HISTORY OF PROVIDED I COUNTY. 157 

" For what land you were pleased to bestow upon me, I am bound 
to thank you for your free love therein, but be pleased to know, that 
it was not for land that I came hither, but the enjoying of my eon- 
science, therefore, if any be offended at the quantity of that gift 
and also of my acceptation, being advised thereto by friends. 1 do 
most willingly surrender it unto you again, desiring that you would 
be pleased, if it might be inoffensive, to bestow upon me a smaller 
quantity, according to your custom, for the which 1 shall aeknowledge 
myself much engaged unto you; otherwise you will expose me to 
think upon a removal where I may enjoy my freedom: but I hope 
you will take my condition into your serious consideration, that I may 
partake of that liberty, which, out of your tender care to consciences, 
you do hold forth, provided, as I desire not to be in anything a dis- 
turber of your civil peace or order but a well wisher and submitter 
thereto." 

The leaders of the people in all the towns of Rhode Island were at 
work pressing the necessary action to secure a more satisfactory 
charter. This was accomplished in 1663, Roger Williams of Provi- 
dence being prominently instrumental in the enterprise. The new 
charter was signed by the king July 8th, 1663, and officially received 
and accepted by the people amid appropriate and solemn ceremonies 
at Newport on the 24th of November of the same year. In prepara- 
tion for this event Benedict Arnold, then president of the colony, 
gave notice on the 16th of the month to the officers of the town of 
Providence to require all the freemen of the town to accompany the 
commissioners, in their arms, " on the 24th day of November instant, 
being Tuesday, or as many as can come, to Newport, there to solemn- 
ize the receipt of the charter, according to advice of the colony's agent 
to the council." 

A town meeting was immediately held, and William Field, Roger 
Williams, William Carpenter, Zachary Rhodes, William Harris and 
Stephen Arnold were chosen commissioners and authorized to repre- 
sent the town at the coming celebration. They appear to have all 
gone except Williams and Arnold, whose places were filled by the 
commissioners themselves, according to custom, by the election 
of Richard Tew and Joseph Torrey. The town declined to send any 
soldiers to take part in the parade. There was gathered a very great 
assembly of people, and in the presence of them all "the box in 
which the king's gracious letters were enclosed was opened, and the 
letters, with the broad seal thereto affixed, were taken forth and read 
by Captain George Baxter, in the audience and view of all the people; 
and the said letters, with his majesty's royal stamp and the broad seal, 
with much beseeming gravity, were held up on high and presented 
to the perfect view of the people, and so returned into the box. and 
locked up by the governor in order to the safe keeping." The most 
humble thanks of the colony were directed to be returned to his 



158 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

majesty " for the high and inestimable, yea incomparable grace and 
favor." 

Under the new charter a few changes were made in the election 
of officers and other regulations. The apportionment of assistants to 
the different towns at this time was as follows: Newport, five; Provi- 
dence, three; and Portsmouth and Warwick, two each. The town 
council, composed of six persons, was to be composed of the assist- 
ants of the town and the remaining number to be elected by the peo- 
ple. The assistants were chosen by the assembly, or the state at 
large, so the town of Providence had only the power to choose three 
of its council. This was not altogether satisfactory. 

Some idea of the comparative importance of Providence may be 
gained from the figures of a tax of £600 laid by the general assembly 
in 1664. Of this tax Newport paid £285; Providence, £100; Ports- 
mouth, £80; Warwick. £80; Pettiquamscutt, £20; and Block Island, 
£15. In December a town tax of £130 was ordered, and this was 
made payable in wheat at 4s.,6d.a bushel; peas at 3s , 6d.; and pork at 
£3, 10s. a barrel. 

On the regular annual election day of June, 1667, one of those un- 
fortunate misunderstandings arose, which are not infrequent sources 
of trouble in an unsettled condition of government by the people. 
And indeed the peace of old established local governments has some- 
times been sadly disturbed by similar breaches. A misunderstand- 
ing arose between the assistants, whose place it w r as according to law 
to call town meetings. The details of the misunderstanding are not 
known, but it appears that two different calls were issued by different 
assistants, one by Arthur Fenner. and the other probably by William 
Harris. Thus, two meetings were held, and two sets of deputies to 
the general assembly were chosen. A special session of that body 
was called in July, by Mr. Harris, to oppose the action of the Fenner 
party. But the assembly decided adversely and admitted the depu- 
ties chosen at the meeting called by Fenner to their seats. Harris 
then preferred an indictment against Fenner and his delegates for 
illegal and disorderly proceedings, but they were acquitted, and on 
the other hand the assembly imposed a fine of £50 on Harris for call- 
ing the assembly together without sufficient cause. He was deposed 
from his office, and another assistant chosen in his stead, but the fine 
was afterward remitted. 

The Fenner party, in the name of the town, had sent communica- 
tions to the other three towns of the state, setting forth in severe par- 
tisan language their interpretation of the division and the action of 
Harris in the matter. They gave him the name of a "Firebrand," 
and among other charges they declared that he had on the town meet- 
ing day, by the help of " his partner, William Carpenter, deprived a 
great number of freemen of liberty to vote for officers. Some of them 
had been townsmen twenty-six years, all above eighteen years of age, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 159 

and landed men, and had given their engagement of fidelity to his 
majesty, according as is provided in the colony. The objection why 
they should not vote was, they had not given their engagements be- 
fore the town; then one steps forth and desireth to give his engage- 
ment, then, that, also they refused. Another objection, their names 
were not returned to the clerk, then the assistant tendered a list of 
those names to be recorded, that had given their engagements; that 
was also refused, so, that this man, with his partner, would neither 
accept them that were engaged, nor let him engage that offered him- 
self, before them; what they would have we now begin to see. The 
people beholding their liberties and privileges by these men endeav- 
ored to be violated and destroyed, being about two parts out of three 
resolved not to endure it; but moved Mr. Fenner, Assistant, to stand 
with them to help maintain their privilege, and to work they went, to 
the business of the day. to choose their moderator in the same room, 
the town clerk and constable: and when they were engaged, de- 
manded the town books to be delivered to the town clerk, chosen by 
the major part of the freemen of the town. This man with his asso- 
ciates, having got the table, denied the books. The said Arthur 
Fenner, moderator, in the name of the town demanded them three 
distinct times, and one of them dared the company to touch the books. 
But we dared to do it, only we did know it would but add fuel to the 
firebrand, which would do no good, neither to colony nor town; re- 
membering that our [liberty] is watched for roundabout us, and chose 
at present another way, procured paper, recorded our act and officers, 
completing the business of the day (as in respect to the election) and 
chose four men to draw this remonstrance to the three towns, that, if 
be possible this firebrand may be quenched. Moreover, this man, 
whilst we were peaceably acting, his associates having left the room, 
came again and commanded the said moderator of the town, about 
ten times, in his majesty's name, to depart that house from the rout; 
so that with us the case lieth thus-, that when we meet together in 
peace to agree about our occasions, not warned by this man or his 
partner, we are called by him a rout, and when warned by them and 
do not as this man would have us, we are then also termed a rout. 
What other firey work this man will make, we watch to see, that we 
may quench it if it be possible." 

This communication may have had some weight in procuring the 
summary treatment of Mr. Harris of which we have spoken, but it 
did not "quench the fire-brand" by any means. The favor which 
Harris had acquired in the colony called for a petition to the general 
assembly from the town in August, 1668, remonstrating against his 
being appointed to any office or employment in the colon)-. In this 
remonstrance, which is officially given over the signature of Shad- 
rach Manton, town clerk, it is declared that Harris was disfranchised 
in 1644 and cast out of town meeting "for assaulting- a neighbor and 



160 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

blood shedding in the King's highway." He was charged with being an 
intrud, era usurper, a dweller "in the woods," with publishing treason- 
able expressions and being an element of disorder generally. All 
the invectives that rampant party spirit could suggest seem to 
have been used in describing his character, but for all that the 
assembly and the colony were not ready to remand him to the 
shades of obscurity. In 1068 the colony again elected him to the 
office of assistant, and the same honor was conferred upon him in 
1669. His side of the controversy is not represented by any explana- 
tion now existing, but the facts mentioned show that by some means 
he secured a party of friends strong enough to sustain him in the 
positions mentioned. 

It appears probable that his party was strong enough in the town 
to carry on so much opposition as to obstruct the harmonious action 
of the town. A double town meeting and election of two sets of 
delegates appears to have been held in 1668, and a similar condition 
of things existed in the following year. In 1669 two certificates from 
two town clerks appear to have been issued, in one of which it is 
stated that no deputies were elected, and in the other that a certain 
specified list of deputies was elected. The general assembly ex- 
pressed its sympathy for the "grevious symptoms that appear of the 
dangerous contests, distractions and divisions" by which they declare 
the town of Providence was incapable of transacting their own affairs 
in any measure of satisfactory order, and so unable to send deputies 
to assist in the transaction of business for the whole colony. A com- 
mittee was accordingly chosen, to repair to Providence "and endeavor 
to persuade them to a loving composure of their differences," and to 
call a meeting for the election of town officers and deputies. No 
satisfactory result was reached. 

In March. 1670, the assembly again took the matter in hand, and 
after reciting the facts "that there have been great distractions 
amongst the inhabitants of the towm of Providence, there being two 
parties accusing each other, that they have obstructed legal proceed- 
ings and that they have acted illegally," appointed John Easton and 
Joshua Coggeshall to go to Providence and hold a town meeting and 
see that those possessing the legal qualifications, and only such, weie 
allowed to vote. By this means a town meeting was held, an election 
of officers was secured, Mr. Harris and his party seemed to fall into 
obscurity, and the local machinery of government began to move 
more freely. 

Despite all the discouraging and distracting influences of which 
we have spoken, the population of Providence continued slowly to 
increase until the period of that serious commotion known as King- 
Philip's war. At the beginning of that period the population is esti- 
mated to have been about 1,000 souls. The results of the Indian 
hostilities at this time greatly changed the population as well as 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 1 ( *. 1 

other material appearances of the place. A brief notice of the de- 
tails of this trying time is called for at this point. 

In the earlier history of settlement, Massasoit, sachem of the 
Wampanoags, submitted himself and his lands to the Erglif-h, ; i d 
concluded a treaty with them. This treaty assured the AVampanoags 
of the protection of the English against the Narragansetts, of 
whose power and enmity the former tribe stood in great fear. The 
treaty was kept inviolate during the life of Massasoit. After his 
death his eldest son, Alexander, succeeded him, renewing, together 
with his brother Philip, the treaty with Plymouth, under whose fos'- 
tering wing the Wampanoags had grown stronger. Alexander had 
increased his power also, by marrying Weetamo, squaw sachem of 
the Pocassets, who was described as a princess not exceeded in power 
by any of her regal associates. It was suspected that Alexander was 
plotting with neighboring Indians for an onslaught upon the English. 
He was summoned to meet the court at Plymouth, but failed to do so, 
excusing himself by saying that he was waiting to see Captain Wil- 
lett who was then absent. This excuse was not accepted, and an 
armed force was sent after him, bringing him as a prisoner before 
the magistrates of Plymouth. He was soon released, but a few days 
after returning home he was taken sick of a fever and died. Indian 
suspicion at once declared that he was poisoned by the English. 

Philip, the brother of Alexander, now became sachem of the tribe. 
He doubtless believed in the suspicion of poisoning, and true to the 
Indian character, smothered his revenge for a more opportune time 
to give it vent. He laid his plans first to secure the alliance of all 
the neighboring tribes and then to strike one simultaneous and de- 
cisive blow against all the English settlements. Concealing his 
designs and movements, while he offered gifts and matured his plans 
with the Indians, he renewed treaties of peace and amity with the 
English, and finally set the time when the mask of friendship 
should be thrown off and the plan which had been for years maturing 
should be consummated by the war-whoop, the scalping knife and 
the fire-brand. Circumstances compelled an exposure of his hostile 
attitude, and in the summer of 1075 the villages of Plymouth colony 
were destroyed. In preparation for the commencement of hostilities 
the Wampanoags sent their women and children to the Narragan- 
setts for safe keeping. Canonchet, the chief sachem of the Narra- 
gansetts, was required to give them up to the English, but he reso- 
lutely refused to do so. Thus, the neighboring tribes of Indians 
were aroused to participation with the Wampanoags, and on the 
other hand the whole power of the United Colonics was called into 
action to suppress them. Rhode Island, not being included in that 
union of colonies, was in a very dangerous position, but might hope 
as its only chance, to maintain a neutral position and thus escape'the 
vengeance of the Indian. At the close of 1675 Philip took up his 
tt 



162 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

winter quarters with the Narragansetts, where they had fortified 
themselves at South Kingstown. There they were attacked on De- 
cember 19th and taken, after a bloody engagement, in which a large 
number of the Indian warriors were killed. The survivors secreted 
themselves in the swamps and subsisted as best they could while they 
planned new projects of revenge. 

On their march into the Narragansett country the troops of the 
United Colonies had passed through Providence, and perhaps some 
volunteers joined them from this town. Up to about this time no 
depredation had been committed by the Indians upon Rhode Island 
ground, but now they burnt Bull's garrison house at South Kingstown. 
The towns of the mainland were now thoroughly filled with alarm, 
and petitioned the assembly for help, but with little good result. 
The assembly could do little to help them. But Newport and Ports- 
mouth generously invited the people of Providence and Warwick to 
come to the Island and make their homes temporarily. A large pro- 
portion of the inhabitants of Providence availed themselves of this 
offer and removed with their families to the Island. The natural 
advantages of situation secured the island towns to a considerable 
extent against a sudden attack of the Indians. Of those who were 
brave enough to remain at Providence the following list is preserved 
in the records of the town. These are they, in the language of the 
record, " that stayed and went not away:" Roger Williams, Nathan- 
iel Waterman, Thomas Fenner, Henry Ashton, John Morey, Daniel 
Abbott, James Olney, Valentine Whitman, John Whipple, Sen., John 
Angell, James Angell, Thomas Arnold, Richard Pray, John Pray, 
Ephraim Pray, Abraham Man, Joseph Woodward, Thomas Field, 
Zachariah Field, Edward Bennett, Thomas Clemen ce, William Dan- 
caster, William Hopkins, William Hawkins, John Rhodes, Samuel 
Windsor and Thomas Waller. It is also supposed that Arthur Fen- 
ner remained, though his name does not appear on the list. 

The absence of so large a number from Providence made it all the 
more likely to be attacked by the Indians. On the 10th of March, 
1676, they made a descent upon the town and burned 30 houses. 
What houses these were, or in what part of the town they were situ- 
ated cannot be definitely told, but it is supposed that they were situ- 
ated in the northern part of the town. The location of only one of 
them is known, and that was the house of John Smith, the miller. 
This stood on the west side of Moshassuck river, near the later site 
of the first stone lock on the Blackstone canal. Mr. Smith was at that 
time town clerk, and consequently had the records of the town in his 
keeping. While the house was burning the records were thrown in 
the mill pond to preserve them from the flames. Thus they were 
preserved and have been handed down to the present generation. 
Being rescued from the mill pond they were carried to Newport, and 
there retained in safety until the war was over. In the experience 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 163 

of war which they had, about 85 leaves were lost from the two 
books. 

After the burning of the town the resident inhabitants again pe- 
titioned the governor for assistance, and received the cffer of the 
support of ten men until the meeting of the general assembly. In 
May, 1676, a garrison of seven men under Captain Arthur Fenner, 
was placed here by the government, and this was called the " King's 
garrison." Roger Williams, acting as captain of the train band of 
the town, had previously fortified the house of William Field, as a 
place of protection for women and children. It stood on the later site 
of the Providence Bank, and the remains of it were standing within 
the remembrance of persons who were living in 1836. Canonchet, 
the Narragansett sachem, was taken "prisoner by the English April 
4th, 1676, and condemned to be shot. Philip endeavored to rally his 
followers, and to induce other tribes to engage with him in warfare 
on the whites, but finally retreating to his stronghold in Mount Hope, 
he was shot by a treacherous member of his own tribe. August 12th, 
1676. This ended the war, and peace was restored before the end of 
the year. 

Several Indians had been taken prisoners, and were in custody in 
the town. At a town meeting held on the 14th of August, 1676, a 
committee was appointed to dispose of the prisoners by sale as slaves 
for certain specified terms of service. The place for holding town 
meetings at that time was under a sycamore tree which stood by the 
water side, in front of Thomas Field's house. This house stood next 
to the garrison house before spoken of, and was cut down by the offi- 
cials of the corporation about 1822. The Indians were to be held for 
terms as follows: "All under five years to serve till thirty, above 
five and under ten, till twenty-eight, above ten to fifteen, till twenty- 
seven, above fifteen to twenty, till twenty-six, from twenty to thirty 
shall serve eight years, all above thirty, seven years." An account of 
sales of Indian slaves about this time contains the following average 
items among a long list, the items given being sufficient to give an 
idea of the valuations: — 

" To Anthony Low, five Indians, great and small, £8. 

" To James Rogers, two, for twenty two bushels of Indian corn. 

"To Philip Smith, two, in silver, £A, 10. 

"To Daniel Allen, one, in silver, £2, 10. 

" To Caleb Carr, one. twelve bushels of Indian corn. 

" To Elisha Smith, one, in wool, 100 lbs. 

" To Elisha Smith, one, for three fat sheep." 

The Indians referred to as being sold by the town in August, 
1676, were probably all sold to parties outside of the town, as we are 
told that they were sent away on the 29th of the same month, by a 
sloop belonging to Providence Williams, son of Roger. The refugees 
to Newport and Portsmouth were now returning, and in the follow- 



164 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ing spring the work of the colonists went forward without apprehen- 
sion or disturbance. The status of Providence as compared with 
other towns at this time is shown by the apportionment of a colony' 
tax of ,£300 laid in 1678, as follows: Providence, ,£10 (one-thirtieth of 
the whole colony); Newport, £"136; Portsmouth, £6&; Warwick, £"8; 
Westerly, £2; New Shoreham, £"29; Kingstown, ,£16; East Green- 
wich, ,£2; Jamestown, ,£29. 

During the reign of Sir Edmund Andros as governor under King 
James, the Rhode Island charter was surrendered, and this colony at 
the mercy of the tyrannical ruler. But perhaps its very weakness and 
small importance was the greatest means of security to the colony. 
But little light on the progress of events in Providence can be gleaned 
from its records during that period. Elections of some town officers 
appear to have been held in 1687 and 1688, but none in 1689. Small 
taxes were also laid from time to time. 

In 1695 the general assembly ordered a prison to be built in Provi- 
dence. A town meeting at first decided to locate it " near the water's 
side, next Gideon Crawford's warehouse." The size of it was to be 
ten feet by twelve. An attempt to change the site in the following 
April resulted in an uproarious breaking up of the meeting. The 
building was finished by January, 1700, at a cost of ,£21, 17s., exclu- 
sive of the cost of locks. This building was destroyed by fire some 
four or five years afterward. 

For reasons which do not appear in the record, Joseph Latham 
and John Scott were required by the general assembly to build a jail, 
as good as that which was burned, or pay the sum of £"33. This 
seems to have been the effect of some obligation into which the par- 
ties named had entered — perhaps something of the nature of an in- 
surance obligation. It appears to have been left optional with the 
assembly as to which of the obligations should be required of the 
men named. The decision of the assembly was given February 14th, 
170.1, as follows: 

" And therefore it is enacted, That the said Latham and Scott shall 
not build said jail, but pay the thirty three pounds into the Generall 
Treasury; thirty pounds thereof shall be improved on the Collony's 
behalf for the building her Majesty's jail at Providence, and the other 
three pounds to pay the officers of said town's charge of transporta- 
tion to Newport." 

The new jail is supposed to have been located on the site of the 
first one, and that was probably the " prison lot" which is marked on 
the plat of that part of the town which was made in 1718. This lot 
was on Benefit street, and the jail was abandoned by the state in 1733. 
A third prison was erected about that time, on a lot purchased of 
William Page, on the north side of the road leading to the ferry at 
" Narrow Passage." This gave to that road the name of "Jail Lane." 
Its later and official name is Meeting street. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 165 

In June, 1700, the lot lying "between Archibald Walker's south- 
ward to the brook that cometh out of Samuel Whipple's land, east- 
ward with the highway, and westward and northwestward w r ith 
Moshassuck river," was voted by the town to remain common," for a 
training field, burying ground and other public uses." These bounds 
included not only what is now enclosed and known as the North 
Burial Ground, but a large tract lying to the southward and westward 
of that, and which has later been improved by different individuals. 
Previous to the date mentioned most of the old families had private 
burying grounds of their own, located in some corner of the ancestral 
home lot or farm. And many of these family burial grounds were 
maintained many years af^er the establishment of this common 
ground. Most of them, however, have long since been abandoned 
and the mouldering remains of their tenants have been removed to 
more enduring plots of sacred sepulture. 

In 1705 Weybosset bridge seems to have required rebuilding. A 
committee w T as appointed to circulate a subscription paper for that 
purpose. The highest single subscription was for £6, by Gideon 
Crawford, and the whole amount raised was only £21. Doubtless the 
circulation of the paper was not faithfully attended to. The bridge 
was on an important thoroughfare, and the assistance of the whole 
state was sought. In 1711 the general assembly granted £200 out of 
the general treasury toward building bridges at Pawtucket, Weybos- 
set and Pawtuxet. These bridges were on the main road laid out by 
the general assembly through the colony from Pawtucket to Pawca- 
tuck, and the most of the travel from Massachusetts to New York 
passed over it. The assembly subsequently made appropriations of 
various amounts for repairs on these and other bridges. In 1740 an 
appropriation from this source was made, of £25, for erecting Muddy 
Bridge dock, and again for the same purpose an appropriation of £50 
was made in 1752. This bridge was located in Weybosset street, near 
the north end of Dorrance street. It is said that tides formerly flowed 
across from Dorrance street into the cove. 

In 1710 the colony agreed to raise 200 men to go in the expedition 
to Port Royal. Of this number the quota for Providence was 40 white 
men and eight Indians. In 1711 the colony had to raise 179 men for 
the Canada expedition . The quota for Providence in th is was 35 men . 

In 1716 the town was visited by small-pox, but to what extent it 
raged, beyond the fact that some official and public notice was given 
to it, we have no means of knowing. The town about this time gave 
its vigorous protest against the issue of paper money, which financial 
scheme was then being projected by authority of the general assem- 
bly. The protest of Providence, however, was unheeded. This infla- 
tion of the circulating medium may have had something to do with 
the increased amount which the town had to raise, though increased 
expenses in laying out of highways and support of the poor were 



166 HIS TORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

factors in that swelling of aggregate taxation. A town debt was ac- 
cumulating. The town tax had rarely exceeded 60 pounds a year, 
but in 1717 the amount of 150 pounds was ordered to be raised by tax. 
The same amount was ordered again in 1720. Bounties for wild ani- 
mals were offered by the town. In 1716 the bounty on wolves was 20 
shillings each, and on grey squirrels two-pence each. The numbers 
of the latter animals must have been great, since in 1720 the town 
owed £16 in bounties on them. The bounty was repealed in July, 
1723, but renewed in October of the same year, and raised to three- 
pence. In the following year an equal bounty was offered for the 
destruction of rats. The bounty on wild cats was five shillings, which 
was doubled in 1729. 

The growth of the town is shown by the fact that in 1730 the total 
population of Providence was 3,916. In its race with Newport it was 
more nearly even with its rival than ever before, that town showing 
a total population of 4,640. These two towns then contained about 
one-half the population of the colony, the total population of which at 
that time amounted to 16,935. Of the population of Providence there 
were 128 negroes and 81 Indians, a small proportion as compared 
with the proportion of those races in many other districts, even in 
this colony. There were then five companies of militia in this town. 

The only means of crossing the Seekonk river, previous to the 
year 1739, appears to have been a bridge at Pawtucket and a ferry at 
Narrow Passage. A private ferry had also been kept for awhile near 
where Washington bridge now stands. A petition was presented to 
the general assembly by Josiah Fuller and ElishaTillinghast,to estab- 
lish a public ferry at this place. The project was delayed by another 
petition subsequently presented by Daniel Abbott to have a ferry 
established at a different place, presumably further down the river. 
Subsequently a ferry was established at the place suggested in the 
first petition. 

The lottery system, by which so much business was done during 
many years of the latter part of the last century and the first part of 
the present one. had its beginning in Providence in 1744. The first 
grant of a lottery by the general assembly was at the October session 
of that year, and was intended to encourage the laudable enterprise 
of building Weybosset bridge. The amount of the scheme was 
£15,000, out of which £3,000 was to be used in building the bridge. 
To encourage the enterprise, the town as a corporation purchased 400 
tickets in the lottery. Some obstacle or misunderstanding seems to 
have arisen, on account of which the town in 1745 ordered the build- 
ing committee to proceed no further without further orders. In the 
following February the general assembly, at the request of the town, 
directed the £3. (too to be lodged in the town treasury and to be laid 
out under the direction of the town. The bridge to be built was 
eighteen feet wide. A stone pillar supported the middle of it. While 



HISTORY OF PR0VIDENC1 COUNTY. L67 

it was building - , a ferry was maintained, Amaziah Wateiman on the 
east side, and Job Sweeting on the west side, acting, by choice of the 
people, as ferrymen. The bridge had been carried away by a freshet 
many years before, and in 1719 had been rebuilt. 

The population of the town in 1748 was 4,128, of which 225 were 
negroes, and 50 Indians. About this time there were in the town 30 
licensed taverns. The highest sums paid for licenses were by Joseph 
Angell, William Pearce and Jonathan Olney, who paid £8 each. The 
town debt and expenses were so great that a tax of £1,600 was 
ordered in 1749. 

No measures for protection against fire appear to have been 
taken by the town previous to the year 1754. The general assembly 
passed a law requiring each housekeeper to be provided with two 
fire buckets, and authority having been obtained, the town laid a tax 
upon the inhabitants in the compact part of the settlement, to pur- 
chase a "large water engine." The enterprise moved slowly, how- 
ever, until the destruction of the court house by fire, in 1758, again 
aroused attention to the matter. The assembly gave the town power 
to appoint fire wards in 1759, and the rate for the engine appears to 
have been collected in April of that year, though the engine is sup- 
posed to have been purchased some time before. The purchase of 
another engine was authorized in December, 1760, and engine men 
were first appointed by the town in 1763. The town tax in 1 75? 
reached £3,000. The tavern keepers numbered from 20 to 30 about 
that time, and the price of licenses reached as high as £12 in seme 
instances. The town council generally met at the house of some one 
of these licensed tavern keepers, and dined there at the expense of 
the town. They appear to have had no other compensation than 
their "dinners and liquor," accounts of which are still extant among 
the manuscript records of the ancient town. For example, April Sd, 
1757, six dinners are charged at £5, 8s.; punch £2. May 28th, seven 
dinners, £6, 6s.; punch £2. 

The war with the French in America, which engrossed so much 
attention of the people of the colonies during the decade which we 
are reviewing, excited the lively interest of the people of this tewn. 
On receiving the news of the capture of Fort William Henry, and 
the invasion of the northern frontier by the French, the imagination 
of the people framed highly colored pictures of devastation and 
death following in the train of the French armies penetrating to all 
parts of the colonies, and answered promptly and energetically the 
calls for assistance which came from the quarters most exposed. 
August 15th, 1757, a large number of the patriots of this town sub- 
scribed to a declaration of which we quote in part as follows: 

"Thinking it our duty to do every thing in our power for the de- 
fence of our liberties, families and properties, are willing and have 
agreed to enter voluntarily into the service of our country, and go in 



168 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a warlike manner against the common enemy, and hereby call upon 
and invite all our neighbors who have families and properties to de- 
fend, to join with us in this undertaking, promising to march, as soon 
as we are two hundred and fifty in number, recommending ourselves 
and our cause to the favorable protection of Almighty God." 

The following men signed this agreement: Stephen Hopkins, 
Obadiah Brown, Nicholas Cooke, Barzillai Richmond, Joseph Buck- 
lin, John Randall, John Cole, Gideon Manchester, Ephraim Bowen, 
surgeon, John Waterman, Joseph Arnold, John Bass, chaplain, John 
Thomas, Jr., Allen Brown, Benoni Pearce, Barnard Eddy, Benjamin 
Doubleday, Nicholas Brown, Joseph Brown, William Wheaton, Wil- 
liam Smith, Jonathan Clark, Jonathan Ballou, James Thurber, Amos 
Kinnicut, Nathaniel Olney, Joseph Lawrence, Theophilus Williams, 
John Power, Benjamin Olney, George Hopkins, Edward Smith, 
Joseph Winsor, Joseph Cole. These, we are told, together with 
many others had made themselves ready, and were intending to 
march on the next day, whilst the militia, under Colonel John An- 
drews, had already started. The movements were brought to a 
stand-still by the arrival of an express stating that the French and 
Indian armies had gone back. The volunteers consequently did not 
start, but the militia had gone as far as the Widow Resolved Water- 
man's, in Smithfield, when the message, carried by Moses Brown 
from Providence, overtook them and called them back. 

Another incident of the French war was the fact that in March 
and April, 1758, nearly 2,000 of the king's troops were quartered in 
Providence, for a short time while en route for a crusade against the 
French possessions in America. Also about that time a numbering 
of the people was made, which possibly might have been suggested 
by the consideration of immediately prospective needs in defending 
the colony against French invasion. This numbering was com- 
pleted by December 24th, 1755. There were, by its showing, in 
Providence then 747 men, 741 women, 655 boys, 754 girls, 262 
negroes, 275 men able to bear arms, 406 enlisted soldiers, 349 small 
arms, 181 swords, 56 pistols, 762 pounds of powder, and 3,871 balls. 

An attempt to establish a market house on a lot at the east end of 
Weybosset bridge was begun in 1758, but from various causes it was 
not carried into successful effect until 1773, when, the necessary pre- 
liminaries of discussion, various town votes, grants, and a lottery 
scheme, having been gone through, the first stone of the structure 
was laid by Nicholas Brown on the 11th day of June. The building 
was of brick, 40 feet wide, 80 feet long, and two stories high. The 
lower story was used as a market, while the second story was divided 
into offices and occupied in part by the various officers of the town 
and in part by private tenants. In 1797 the town granted liberty to 
St. John's Lodge of Free Masons to erect a third story upon it for 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COl NTY. 169 

their own use as a lodge room. The town reserved the right to pur- 
chase it of the Masons whenever it should be deemed that public 
uses required it. The building, with slight alterations on its eastern 
end, still stands on the east side of Market Square, being now occu- 
pied by the Board of Trade. 

The lottery mania seems to have raged with much heat about 
this time. From 1761 to 1763 many grants for such schemes were 
made by the assembly. Several were made to the town to raise 
,£21,300 for paving streets, one was made to the Church of England 
to repair their church and build a steeple, and one to the Congrega- 
tional society to purchase a parsonage. Many others were granted for 
various other laudable purposes. No objection on moral grounds 
appears to have been entertained by popular sentiment at that time. 
A notable gale of wind occurred in October, 1761, which "brought the 
highest tide into the harbor of Providence that hath been known in 
the memory of man, and carried away the Great or Weybosset 
bridge." The assembly granted £1,000, old tenor, from the general 
treasury for rebuilding it. The whole cost, however, amounted to 
£4,357, 10s., Id., to raise which sum a lottery scheme was instituted 
under a grant from the assembly. The bridge was then built with a 
draw in it. Considerable ship-building was then carried on above 
this bridge and full loaded vessels passed up as far as the foot of 
Bowen street. 

The town was now assuming an importance sufficient to warrant 
the establishment of a printing office. William Goddard has the 
honor of being the pioneer in that industry here. He set up his 
printing office in 1762, perhaps in the month of June. The first speci- 
mens from his press are said to have been a broadside or hand-bill 
entitled "Moro Castle Taken by Storm," and a theatrical playbill. 
On the 20th of October of the same year the first number of a weekly 
newspaper, The Providence Gazette and Country Journal, was issued by 
him. Its subscription price was seven shillings per annum. The 
printing office was located in a building ' : opposite the court house." 
The refined tastes of society for entertainment are also shown at this 
•period in the establishment of the theatre. David Douglass, with his 
company, who are said to have been the first of their art who ever per- 
formed in New England, played in Providence in 1762. The play-house 
was on Meeting street, east of Benefit street. For some reason the 
plays were not popular with a certain party — perhaps there were politi- 
cal colorings or infringements upon some other phase of decided opin- 
ions, which incurred the opposition of a popular sentiment against 
them which was strong enough to secure the passage of an act by the 
general assembly prohibiting them. The law remained in force for 
some time. After its repeal theatrical exhibitions continued at inter- 
vals in different parts of the town. Plays became popular, so much so 



170 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

that at one time they were exhibited in the court house. About 
1794 a building in the rear of the " old coffee house," between North 
Main street and the Cove, near Weybosset bridge, was used for this 
purpose. In 1795 a theatre at the corner of Westminster and Mathew- 
son streets was erected by a company, and was subsequently so occu- 
pied until 1832, when it was sold to an Episcopal church, and the site 
is now occupied by Grace church. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE TOWN OF PROVIDENCE DURING THE REVOLUTION. 



Meeting the Stamp Act. — Arguments against the Action of Parliament. — The first Town 
to assert the Rights of the Colonists — Repeal of the Stamp Act. — Popular Rejoicing 
at the News. — Second Attempt of Parliament to Impose a Tax. — Dedication of 
the " Tree of Liberty." — Non-importation Agreements and Action. — Concessions of 
Parliament. — Burning of the "Gaspee." — Town Action concerning Tea.— Bold 
Declaration of Rights. — Steps toward Convening a Continental Congress. — Sympa- 
thy with Boston. — Efforts to Maintain Public Order. — Committee of Inspection. — 
Abstinence from the Use of Tea. — Military Companies Organized. — Erecting Forti- 
fications. — Washington and his Army pass through. — Declaration of Independence. 
— Troops Centered Here. — Capture of the Pigot. — General Sullivan is Succeeded by 
Gates. — Visit of Washington. — Barton's Capture of Prescott. — Close of the War. — 
Protection of Commerce. — Adoption of the Constitution. — Commercial Importance 
of Providence. — Last visit of Washington. 



THE Revolutionary period, as might naturally be expected in a 
community drawn together and built tip on the basis of human 
freedom, more emphatically than any other community in the 
colonies of America, developed in Providence the strongest patriot- 
ism and most determined opposition to any encroachments on the 
liberties of the people. In anticipation of the arrival of stamped 
paper a special town meeting was convened on the 7th of August, 
1 ?(',,*>, to consider what steps were necessary to betaken. A com- 
mittee appointed at that time reported on the 13th instructions to 
their representatives in the general assembly, which were unani- 
mously adopted. These instructions opened with the following pre- 
amble: 

" As a full and free enjoyment of British liberty and of our own 
particular rights, as colonists, long since precisely known and ascer- 
tained by uninterrupted practice and usage from the first settlement 
of this country down to this time, is of unspeakable value, and stren- 
uously to be contended for, by the dutiful subjects of the best frame 
of government in the world, any attempts to deprive them thereof 
must be very alarming and ought to be opposed, although in a decent 
manner, yet with, the utmost firmness. 

"We conceive that some late resolutions of the Parliament of 
Great Britain, for taxing us without our consent, have a tendency to 
divest us of our most valuable privileges as Englishmen; and that the 
measures adopted by the ministry and the Parliament in this behalf, 



172 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

if carried into execution, will be a manifest infraction of our inherent 
rio-hts as members of the British government and unspeakably in- 
jurious in the present distressedand involved state of the colony." 

The instructions then proceeded to deny that the colonies were 
represented in parliament by British members; and to declare that 
the refusal of that body to hear petitions against the stamp act, the 
enlargement of the admiralty jurisdiction and the burdening of trade, 
were great grievances to the people here, and directly against their 
rights as subjects. The enlargement of the powers of the court of 
admiralty was declared to be in equal proportion a diminishing of 
their own natural rights. The deputies of the town in general assem- 
bly were then recommended to use their utmost endeavors to procure 
the appointment of commissioners by the assembly to meet with 
commissioners of the other colonies at New York in October follow- 
ing, to unite in a petition to the king for relief from the stamp act 
and other grievances. They were also to use their efforts toward 
postponing the introduction of the stamp act until the colonies could 
be heard in self-defense; and to procure the assertion by general as- 
sembly of the following facts in argument of their cause: I. That the 
first settlers of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations were Eng- 
lish subjects and brought with them to this country and transmitted 
to posterity all their rights as such, and all such rights and privileges 
had descended to the petitioners. II. That by the charter of Charles 
the vSecond it was declared and granted that the heirs and successors of 
those to whom it was granted should have and enjoy all the liberties 
and immunities of free and natural subjects the same as though they 
were born within the realm of England. III. That this colony had 
heretofore enjoyed the liberty of controlling its own matters of taxes 
and internal police, and had never in any way forfeited or yielded up 
that right. IV. That the right to lay taxes upon the inhabitants of 
this colony lay in the general assembly, and any attempt to vest such 
right in any other person or persons was unconstitutional, and its 
tendency would manifestly be to destroy British as well as American 
liberty. V. That the inhabitants of this colony were not bound to 
yield obedience to any law or ordinance designed to impose internal 
taxation of any kind upon them other than by authority of the gen- 
eral assembly. The deputies were further urged to advocate the 
passage of an act declaring that the courts of common law only, and 
not any court of admiralty rightfully have jurisdiction in all cases 
growing out of levying or collecting any internal taxes or in any way 
relating to that subject, and that all such cases should proceed as it 
had been customary for them to proceed in the past, and that no de- 
cree of any court of admiralty in such matters should be executed in 
this colony. 

The sentiments of the town of Providence, thus expressed, found 
response in the assembly and were in substance passed by that body, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 173 

and in most respects similar resolutions were soon passed by others 
of the American colonies. Providence may claim the proud honor of 
standing in the front ranks of the patriot towns of America, if not a 
little in advance of others in asserting the rights of the colonists. 
The repeal of the stamp act followed in March, 1766. This was the 
signal for a general expression of rejoicing in the colonics. Provi- 
dence was not behind her sisters in such jubilant demonstrations. 
The birthday of the king was chosen as the occasion of public ex- 
pression of rejoicing. The day was ushered in by the ringing of 
bells and firing of cannon on the Parade. The court house was beau- 
tifully ornamented with flags, and at a given signal the shipping in 
the harbor flung their colors to the breeze. A general mass meeting 
convened on the Parade at eleven o'clock, whence they marched m 
order with drums beating and trumpets blowing and flags waving, to 
the Presbyterian meeting house, where appropriate religious services 
were conducted, including a prayer of thanksgiving and a discourse 
by Reverend Mr. Rowland, from the words, "The Lord hath done 
great things for us; whereof we are glad." After the hearty render- 
ing of an appropriate anthem the line of march was taken up on the 
return to the Parade, where his majesty's health was drank by many 
hundreds under a royal salute of twenty-one cannon. At four o'clock 
in the afternoon the people reassembled and drank 32 of the most 
loyal, patriotic and constitutional toasts, amidst the firing of cannon, 
the blare of trumpets and drums, and the loud huzzas of the people. 
A grand pyrotechnic display followed in the evening, which included 
108 sky-rockets, a "bee-hive " containing 106 "serpants," and other 
kinds of fire-works. At nine o'clock a boiled collation (modernly 
called a "chowder") was served, and feasting continued until 11 
o'clock, when the company retired. A grand ball took place on the 
night following, at which a narrator at the time declares " there was 
the most brilliant appearance of ladies this town ever saw." The 
anniversary of this jubilee day was celebrated in a similar manner 
for several years thereafter. It occurred on the 18th of March. 

In answer to the attempt of parliament to lay import duties on 
certain articles of common use, in 1767, a town meeting was held in 
Providence on the-25th of November, at which it was determined to 
ask the people to subscribe to an agreement not to import or use cer- 
tain specified articles, upon which the duty had been laid, after the 
first day of the following January, and to discountenance the exces- 
sive use of certain other articles which could be manufactured in 
America, and to encourage home manufactures and the raising of 
wool and flax. The signing of these articles of agreement was almost, 
if not quite, unanimous. 

In July, 1768, the "Sons of Liberty " were called upon to attend 
the dedication of the "tree of liberty." Almost every town then had 
either its liberty tree or its liberty pole. The liberty tree of Provi- 



174 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dence was a little north of the north side of Olney street, in front of 
a public house kept there by Captain Joseph Olnev. The house was 
a large, old-fashioned, low studded house with a wing- giving it an L 
shape. In the large front yard stood one of the largest elm trees ever 
seen hereabout, and up into this elm, about 20 feet from the ground, 
a perch and seat large enough to accommodate ten or twelve persons 
was adjusted upon four branches which put out from that part of the 
trunk. The seat was reached by a flight of wooden steps. The tree 
was appropriately dedicated on July 25th, 1768, an oration on the 
occasion being delivered by Silas Downer. After the oration the 
following dedicatory words were pronounced by the speaker, the 
people on the elevated perch meanwhile laying hands upon the tree: 

" We do, in the name and behalf of all the true sons of liberty in 
America, Great Britain, Ireland, Corsica, or wheresoever they 
may be dispersed throughout the world, dedicate and solemnly de- 
vote this tree to be a tree of liberty. May all our councils and 
deliberations, under its venerable branches, be guided by wisdom 
and directed for the support and maintenance of that liberty which 
our renowned forefathers sought out and found under trees and in 
the wilderness. May it long flourish, and may the sons of liberty 
often repair hither, to confirm and strengthen each other; when they 
look toward this sacred elm, may they be penetrated with a sense of 
their duty to themselves and their posterity; and may they, like the 
house of David, grow stronger and stronger, while their enemies, 
like the house of Saul, shall grow weaker and weaker. Amen." 

Meetings were held from time to time, by the Sons of Liberty as 
well as by the town, to consider means for more effectually carrying 
out the popular sentiment against importing goods upon which the 
obnoxious duty was laid. In October, 1769, a town meeting was held 
to consider action in regard to an expected arrival of forbidden 
goods. It would appear that several merchants of the town, notwith- 
standing they had subscribed to the non-importation agreements, 
were now expecting such goods by a vessel soon to arrive from Eng- 
land. What arguments or means of persuasion were used we are not 
told, but these merchants, it is said, cheerfully agreed to deliver up 
to a committee of three men appointed by the town meeting, all the 
expected dutiable goods, for those men to hold in safe keeping until 
the duty tax should be removed. 

Seeing the determined opposition of the colonists to the duty on 
imports, Parliament repealed the obnoxious acts in part. This en- 
couraged those whose greed of personal gain was greater than their 
patriotism to engage in the importation and traffic in all the goods 
which had been under the ban of refusal. By the popular prejudice 
against these importations such articles had become somewhat scarce, 
and among those whose respect for the principles at stake was small 
there was a demand, to supply which was a tempting bait to the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 175 

cupidity of mercenary dealers. So the charges of breaking the non- 
importation agreements were frequently made against the merchants 
of this and other cities of the colonies. The promulgation, discus- 
sion and investigation of these charges kept the patriotic spirit alive 
with frequent agitations. The non-importation agreements were re- 
vised to meet the conditions of the new modification of the act <>t 
parliament. Thus matters continued for several years. 

The burning of the schooner " Gaspee" was one of the events of 
national importance, which have ever stood in bold relief among the 
historic remains of that eventful and interesting period. In attempt- 
ing to put a stop to the illicit trade, which had long been carried on 
in the different ports of this country, armed vessels had been placed 
in Narragansett bay, as well as in other waters adjacent to the ocean. 
The vigilance of the customs officers in this work had resulted in 
serious riots. Vessels suspected of being engaged in illicit trade 
had been seized by the customs officers and confiscated with 
their cargoes. The scene of the marine operations was mostly in the 
lower part of the bay. In 1764 the schooner "St. John" was sta- 
tioned in the bay for the purpose mentioned. In 1769 the sloop 
" Liberty" was commissioned in these waters for the .same purpose. 

The acts of the British commanders of these vessels were exact- 
ing, oppressive, and very obnoxious to the people who fell under their 
tyrannical surveillance. Their acts called forth decided outbursts of 
indignation, which arose sometimes to actual demonstrations of vio- 
lence, and indeed were ominous as to the possibilities of what con- 
tinued acts of the kind might bring about. In the early part of 1772, 
his majesty's schooner, the "Gaspee," carrying eight guns, and com- 
manded by Lieutenant Dudingston, was stationed in Narragansett 
bay, on a similar mission. He stopped all vessels, even including 
small market boats, without showing his authority for doing so; and 
even sent the property which he thus illegally seized to Boston for 
trial. Complaints became so numerous from those who had suffered 
from his acts, in which he even went beyond and in violation of his 
powers as limited by certain acts of parliament, that Governor Ses- 
sions obtained from Chief Justice Hopkins the opinion, "that no 
commander of any vessel has a right to use any authority in the body 
of the colony, without previously applying to the Governor, and 
showing his authority for so doing: and also being sworn to a due 
exercise of his office." Protests were made to the commander, and 
this correspondence was submitted to his superior officers, but, even 
while he seems to have been in doubt as to the legality of his acts, 
he still pursued his course. 

On the 9th of June, 1772, Captain Benjamin Lindsey left Newport 
for Providence in his packet, about the middle of the day. The 
" Gaspee " started in pursuit. Following until they had reached 
Namquit point, about seven miles below Providence, the " Gaspee " 



176 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

drawing more water than the other, ran aground upon a shoal and 
there remained. On his arrival in Providence Lindsey spread the 
news of the position of the " Gaspee," and immediately eight of the 
largest long-boats in the harbor were provided with five oars each, 
the same being well muffled, and placed in readiness at Fenner's 
wharf. Soon after sunset the boats were manned by ship-masters 
and merchants of Providence, men of respectability and standing in 
society, and proceeded in the evening down the river. The men 
had gathered at the house of James vSabin, on the northeast corner of 
South Main and Planet streets, and at about 10 o'clock started on their 
uncertain and perilous undertaking. On approaching the "Gaspee " 
they were discovered, however, and as the commander was hailing 
the party a shot from one of the boats gave him a wound which dis- 
abled him, and the party boarded the vessel without opposition, de- 
manding her surrender. The crew were directed to gather up their 
effects, and were then put ashore at Pawtuxet. The vessel was then 
set on fire and burned to the water's edge. 

Governor Wanton, on the 12th, issued a proclamation command- 
ing all officers in the colony to use the utmost vigilance in appre- 
hending the perpetrators of this outrage, and offering a reward of 
.£100 sterling for the conviction of the guilty party or parties.. The 
British Government offered a further reward of ££()() for the discov- 
ery of any person engaged in the affair, and £5()() in addition for the 
discovery of the leader of the party who did the work of destruction. 
A special court of investigation was afterward held, but neither re- 
wards nor judicial investigation ever led to any discovery of the 
guilty parties. But now that long years have passed, and the rewards 
for their discovery are no longer offered, we may without any offense 
or injury to them expose their names. And this the more especially 
since for many decades their names have been all the more honored 
and respected because of their connection with this affair. The lead- 
ers in the enterprise were John Brown, then the leading merchant in 
the colony, a prominent citizen, and one of the founders of Brown 
University; Abraham Whipple, a captain of a merchantman engaged 
in the West India trade, formerly commanding an active privateer 
during the French war, and afterward a commander in the American 
navy during the revolution; John Mawney, a man of literary inclina- 
tions, who had been educated in medicine, but never practiced to any 
great extent, his estate, where he closed his long life, being that part 
of the present city now known as Elmwood; John B. Hopkins, a son 
of Commodore Esek Hopkins and member of the family represented 
by Governor Stephen Hopkins, signer of the declaration of inde- 
pendence, and himself afterward commander of the ship 'Cabot" in 
the revolution; Benjamin Page, a prominent ship-master and for 
many years commander of a ship in the East India trade; Joseph 
Bucklin, a restaurant keeper in South Main street; Turpin Smith, a 



HISTl )RY i »I PR( IVIDENC1 l i 'I N "TV. 1 ?? 

young man who afterward became a prominent and successful ship- 
master, and Ephraim Bowen, afterward a colonel in the revolution, 
and the last survivor of the party, he living until the year L840. The 
commander of the party was Abraham Whipple. 

Thus it may be claimed, with the facts recited, that the war began 
in Rhode Island, and that the first gun of the revolution was tired by 
a Providence man, and the first bloodshed was scarcely beyond the 
limits of the present city. So Providence may boast of early and 
important revolutionary honors. 

Events followed in thickening succession, ripening the sentiment 
which in due time was to break forth in the great struggle for Ameri- 
can independence. No occasion offered itself to demonstrate the 
readiness with which the people of Providence would have followed 
the example of Boston in relation to the importation of tea, but the 
following expressions, passed by a vote of the town at a town meet- 
ing for the purpose held at the court house on the 19th of January, 
1774, Jabez Brown, moderator, present a good picture of the senti- 
ments entertained at the time: 

"Inasmuch as the British Parliament have undertaken to raise a 
revenue in the American colonies, by a duty upon tea: we, the free- 
men of the town of Providence, legally assembled in meeting, cannot 
be silent on so interesting and alarming an occasion. Should we, in 
this case, omit to assert and express the firmest resolutions to vindi- 
cate our rights, it might be construed as a cession of them into the 
hands of those who have wantonly invaded them in this instance. 

"We do therefore, in justice to ourselves, our posterity, and the 
sister colonies, openly and publicly make the following declarations, 
hoping that by a vigorous exertion, in conformity thereto, we may in 
some measure contribute towards escaping the dreadful train of evils 
which must be the consequence of a tame submission to any inva- 
sions of American freedom. 

"We lament any seeming acquiescence which hath at any time 
heretofore been made in these colonies, under parliamentary usurpa- 
tions of our liberties; but as any such tacit concessions were made 
through fear, inattention, or without a due consideration of our 
rights, we strongly protest against any precedent being made 
thereby, to our disadvantage. 

"When we consider that many of our ancestors removed from 
Britain and planted themselves line; that the religion, language and 
customs of the two countries are mostly similar, and that there hath 
been a long intercourse of trade and commerce between them, we 
are willing, and even desirous of a continuance of connexion between 
the colonies and Britain, if it may be on terms in any measure 
equal. 

"Upon full consideration of the matter upon which we have met, 
we do resolve, — 
12 



178 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

"I. That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right 
of freemen; that there ean be no property in that, which another 
can, of right, take from us without our consent; that the claim of 
Parliament to tax America, is in other words, a claim of right to levy 
contributions on us at pleasure. 

"II. That the duty imposed by Parliament upon tea, landed in 
America, is a tax on the Americans, or levying contributions on 
them without their consent. 

"III. That the express purpose for which the tax is levied on the 
Americans, namely; for the support of government, administration 
of justice, and defence of His Majesty's dominions in America, has a 
direct tendency to render Assemblies useless, and to introduce arbi- 
trary government and slavery. 

"IV. That a virtuous and steady opposition to this ministerial plan 
of governing America, is absolutely necessary, to preserve even the 
shadow of liberty; and is a duty which ever}' freeman in America 
owes to his country, to himself, and to his posterity. 

"V. That the resolution lately entered into by the East India 
Company to send out their tea to America, subject to the payment of 
duties on its being landed here, is an open attempt to enfore this 
ministerial plan, and a violent attack upon the liberties of America. 

"VI. That it is the duty of every American to oppose this 
attempt. 

"VII. That whoever shall, directly or indirectly, countenance 
this attempt, or in any wise aid or abet in unloading, receiving, or 
vending the tea sent, or to be sent out by the East India Company, 
while it remains subject to the payment of a duty here, is an enemy 
to his country. 

"Y1II. That no tea belonging to the East India Company, or any 
other persons, subject to a duty, or dutied tea, shall be unladed here, 
or brought to land. 

"IX. That this town will co-operate with the other towns in this 
colony , and with all the other colonies, in a resolute stand, as well 
against every other unconstitutional measure, calculated to ensla\e 
America, as the tea act in particular. 

"X. That Samuel Nightengale, Escp, Jabez Bowen, Esq., and 
Messrs. John Brown, John Updike, John Jenckes, John Mathewson, 
and Daniel Cahoon, or the major part of them, be a committee to 
correspond with the towns in this and the neighboring governments, 
on all such matters as shall be thought to affect the liberties of 
America. 

"Voted, Tint this town highly approve of the proceedingsof their 
brethren of Boston, Philadelphia and New York, in their spirited 
and resolute opposition made to the introduction of tea, while sub- 
ject to a duty laid by Parliament; and that our thanks be given them 
for the same. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. L79 

"Voted, That the committee wait on all the importers of English 
goods in this town, and inform them of the resolutions which the 
town have entered into respecting- tea, while subject to a duty; and 
if any of them have ordered any tea to come next spring, that they 
be desired to send counter orders immediately. 

"Voted, That the foregoing proceedings be published in the next 
Providence Gazette." 

The committee found on investigation, that only one chest of tea 
had been ordered by the merchants of Providence, and that order had 
been promptly recalled before the town meeting. Only nine chests 
on which a duty had been paid had been imported here since the 
non-importation agreement was rescinded. In the general sympathy 
with Boston which was manifested throughout the colonies Provi- 
dence led the van, being first to pass a resolution expressive of that 
sympathy. At a town meeting held here May 17th, 1774, resolutions 
were passed declaring that this' town would join with the other colo- 
nies in such measures as should generally be agreed upon for protect- 
ing and securing their natural rights and privileges and transmitting 
them to posterity. The deputies were called upon to use their influ- 
ence in general assembly in favor of calling a congress of the colonies. 
The opinion was put forth that a suspension of all trade with Great 
Britain and its dependencies would be the best expedient for securing 
the speedy reinstatement of Boston to its former privileges. 

The general assembly acted in accordance with the desires of the 
people, and in June appointed Stephen Hopkins and Samuel Ward 
delegates from this colony to a continental congress. At the town 
meeting last referred to this town also passed a resolution directing 
their deputies to endeavor to secure the passage of an act in assembly 
prohibiting the importation of negro slaves into this colony and also 
making negroes born here in slavery free after attaining a certain age. 

In 1774 the town of Providence contained 4,321 inhabitants, who 
were grouped in 655 families, and domiciled in 421 houses. 

In August of that year the town instructed its deputies to en- 
deavor to procure the passage of an act making a grant for the assist- 
ance of Boston. The instructions declare, " Their cause is our cause, 
and unless aid and succor be afforded them, they may be discouraged 
into a hurtful submission, and ministerial vengeance may.be next 
directed against this colony, and in the end alight upon all." The 
patriotism of the people of this town at that time was no burst of 
spread-eagle enthusiasm, to flash and soar with the parade of a holi- 
day. It was a deep, pervading sentiment, founded in principle and 
taking root in the hearts and lives of the people, prompting them to 
lay hold of the situation with an earnest grasp that meant to stay to 
the bitter end, whatever that end might be. Many of the people 
from Boston, when the port was closed and business thus made stag- 
nant there, removed to other places. Among those who came to 



180 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Providence was one John Simpson, a hardware merchant, who made 
himself obnoxious by espousing the cause of despotism. On the 
mominsf of the 21st of August, he found his doors and window shut- 
ters tarred and feathered. He accepted the ominous threat implied, 
and returned to Boston. A tin-plate worker arrived here a few days 
afterward, but the inhabitants being apprised that he was a sympa- 
thizer with the oppressive royal government, intimated to him that 
he could not continue here in safety, and on the following day he re- 
turned to Boston. On the 30th of August, in view of the facts which 
we have noticed and others of their kind, the people in town meeting- 
expressed themselves as follows: 

" It is resolved by this meeting, that this town ought not to be 
made the asylum of any person or persons, of whatever town, place 
or city, within the British dominions, whose principles and practices, 
being inimical to the liberties of our country and its happy constitu- 
tion, have rendered or shall render them obnoxious'to the inhabitants 
of such place or places from which they may emigrate; and that all 
such ought to be discouraged, by every prudent and legal measure; 
and the honorable town council are hereby requested to exert them- 
selves, for the removal and ejection of all such persons, so far as by 
law they may be warranted; as their being admitted amongst us may 
tend greatly to endanger the peace, order and tranquility of the town, 
which has been manifested by recent instances." 

It appears that riots and tumultuous outbreaks of the passions of 
men were occasionally known here, which, in view of the highly ex- 
cited condition of the popular feeling, is not at all to be wondered at. 
The people, however, put in operation all the safeguards and regula- 
tions at their command to prevent such occurrences, and as far as we 
can now see, their efforts were reasonably successful. In November 
the committee of correspondence was authorized to transmit £125 as 
a donation to Boston from the treasury of this town. That commit- 
tee strongly urged the preservation of all the sheep in the colony 
that were not actually needed, and urged both by proclamation and 
personal appeal the withholding of all sheep from export to the West 
Indies, which at that time was a considerable line of trade. The 
recommendations of the committee seem to have been almost entirelv 
acquiesced in. as well as the resolutions of the town. The readiness 
and unanimity with which the people accepted and acted upon meas- 
ures for the public good, even when their own personal interests for 
the time being were injuriously affected thereby, is a remarkable 
evidence of the depth of the patriotic principle by which they were 
actuated. Hen. William R. Staples, the local historian of Providence, 
has well said: " When any people are so virtuous as to yield implicit 
obedience to the simple recommendations of their rulers, upon the 
ground that the well being of the community depends on them, they 
may be annihilated, but not subjugated." 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 181 

In pursuance of the recommendation of the continental congress 
a "committee of inspection" was appointed by this town on Decem- 
ber 17th, which consisted of the following men: William EarLNicho- 
las Cooke, Benjamin Man, Zephaniah Andrews, Arthur Fenner, Jr., 
Ambrose Page, Nicholas Power, George Corlis, Paul Allen, David 
Lawrence, Joseph Russell, Job Sweeting, Joseph Bucklin, Jonathan 
Arnold, Bernard Eddy. Aaron Mason, Joseph Brown and Nathaniel 
Wheaton . The committee was vigilant in carrying out the purposes for 
which they were appointed. In accord with the recommendation of 
congress they urged the entire abstinence from the use of East India 
tea after March 1st, 1775. To this the people most heartily agreed, 
and to make their determination the more positive a public demon- 
stration was made on March 2d, the account of which runs as follows: 

The town crier at noon ran through the town, giving notice that 
a quantity of India tea would be burnt at 5 o'clock that afternoon in 
the market place. All true friends of their country were invited to 
manifest their good dispositions by coming and casting upon the fire 
what they might bring of " a needless herb, which for a long time 
hath been highly tetrimental to our liberty, interest and health." A 
great number of people assembled at the time and place appointed, 
bringing together about 300 pounds of tea, which was publicly burned. 
There was also east upon the bon-fire a tar barrel, Lord North's 
speech, Rivington's and Mills and Hicks' newspapers, and other 
things. Meanwhile the bells of the town were tolled, and one of the 
Sons of Liberty went along the streets with a brush and black paint 
and covered the word " tea " on all the shop signs where it was 
found. 

The committee of inspection found many duties to perform, and 
so well did they attend to those duties that with the exception of 
George Corlis, they were in June, all re-appointed, and the number 
enlarged by the addition of Samuel Nightengale, Jr., Jabez Bowen, 
John Brown, John Updike, John Jenckes, John Mathewson, David 
Cahoone, James Angell and James Black. Among their duties they 
sought to preserve the uniform prices of the necessaries of life, to 
prevent the cupidity of merchants or dealers taking advantage of the 
limited supply of any article to raise by force the price thereof. 
They also forbade the killing and bringing into market any lamb or 
mutton between July 22d and September 1st, under penalty of for- 
feiture. ■ 

Besides such measures of internal polity, which were doubtless 
enforced with comparatively little effort because of the strong public 
sentiment behind them, the townspeople were not behind their 
neighbors in making preparations for war. Independent companies, 
so-called, were organized from volunteers from the militia, having 
the right to choose their own officers and certain other privileges 
granted them by the assembly. They \ ^re not attached to any regi- 



182 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ment, but were subject to orders immediately from the governor as 
captain general. An artillery company had been organized in 1774, 
which in June of that year assumed the name of the Cadet Company. 
A light infantry company was incorporated the same month, a gren- 
adier company was soon after formed, and in Deeember the Provi- 
dence Fusileers, a company of horse, and another of artillery were 
chartered. The Fusileers and Artillery were a few months later 
united into one, as the United Train of Artillery. Military drill was 
a daily occupation, and the tactics of war were being thoroughly 
studied by determined patriots, who knew not what day they might 
be called upon to exercise all their skill and powers of endurance in 
the defense of their principles, their homes and their lives. In April. 
a general muster of the militia took place, when there were about 
2,000 men under arms in the county of Providence, besides the troop 
of horse. As early as January, 1775, Stephen Jenckes, of North 
Providence, had supplied some of the independent companies with 
muskets of his own manufacture. Other persons in the colony were 
extensively engaged in making small arms at the same time. 

Providence received news of the battle of Lexington on the 19th 
of April, at evening. Preparations were immediately begun, and as 
fast as they could get ready companies of militia and independent 
companies were in line of march for Boston. By the morning of the 
21st about a thousand men had marched or were in readiness to do 
so. Receiving word that their assistance was not immediately need- 
ed, they were dismissed. 

Besides these general preparations for meeting an enemy in the 
field it now seemed necessary for some preparations for defense in 
the British should make an armed attack upon this town. Sev- 
eral vessels of war were in the bay, and might at any time appear in 
hostile attitude in the very midst of the town. To prevent this a 
breastwork and entrenchment were thrown up between Field and 
Sassafras points, and a battery was planted on Fox point, armed with 
six 18-pounders. At a town meeting August 29th, Esek Hopkins 
was appointed to command this battery, with Samuel Warner as 
lieutenant, and Christopher Sheldon, gunner. A floating battery was 
also soon begun, and in October a line of obstructions consisting of 
a line of scows, filled with combustible materials, and a boom and 
chain across the channel. The works thus begun by this town wore 
completed under direction and patronage of the colony. 

In order to give notice of an attack upon the town, in case one 
should be made, a beacon was erected on the east hill, near the junc- 
tion of Meeting and Prospect streets. As an experiment to test its 
action it was lighted one night and its light could be seen in New- 
port, New London. Norwich, Pomfret and Cambridge. 

< )n the morning of August 22d, three British war ships were seen 
coming up the bay. and with'n ten miles of Providence. The alarm 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 183 

was given, the batteries and entrenchments were manned, and the 
military companies of the town and vicinity were called out, and 
every preparation made to meet the approaching" ileet in a manner 
appropriate to the sentiment of the time. But the ships returned 
down the bay at evening, without manifesting any hostile intentions. 

The population of the town then numbered 4,355, of which 2 ,678 
were on the east side of the river, and 1,677 on the west side. The 
total population was divided among 741 families. The defensive 
force is hinted at by the fact that there were 726 men, and they were 
provided with 497 stand of arms. 

When the American army was set in motion across the country 
from Boston to New York, after the evacuation of the former by the 
British, General Washington made a call in this town, and was well 
entertained by the people, who were filled with admiration of his 
skillful and successful campaign against the British at Boston. Here 
he was a welcome and honored guest. He arrived on the 5th of 
April, 1776, and was escorted into the town by the Cadet and Light 
Infantry Companies and two regiments of continental troops. 

• The independence sentiment was growing here with great rapid- 
ity. Providence was doubtless in full accord with the act of the gen- 
eral assembly which was passed in May, repealing a former "Act for 
the more effectual securing to his Majesty the Allegiance of his sub- 
jects in this his Colony and dominion." This act provided, besides 
the repealing clause, that whenever the name and authority of the 
king was made use of, in all commissions of officers, civil and mili- 
tary, and in all writs and processes in law, the words recognizing the 
authority of the king should be omitted, and the words, " The Gov- 
ernor and Company of the English Colony of Rhode Island and Prov- 
idence Plantations," should be substituted therefor. The courts of 
law were no longer to be considered as the king's courts, and no in- 
strument in writing, either public or private, should mention in its 
date the year of the king's reign. 

The climax of this independence spirit was reached in the declara- 
tion of July 4th, 1770. This was followed by resolutions by the gen- 
eral assembly in July, " That if any person within this state shall, 
under pretence of preaching or praying, or in any other way and 
manner whatever, acknowledge or declare the said King to be our 
rightful Lord and Sovereign, or shall pray for the success of his arms, 
or that he may vanquish and overcome all his enemies, shall be guilty 
of a high misdemeanor, and shall therefor be presented bv the Grand 
Jury of the County where the offence shall be committed, to the Su- 
perior Court of the same County; and upon conviction thereof shall 
forfeit and pay, as a fine, to and for the use of this State, the sum of 
£100 lawful money, and pay all costs of prosecution, and shall stand 
committed to jail until the same be satisfied." This act was directed 
to be printed in the newspapers of Newport and Providence. 



1S4 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The ratification of the declaration of independence was duly cele- 
brated in Providence on the 25th of the month. The governor and 
such members of the assembly as were in town, were escorted by the 
Cadet and Light Infantry companies to the court house, where the 
declaration was read to the public. A salute of thirteen guns was 
fired from the artillery and the continental ships in the harbor. A 
public dinner was provided, and appropriate toasts given. In the 
evening the king's arms were taken down from the public offices and 
burned, and the keeper of the " Crown Coffee House " threw his own 
sign upon the fire. 

Warlike preparations were making on land and sea. The lower 
bay was infested with a gathering fleet of British war ships and soon 
the island of Rhode Island fell into the possession of the British, re- 
maining so until October, 1779. The presence of the war ships in the 
bay kept the people here in a state of continual alarm. Large num- 
bers of troops were centered here for some time, to prevent a sup- 
posed design of the British to land troops here and march them to 
Boston. The town had somewhat the appearance of a camp. The 
college building was first used as quarters for the artillery, and the 
grounds around it for a parade, and afterward as a hospital for the 
sick soldiers. Ordinary business in the town was suspended. Many 
of the inhabitants removed into the interior to find places of greater 
safety. Martial movements were daily the interest and excitement 
of the people. Expeditions were prepared here to go down to drive 
out the British from the island. 

One of the notable exploits of the war was the capture of the 
"Pigot" by Major Talbut, of Providence. The " Pigot " was a British 
galley carrying eight 12-pounders and 45 men. She was stationed at 
the entrance of Seconet river, on the east of the island, where she 
acted as an obstruction to navigation up and down from Providence 
and Mount Hope bay. On the 25th of October, 1778, Major Silas Tal- 
but left Providence in the sloop " Hawk," with two lieutenants and 
50 men who had volunteered for the expedition from Sullivan's army. 
They sailed down the river and bay, and on the night of the 28th 
passed the British battery on Rhode Island, opposite Fogland point. 
At about one o'clock in the morning of the 29th they boarded the 
" Pigot," having approached with such caution that the crew were 
surprised, and surrendered without being able to make any decided 
resistance. The prize was taken to New London and afterward 
brought to Providence. In recognition of this daring exploit Major 
Talbut received the thanks of the general assembly, accompanied by 
a sword, and congress promoted him to the rank of lieutenant colonel. 

General Sullivan left the command here in March, 1779, being suc- 
ceeded by Major General Gates. During the time in which he had 
been in command of the post here he had become greatly attached to 
and respected by the people, and on the 19th of March a town meet- 



HISTORY « IF PROVIDENCE ( 01 \TY. 185 

ing expressed their complimentary and appreciative sentiments and 
good wishes in a brief written address, to which General Sullivan re- 
sponded in an open letter, expressing his cordial acknowledgements 
and reciprocal regard for the people. General Gates arrived on the 
3d of April and took command of the forces here, remaining in com- 
mand until November 8th, when he left to join the main army. 
The British people had now left the island and the people there 
were returning to claim and take possession of their property. 
June 16th, 1780, Major General Heath was invested with the com- 
mand of this department and arrived here, an expected engage- 
ment in the vicinity creating some alarm. The militia of the 
state were called out, and troops from Massachusetts and Connecticut 
were gathered here. The alarm continued but a few days, and the 
militia were dismissed on the 7th of August, the enemy having re- 
turned to New York. 

In the spring of 1781 General Washington visited Newport, and 
on his return through this town he was made the center of a popular 
demonstration of welcome and flattering expression of devoted regard. 
He was greeted by the firing of cannon, a popular parade, grand illu- 
mination in the evening, dinner at the state house on the day follow- 
ing and a ball in the evening. From the address presented to him 
on that occasion by the prominent citizens of Providence we quote 
the following paragraphs as specimens of its general tone: 

" We beg leave to assure your excellency, that we will manifest 
our attachment to your excellency, and the great cause in which we 
are engaged, by exerting the utmost of our abilities in enlisting and 
supporting such a force, as with the aid of our generous allies, will 
be sufficient to bring the war to a happy issue. 

" That your excellency may be the glorious instrument of effecting 
this most desirable event, which will deliver your name to posterity 
with a fame equal to that of the most celebrated heroes of antiquity; 
and that you may long enjoy the honors that will be paid you, is the 
sincere prayer of your excellency's most obedient and most humble 
servants." 

To the address General Washington made a very appropriate 
reply. 

During the early part of 1781, the French troops from the camp at 
Newport, which had been broken up, marched through Providence 
on their way to join the army of General Washington. A part of 
them encamped for a short time on the plain near the burial ground 
of the Benevolent ConQ-resjational Societv. The second division of 
this army spent the winter in an encampment in North Providence, 
on the rising ground to the east of the Pawtucket turnpike, a little 
south of the old site of the turnpike gate. 

Among the memorable events of the war which stirred the enthu- 
siasm and excitement of this town perhaps none were more powerful 



186 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

for the time than the capture of Prescott. We need not here recount 
the story of how the brave and cautious Colonel William Barton, with 
a band of daring men crossed from Warwick Neck at night in boats 
with muffled oars, and surrounded the house in which General Pres- 
cott, the British officer in command of the island, was quartered, and 
took him prisoner, and without giving him time to dress hurried him 
to the boats and across to the mainland, where he was soon taken m 
a coach to Providence, amid the enthusiastic expressions and under 
the gaze of thousands of spectators. Remaining in Providence but 
a day or two, he was removed on the third day to Connecticut, and 
later to New York, the object of his capture being to exchange him 
for General Lee, who was then a prisoner in the hands of the British, 
and detained on ship-board lying off the capes of Virginia. 

In connection with this affair the following episode is so full of 
practical suggestion in regard to the times that we must be pardoned 
for narrating it. We give it in the words of Mrs. Williams. 

"At the time so many distressed families were seeking to get away 
from Rhode Island, some very considerable difficulty was experienced 
in procuring passports to get away. Mrs. Read was among the num- 
ber, and finding all indirect application useless, she at length applied 
herself. He [Prescott] at first refused, frankly avowing that he 
'meant to keep her there to catch her husband.' But at length some 
of the under officers joining in the request, he relented and ordered 
the passport made out. Upon presenting it he said, in his usual 
pompous manner, — 'If you go to Providence to get out of my way, 
Mrs. Read, you will lose your labor, as I shall get there about as soon 
as yon will.' 

"Mrs. Read was now settled in a comfortable residence, a house 
on Weybosset street belonging to Mr. Butler (still standing near the 
Arcade), when on the morning of the 10th of July, Captain William 
Brown, a connexion of her family, called to tell her that her old tor- 
mentor, Prescott, was coming past in the course of they day. 'And 
now Mary,' said he, 'if you will stand in the front door and welcome 
him as he passes, and say Why, General, you said you should be here, 
but I did not think you would come so soon; scarce as money is, I 
will give you fifty dollars.' 'It is a bargain,' said the lady. Accord- 
ingly when the carriage came past she threw open the front door and 
presented her majestic figure. She was a woman of singular appear- 
ance, take her all in all, and very handsome; being somewhat above 
the common height, having a very piercing pair of black eyes, and 
when excited there was something startling in her Icok. The Gen- 
eral, though riding bareheaded in an open carriage, subject to the 
gaze of the multitude, endeavored to carry himself with composure, 
and from time to time would turn to make some remark to his captor, 
who sat by his side, strove in vain to retain his equanimity, when he 
observed Mrs. Read. ( >winer to the crowd which surrounded the car- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. IS? 

riage, it moved very slowly through the streets, and as she threw 
open the door, his eyes chanced to turn full upon her. He changed 
countenance, dropped his eyes instantly, and a transient flush passed 
over his features; and it was observed, that from that moment his 
composure vanished. As to the lady, though a woman of uncommon 
firmness and fearlessness, she was quite unmoved by this unlooked 
for agitation." 

The events of the revolution were now drawing to a close. The 
long period of war was a severe strain upon the patriots of this town, 
but they bore it nobly, and with unfaltering devotion to the cause in 
which their sympathies were enlisted. vSoon after the surrender of 
Cornwallis hopes of an immediate peace were borne on every breeze 
across the Atlantic. At last the preliminary articles were signed at 
Versailles in January, 1783, and a proclamation declaring a cessation 
of hostilities was issued by Congress on the 11th of April following. 
The celebration of this joyful event in Providence took place on the 
22d of the same month. The morning was welcomed by a discharge 
of cannon and the ringing of bells. The continental frigate "Al- 
liance," then in the harbor, and the rest of the shipping were decked 
with colors, and fired salutes in honor of the occasion. A civic pro- 
cession, escorted by the artillery, marched from the house of Deputy 
Governor Bowen to the Baptist meetinghouse. The Reverend Enos 
Hitchcock, pastor of the First Congregational Society, preached a 
sermon from the text, "Not unto us, O Lord, but unto Thy name, 
give Glory." This was followed by an oration by the Hon. Asher 
Robbins. then a tutor in the college here. The procession then 
moved to the court house, where the proclamation of Congress was 
read from the balcony, and this was followed by a discharge of 13 
cannon from the state house parade and a battery on the east hill 
near the beacon. After dinner 13" toasts were drank, each under a 
discharge of 13 cannon. In the evening the state house and market 
house were illuminated, and a display of fireworks closed the festivi- 
ties of the day. The artillery company paraded under Colonel Daniel 
Tillinghast, who had commanded it during the whole war. 

The colony of Rhode Island at the commencement of the war was 
largely interested in commerce. This fact led the state at an early 
period to take measures for the protection of this business. In June, 
1775, the assembly directed the committee of safety to charter two 
vessels for this purpose. Abraham Whipple, of Providence, was 
placed in command of them both, with the title of commodore. The 
assembly urged congress to provide for building a sufficient number 
of vessels to protect the merchant service of the colonies. Accord- 
ingly it provided in 1775 for fitting out three war vessels, and Esek 
Hopkins, of North Providence, then a brigadier general of this state, 
received the appointment of commander in chief of the infant navy. 
It was afterward increased. The first expedition with this fleet was 



188 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

made by Commodore Hopkins early in 1776. The fleet consisted of 
the ships "Alfred" and -'Columbus," the brigs " Andrew Doria" and 
"Cabot," and the sloops -'Providence." "Fly," "Hornet" and "Wasp." 
Leaving- the capes of the Delaware on the 17th of February they 
sailed to the Bermudas, where they captured a large quantity of 
munitions of war, and returned to New London on the 8th of April, 
and subsequently came up to Providence. In the plan for building 
18 vessels, which congress decided upon, two were to be built in 
Rhode Island, their names being the "Warren" and the "Provi- 
dence." The former was 111 feet keel, 34% feet beam and 11 feet 
hold, while the latter was 102 feet in length of keel, 34 feet beam, 
and 10 feet, 8 inches depth of hold. A committee of Providence men 
was appointed to superintend their building. 

During the war Providence abounded in privateers. They were 
generally successful in eluding the British cruisers which infested 
the waters along our coasts, and they made prizes of merchantmen, 
transports and small vessels of war. It was engaged in by manv 
whose name stood high in the social and moral scale, as the moral 
scale was graduated to the circumstances of the times. Most of the 
merchandise introduced into the country from abroad was brought 
in by these privateers, and their spoils furnished valuable resources 
of the army and navy. Thus by touching the pockets of British mer- 
chants these privateers did much toward influencing the British gov- 
ernment to recognize the independence of the colonies. 

News of the final treaty of peace between the United States and 
Great Britain arrived in Providence on the second day of December, 
\1>'.',. The population of this town at that time numbered 4,306, of 
which 201 were negroes, mulattoes and Indians. 

The war being ended, and the independence of the colonies being 
recognized by Great Britain, the questicns of peace new ccme to the 
surface for adjustment. They presented some phases even more 
I" rplexing than the questions of war had been. The conditions 
upon which the colonies were to be united as states, so as to secure 
the imperative necessities of union and at the same time preserve 
the independence of each, was a question that puzzled the leaders of 
this state to a hazardous extreme. In the general sentiment in op- 
position to accepting the constitution of a government which most 
of the other states quite readily accepted, the town of Providencedid 
not sympathize. ( >n the contrary the prevailing sentiment here, as 
expressed in repeated public demonstrations and instructions to their 
deputies .and other action of the town, was decidedly in favor of 
adopting the constitution of the United States. The opposition in 
other parts of the state, however, was for a long time in the ascend- 
ency. The people of Providence expressed their sentiments of ap- 
proval by demonstrations of public rejoicing whenever the news ar- 
rived of the acceptance of the constitution by any of the sister states. 



HISTORY OP' PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 1S9 

On such occasions the schools were dismissed for the day, the church 
bells rung nearly all day and cannon fired at different hours of the 
day. 

The 4th of July, 1788, was determined upon as the occasion of a 
great festive day, commemorative both of the adoption of the con- 
stitution by the nine states necessary to its going into effect, and the 
signing of the declaration of independence. A sumptuous pro- 
gramme had been prepared, including among its details the roasting 
of an ox entire. A table a thousand feet long was prepared under 
an awning. The scene of the jubilee and feast was at Federal Plain, 
on the land of Job Smith, at the head of the cove. Here it was esti- 
mated some five or six thousand people assembled and took part in 
the ceremonies.' But there was an element of opposition in the sur- 
rounding country that, hearing of the proposed demonstrations of 
rejoicing, determined to interfere with it. To carry out their design 
about one thousand armed men assembled in the adjoining woods 
during the previous night, and sent a delegation on the morning of 
the celebration to forbid any demonstrations of rejoicing on account 
of the adoption of the constitution by other states. With a very com- 
mendable desire to preserve peace at this juncture of their history 
the people consented that the festivities inform should have refer- 
ence only to the celebration of the declaration of independence, and 
that no formal declaration of approval of the constitution and its 
adoption by other states as the object of rejoicing by the assemblage 
should be made. Upon this the men in arms remained quiet during 
the day, some of them perhaps taking part in the festivities as a 
patriotic celebration of the 4th of July or Independence Day. 

But the spirit of sympathy with the adoption of the constitution 
was alive on the following day, when the news arrived that Virginia 
had fallen into line. Bells w^ere rung, cannon fired, and about a 
thousand men paraded the principal streets. Again on the 29th of 
the same month, when the news that New York had adopted the 
constitution arrived, the popular rejoicing found vent in a similar 
outburst of demonstrative enthusiasm. On this occasion the south 
side of Weybosset bridge was decorated with eleven flags, to repre- 
sent the eleven states which had then adopted the constitution, while 
on the north side of the bridge stood two poles, one of which repre- 
sented North Carolina, inclined about 30 degrees from perpendicular, 
and bearing the motto. " It will rise:" while the other represented 
this state, being inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, and bear- 
ing the motto " Rhode Island in hopes." Early in L789, on the in- 
auguration of the new government of the United States, we find the 
people of Providence instructing and urging their deputies in general 
assembly to advocate a convention to consider the adoption of the 
constitution. In spite, however, of all the efforts the representatives 
of Providence could make nothing could be done, so strong was the 



1<J0 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

sentiment in other parts of the state in opposition to the idea. In 
May this town again appealed to the assembly, this time by direct 
petition, to call a state convention to consider the adoption of the 
constitution. Strong arguments were enumerated in this petition 
against delay and refusal to join the eleven states already in the 
Union, but the assembly remained obstinate. 

In August, 1789, Providence, in town meeting appointed a com- 
mittee to draft a petition direct to congress, which petition, duly at- 
tested, was transmitted to that body. In it the people prayed for the 
favorable consideration of congress, assuring them of their patriotism 
and fidelity to the cause during the war, and regretting their un- 
happy situation outside the Union, and particularly entreating con- 
gress to grant that for a reasonable time "the vessels belonging to 
the citizens of this state, may be admitted to entry in the ports of the 
United States, exempt from the payment of foreign tonnage in the 
same manner as vessels belonging to their own citizens." A similar 
petition in this particular was presented to congress by the general 
assembly in September, and in response to these congress consented 
to place for a limited time the vessels and goods of the citizens of 
this state on the same footing with like property of citizens of the 
United States. 

The assembly now sent out a request that the people of the differ- 
ent towns should instruct their representatives in regard to calling a 
convention. Providence now gave no specific instructions to her 
representatives, but directed them to act conscientiously in the mat- 
ter and according to their oaths of office, the people evidently believ- 
ing that no further instructions were needed. Doubtless the senti- 
ments of their representatives were well known before their election. 
The January session of the assembly was held in Providence and the 
motion for a convention was carried in the lower house. Excitement 
now became intense. The session held until Saturday evening, when 
the senate stood four in favor and five against. They adjourned to 
Sunday morning. One of the senators, being a minister, felt it his 
duty to return home to attend to his Sabbath services, and when the 
senate convened the motion received a tie vote. It now devolved 
upon the governor to decide, and he gave his vote to concur with the 
lower house. An uncontrollable burst of applause broke from the 
crowded house when the decision was reached. The convention was 
accordingly called at South Kingstown in March and adjourned 
thence to meet at Newport on the last Monday in May, where, after 
several days of the most intense excitement and prolonged discus- 
sion, the motion to adopt the constitution was carried by a majority 
of two. The delegates to this convention from Providence were 
Jabez Bowen, Benjamin Bourne, William Barton and John Innes 
Clark. The popular enthusiasm again found expression in the firing 
of salutes, ringing of bells, waving of flags and military parades, not 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 191 

even forbearing- on account of the day. which chanced to be the Sab- 
bath, when the news arrived. 

Thus the state was admitted to the Union, and the interests of the 
town of Providence shared in the common current of peaceful pros- 
perity, which from that time bore its history adown the decades with 
only now and then a disturbance upon its placid bosom. The popu- 
lation of Providence in 1790 was 6,380, and its shipping then consisted 
of 9 ships, 36 brigs, 20 schooners, 45 sloops, altogether 110 sail, aggre- 
gating a tonnage of 10,590, exclusive of river packets, boats and shal- 
lops. At this time Providence was claimed to be "a place of more 
navigation than any of its size in the union," and it was also declared 
in a petition to congress that there was a greater number of vessels 
belonging to this port than to Xew York. Such declarations made to 
so august a body as congress, and by a company represented by a man 
of so high standing as Welcome Arnold, are hardly to be doubted, 
incredible as the assertions may at first appear. 

In August of this year ( 1790), President Washington visited Prov- 
idence. He came from New York in the packet " Hancock," Captain 
Brown, and was accompanied by Governor Clinton of New York, 
Thomas Jefferson, secretary of state, and several members of con- 
gress. The party were formally escorted from the wharf to their 
lodgings at the Golden Ball Inn, while the enthusiastic populace fired 
salutes, rang bells and paraded the streets. The college edifice was 
illuminated in the evening. On the following day the president was 
shown about town by Governor Fenner, and joined in a state dinner 
with a company of about three hundred. An address was presented 
to his excellency by a committee of the people, and was handsomelv 
responded to. 



CHAPTER VII. 



GROWTH OF PROVIDENCE TOWN AND CITY. 



Business Enterprises and Prosperity. — Yellow Fever. — Presidential Visit. — War of 1812. 
— Great Storm of 1815. — Visit of President Monroe. — Providence in 1820. — Temper- 
ance Movements. — Riots of September, 1830. — The City Charter and Government 
under it. — The Town Dissolved and the City Established. — Review of the new City. 
— Streets. — Finances. — The Dorr War.— Adopting the State Constitution. — A long 
Period of Prosperous Growth. 



AS THE tide of peaceful business grew stronger, wealth began 
to increase and the various channels of business and social 
intercourse began to demand more particular attention. In 
1791 efforts were made to establish a bank here, which resulted in the 
opening of the Providence Bank in October of that year, this being 
the first institution of the kind chartered in the state. The history 
of this and other similar institutions will be found elsewhere. 

At the date above mentioned, John Carter was postmaster. The 
southern mails then closed on Mondays and Thursdays, and arrived 
on Tuesdays and Fridays. The eastern mails closed on Tuesdays 
and Fridays, and arrived on Mondays and Thursdays. News from 
Boston was received then when two days old. 

In 1792 it became necessary to rebuild Weybosset bridge. The 
filling in of the shore now occupied by South Water and Canal streets 
made the channel about 30 feet narrower, and the eastern abutment 
was carried westward a corresponding distance. The cost of the 
bridge was about £900. Another bridge was built in the place of a 
former ferry over the Seekonk river. This was called Washington 
bridge, and the first team passed over the completed bridge on the 
12th of April, L793. Both these bridges were carried away in the 
great freshet of 1807. 

An event of importance in the history of Providence was the visi- 
tation of yellow fever, which occurred in 1797. It commenced its 
ravages in August, and during that month and September 36 persons 
fell victims to the disease. It was confined principally to a small part 
of the south end of the town. This experience made so dec]) an im- 
pression upon the people that when they were called upon in the 
following year to sympathize with Philadelphia in similar suffering 
they readily contributed nearly $1,500 for the relief of the poor and 
destitute in that city. This act of humanity was reciprocated in 1800, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 193 

when Providence received a second visitation of the same scourge. 
The fever appears to have broken out in about the same locality, but 
it did not rage with the same severity. 

We may mention in passing that Providence received a second 
presidential visit in 1797. In August of that year President Adams 
passed through the town. He was escorted into town by the Provi- 
dence Light Dragoons, and welcomed, as usual on such occasions, by 
the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon. He was tendered an 
address of welcome, to which he made an appropriate response, and 
in the evening the college building and some private residences were 
brilliantly illuminated. He proceeded on his journey in the morning, 
and was escorted to the Massachusetts line by several independent 
companies of military and many citizens. 

In the great. national questions which divided the American people 
in relation to the embargo, the non-intercourse, and the subsequent 
war with Great Britain, known as the war of 1812, the citizens of 
Providence were strongly opposed to the policy of the administra- 
tion. The news of the declaration of war was received on the 24th 
of July, 1812. Being regarded as a great calamity the expressions of 
the people took shape in the tolling of bells and flying flags at half- 
mast. On the 7th of August a town meeting passed the following- 
resolutions, which show the position of this town in relation to the 
great questions of the day: 

" Resolved, That it is the duty of every citizen promptly to aid in 
repelling all invasions of enemies, made for the purposes either of 
plunder, bloodshed, or devastation, or with any view to infract the 
rights, usurp the privileges, or interrupt the political freedom of any 
person whatever. 

" Resolved, That we consider it most indispensably needful, at 
this time, to give all aid for suppressing all riots, tumults and mobs, 
believing that however horrible war may be, between nation and 
nation, his terrible features almost soften with mercy, when compared 
with the grim and bloody visage of civil commotion. 

"Resolved, That we will, at the hazard of all things, aid in the 
support and complete execution of the laws, knowing that safety 
cannot be found, when law is trampled under foot, and believing that 
neither life, liberty or property can be secure, when once secret 
threats or open force have with impunity violated the freedom of 
speech, of the press, and of election. 

"Resolved, That we do all pledge ourselves, promptly, and on all 
occasions, to resist, and if possible, repel, all hostile invasions from 
the enemy, that we will assist in quelling riots, tumults and mobs, 
and do all in our power to discourage and discountenance every 
thing tending to those direful conflicts, hereby guaranteeing to all 
persons, so far as our influence and the effect of our exertions can 
extend, the perfect protection of the laws, so that they may. at all 
13 



194 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

times, in all places, and on all occasions, freely speak and publish 
their opinions, and nominate and elect their public officers, nor be 
amenable therefor to any man or collection of men, nor to any 
tribunal on earth, but such only as are established by the law's of the 
land. 

"Resolved. That for obtaining the objects aforesaid, we do recom- 
mend to all persons, capable of bearing arms, forthwith to furnish 
themselves with arms and ammunition, and be ready at a moment's 
warning, to aid in defence of themselves, their families and their 
country." 

There was, however, but little call for active work in defending 
their homes or property. Still they were not asleep to the possibili- 
ties of the hour. In the year 1814 there was some alarm lest the 
enemy might visit the town. A meeting of citizens was assembled 
and a committee appointed to superintend the erection of fortifica- 
tions and breastworks for the defense of the town. The citizens 
turned out without respect to age, social standing or business, and 
engaged in the work of fortifying the town. Differences of opinion 
on the causes and principles of the war were laid aside, and the 
people gave themselves earnestly to the work at hand. Citizens of 
neighboring towns also joined in the work, volunteering their ser- 
vices in behalf of Providence, as being situated upon the river, 
the most likely to be assailed by the enemy. 

The news of the return of peace was received here February 12th, 
1815. The enthusiasm of the people broke 1 forth into demonstrative 
rejoicing. Amid the inauspicious conditions of weather, in keeping 
with the season, the people were in lively motion upon the streets 
expressing their rejoicing at the welcome news. Bells were rung, 
cannon fired, and a general illumination took place in the evening. 

A notable storm occurred during September, 1815, which is one of 
the prominent features of the history of that time. It began on the 
22d, and continuing to the 23d, became the most disastrous storm 
ever known in the annals of this town. The following account is 
from a Providence paper of September 26th, 1815: 

"A storm of rain from the northeast commenced on Friday last, 
and continued with little intermission till Saturday morning, when 
the wind veered to the east. Between 8 and 9, however, it shifted to 
the southeast and continued to blow with increasing violence until 
half past eleven, when suddenly changing to the west, the progress 
of the calamity we now deplore was happily stayed. The tide rose 
to an uncommon and terrifying height, being twelve feet higher than 
spring tides, and inundated the streets in various parts of the town. 
It extended in Westminster street a considerable distance beyond 
the theatre. The lives of many families, particularly on the west 
side, were in imminent danger. Consternation and dismay were 
depicted in every countenance— all were eager to fly, but knew not 
where to find a place of safety. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 195 

"Vessels were forced into the streets and threatened destruction 
to the surrounding buildings. Women and children were rescued 
from chamber windows, and men were seen buffettino- the torrent in 
the streets, to save a friend or secure an asylum. Weybosset bridge 
was entirely carried away about 10 o'clock. Every vessel in port, 
with two exceptions, was driven from its moorings. Thirty-five sail, 
including 4 ships, one of them over 500 tons; 9 brigs, 7 schooners, 
and 15 sloops now form a melancholy, dismantled line at the head of 
the cove. One of them drifted within the limits of North Providence, 
and strange as it may appear, Pleasant street is now the anchorage 
ground of a burthensome sloop. 

"Our wharves, on which were stored the riches of every clime, 
exhibit the most sad and repulsive aspect. Of the numerous and 
very spacious stores which crowded the wharves bordering on Wey 
bosset street, scarcely a vestige remains. Most of those south of the 
Market House, to India Point, shared a similar fate. Many of our 
streets, which but a few days since were the theatre of virtuous and 
prosperous enterprise, are barricaded by an accumulation of lumber, 
scows, boats, &c, and peopled by busy sufferers who are anxious to 
identify, reclaim and preserve their property. 

"The sufferings and losses of the inhabitants at Eddy's Point 
were very severe. Several dwelling houses were carried away, while 
others were divested, by the pitiless storm, of every article of pro- 
vision, clothing and furniture. The damage sustained at India Point 
was very extensive. The valuable distillery there is rendered in- 
operative for many months. Mill bridge, at the north end, is ren- 
dered impassable, except for foot passengers, and the upper works 
of the bridge at India Point are entirely gone. 

"The third story of the Washington Insurance Office, occupied by 
Mount Vernon Lodge, was much injured, being perforated by the 
bowsprit of the ship 'Ganges,' when she rushed with impetuosity up 
the river. This handsome building was otherwise, though not ma- 
terially injured. The Rev. Mr. Williams' meeting house, situated in 
a very exposed place, received considerable injury, and had the tide 
continued to rise for a few minutes longer, would inevitably have 
swelled the catalogue of devastation. 

"The Second Baptist meeting house, injudiciously located near 
the water, was totally destroyed by the winds and waves, and the 
fragments are scattered through our streets. Much damage was done 
also to the elegant fence enclosing the First Baptist meeting house, 
by the fall of surrounding trees, but, to the astonishment of every 
one, the magnificent spire of that superb edifice still towers sublime. 
We do not learn that any other public buildings have sustained 
material damage. Chimneys, trees, fences, &c, were prostrated in 
every direction. 

"We are happy to state, that amid this war of elements and wreck 



196 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of matter, only two persons were lost. Mr. David Butler and Mr. 
Reuben Winslow were unfortunately drowned at India Point. It is 
computed that five hundred buildings of various descriptions have 
been destroyed. The loss consequent upon this sad calamity is esti- 
mated at a million and a half of dollars." 

Other accounts of the storm estimate the damage at about one 
million dollars. It is also said that the wind was so violent that tie 
spray from the salt water was taken up and wafted forty miles 
through the air, being recognized by its salt taste where it alighted 
on window panes as far away as Worcester. The actual measurement 
of the tide above the highest tide that had ever been known before 
was seven feet five inches. 

The bridges carried away by the storm were as soon as practicable 
replaced. A new bridge across the river near Weybosset was com- 
pleted in 1828, being built by the Providence Washington Insurance 
Company. About the same time another bridge, occupying the 
space between this and old Weybosset bridge, and connecting the 
two, was built by the same corporation. Weybosset bridge itself was 
rebuilt in 1839, at a cost of $25,000, its width being increased to 140 
feet. 

In the summer of 1817 the hospitality and patriotic enthusiasm of 
the people were again aroused by the visit of a president. On Mon- 
day, June 30th, President Monroe arrived in the steamer " Firefly." 
The usual bell ringing, cannon firing and illumination attended his 
reception and entertainment, and he was escorted by the military, 
received by a ponderous committee and presented with a formal ad- 
dress. Another formal reception of note was that of Lafayette in 
1824. News of his coming was received with the usual noisy demon- 
strations of joy. A town meeting called for the purpose, appointed a 
eommittee of arrangements to prepare for his reception. Ephraim 
Bowen, one of his old companions in arms, was sent to meet him in 
Connecticut. Lafayette was met at Olneyville by the committee, 
about noon of August 23d. He was escorted to the court house by a 
very long procession of military companies and citizens, and was 
everywhere met by demonstrations of welcome and cordial recogni- 
tion. Waving handkerchiefs greeted him on every hand. On arriv- 
ing at the foot of the state house parade he alighted from his car- 
riage and walked up to the state house steps between two lines of 
girls dressed in white, who strewed his path with flowers as he 
passed. At the western entrance of the state house stood the old 
veteran, Captain Stephen Olney. As he and Lafayette recognized 
each other they sprang mutually forward and stood clasped in each 
other's ;,-ns, while tears of joy at meeting softened their eyes as well 
as the eyes of many who beheld the affecting scene. An address of 
admiration and esteem was presented and appropriately answered, 
the general received the people for a few hours, in the senate cham- 
ber, and the a proceeded on his way to Boston. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 197 

By the census of 1820 Providence contained 11,745 inhabitants. 
Of this number 6,627, including 705 colored persons, were on the 
east side of the river, and 5,118, including 270 colored persons, were 
on the west side. At that time the census found but nine foreigners, 
not naturalized, on the west side of the river, and thirty on the east 
side. A glimpse of the increase of the wants of the town in its use 
of vegetables and fruits may be seen in the fact given by a writer of 
the time, that 107 wagons loaded with such things could be counted 
at market, while six years before less than half that number was 
considered an unusually large showing. Before this it was not un- 
common to meet persons in the evening wending their way through 
the streets, over the uneven sidewalks, by the flickering light of a 
hand lantern. In 1820 the streets were lighted by public lamps, and 
in 1821 the sidewalk commissioners began the work of smoothing 
and straightening the footways of the town. In the same year a fire 
hook and ladder company was established, and in 1822 a hydraulion 
was purchased for the protection of the people against fire. 

A comparison of the appearance of the city at that time with its 
appearance at the present day, would exhibit a wonderful change. 
Indeed there are but few landmarks by which the Rip Van Winkle 
who went to sleep at that time would be able to recognize his locality 
on awaking now. Standing then on the campus in the rear of Brown 
University and looking eastward, the eye rested upon a broad ex- 
panse of fields until it reached the Seekonk river, and the only houses 
passed in following Angell street to Red bridge were a small dwel- 
ling and a tan yard near Hope street,* the residence of the late John 
J. Stimson, and the Moses Brown farm house. On Smith's hill but 
few dwellings were to be seen after passing the Smith mansion. 
Federal hill, to the west of the John P. Jones mansion, then standing 
on its eastern brow, was a broad plain, and on High and Cranston 
streets population had reached but little if any west of Knight street, 
then known as Love lane. Broadway was not then opened. South 
Providence was but a sandy plain. Elmwood was unknown, and 
Cranston was a distinct town, with miles of open country lying be- 
tween it and Providence. The tide had a free flow up the Woonas- 
quatucket river nearly to Richmond's Print Works, and the marsh on 
both sides was flooded at its full. The basin then was bounded on 
the east by Canal street, on the south by the front line of buildings 
on Exchange place, while on the north its waters washed the south- 
ern slope of Smith's hill. Aborn's wharf was in this basin, at the 
foot of Washington street, and the record of rise and fall of tides at 
that point was kept for many years after that date. The town coun- 
cil in 1820 consisted of William Richmond, John Carlile, Richmond 
Bullock, Walter R. Danforth and Zachariah Allen. Other officers of 
the town were: Nathan W. Jackson, clerk; James Hammond, ser- 
geant; John Howland, treasurer; Benjamin Clifford, Samuel Ames 



198 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and Joel Metcalf composed the board of town audit; Cyrus Cleve- 
land, overseer of town pumps in the north part of the town, Samuel 
Carlile in the south part, and Bernon Dunn on the west side. 
Gabriel Allen was then postmaster, and the post office was kept in 
Union Building. Mr. Allen held the office until he died, in 1S24. 
He was succeeded by Bennett H. Wheeler, who was in turn followed 
by Edward J. Mallett. The latter removed the office to his building 
on South Main street. Welcome B. Sayles was the next incumbent 
of the office, and he brought it back again to Union Building, and 
thence removed it to the What Cheer Building. Henry L. Bowen 
held the office for awhile, but on the change of administration Mr. 
Sayles was again appointed, and by him it was removed to its present 
location in Weybosset street, the building having been opened 
in 1857. 

The agitation of the temperance question began, as far as definite 
action was concerned, in 1827. The first public meeting was held in 
the First Baptist meeting house in April of that year. Several reso- 
lutions were passed on the subject, which were a step in the right 
direction, though they fell short of declaring for total abstinence 
from intoxicating drinks. Thus commenced a series of measures 
which have developed temperance principles to a very high degree. 
A few years later temperance organizations gained in popularity, and 
one after another, different societies were formed. The City Tem- 
perance Society was formed November 1st, 1836; the Providence 
Washington Total Abstinence Society, July 8th, 1841; the Young 
Men's Washington Total Abstinence Society, July 9th, 1841; theSixth 
Ward Washington Total Abstinence Society. April 8th, 1842; and the 
Marine Washington Total Abstinence Society, August 29th, 1842. In 
each of these societies the members were pledged to total abstinence 
from all intoxicating drinks as a beverage. Their aggregate number 
in 1843 had reached above 5,000 members. 

The population of Providence in 1825 was 15,941. Five years later 
it had reached 16,832. The increase of population made the holding 
of town meetings inconvenient, and a change in the form of local 
government was regarded by some as a necessity. In April, 1829, the 
proposition to adopt a city form of government was voted upon and 
carried by 312 to 222. In the following January the assembly granted 
a city charter, on the condition that three-fifths of the freemen voting 
at a meeting to be held should favor its adoption. The vote was 
taken on the 15th of February, but the charter was discarded by a 
vote of 383 for and 345 against it, this majority not reaching the re- 
quired three-fifths. Thus the town government was confirmed in 
possession of the field for an indefinite term. Its weakness to deal 
with a possible emergency was proven by a riot which occurred in 
the following year, and this doubtless created a change of sentiment 
which resulted soon after in the adoption of a city government. This 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 199 

riot of 1831 was an episode in the history of Providence of such 
serious importance as to demand its recital in brief in this connection. 

On the night of September 21st, 1831, a number of sailors, evi- 
dently bent on having a row with the negroes, visited Olney's lane, 
where a number of the latter resided. The sailors opened the battle 
by making a great noise in the street and firing stones at the houses. 
This was finally answered by a gun fired from one of the houses. 
The assailants then retreated to the west end of the lane. A little 
later five sailors, who had not been with the marauding party, went 
up the lane. A negro man who was standing on the steps of his 
house, gun in hand, supposing them to be the same party as before, 
returning to do more mischief, told them to keep their distance. They 
threatened to take his gun from him, but without attempting to do 
so, proceeded a short distance and then stopped. The negro then 
ordered them to " clear out " or he would fire on them. They in turn 
dared him to fire. He fired, and one of the sailors fell dead. This 
enraged the sailors, perhaps more particularly the first party, who 
were still waiting at the foot of the lane. They returned and tore 
down two of the houses and broke out the windows of a number of 
others. During the next day there was great excitement. The 
sheriff of the county, with other peace officers, were in Olney's lane 
early in the evening. As the mob increased again they were ordered 
to disperse, and seven were taken into custody. Subsequently others 
were arrested, who were rescued from the hands of the officers. The 
sheriff then called for military aid from the governor of the state, 
and at midnight the First Light Infantry marched to his assistance. 
The mob, not intimidated by the presence of the military, assaulted 
them with stones. Finding that they could effect nothing without 
firing upon them, the soldiers withdrew, and the mob went on with 
its work of devastation. Six more houses in Olney's lane and one 
near Smith street were destroyed, the fiends continuing their work 
until nearly 4 o'clock in the morning. 

It was thought likelv that an attack on the iail would be made, 
and on the morning of the 23d the sheriff again required military aid, 
and the governor ordered the Light Dragoons, the Artillery, the Ca- 
dets, the Volunteers and the First Infantry to be in arms at 6 o'clock 
in the evening. The mob appeared in small force that night, and 
did but little mischief. The evening of the 24th, however, developed 
a renewal of the work of destruction, and the military were again 
called out. They marched up Smith street and took position on the 
hill, being pelted with stones by the mob while on the way. Both 
the governor and sheriff now remonstrated with the mob, to induce 
them to separate, and told them that the muskets of the military were 
loaded with ball cartridges, but without avail. The riot act was then 
read to them, and they were ordered by a peace officer to disperse. 
The mob continued to throw stones both at the houses and at the 



200 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

soldiers. The sheriff then attempted to disperse them by marching 
the Dragoons and Infantry among them, but without success. Thus 
every harmless means failing, he finally ordered the military to fire. 
The order was obeyed and four persons fell mortally wounded, just 
east of Smith's bridge in Smith street. This had the desired effect. 
The mob dispersed immediately and quiet was restored. 

During these four evenings of the riot eight houses in Olney's 
lane, and nine near Smith street, in the section derisively called 
Snow Town, were destroyed or materially injured. The day follow- 
ing the last act in the tragedy was Sunday. On that morning, the 
25th of September, a town meeting was held. It met at the town 
house, but the assemblage was too great to be accommodated there, 
and they adjourned to the state house parade. Here several resolu- 
tions lamenting the occasion which had made recourse to the 
military necessary, approving the action of the authorities on the 
occasion, and sympathizing with the friends and relatives of the de- 
ceased, were passed with great unanimity. A committee was ap- 
pointed to prepare and publish a correct statement of facts relative 
to the riots, and the facts we have quoted above are to be found in 
their report. 

Believing the whole evil to have been largely chargeable to the 
weakness of a town government to deal with any such emergency, 
it was unanimously resolved by the freemen at a town meeting Oc- 
tober 5th, that it was expedient to adopt a city form of government. 
A committee composed of John Whipple, Caleb Williams, William 
T. Grinnell, Peter Pratt, George Curtis and Henry P. Franklin were 
appointed to draft a charter. This being done, the freemen on the 
22d voted to urge the representatives to ask the general assembly to 
make it a law. The towm vote stood 471 for, and 175 against the 
the change. The assembly granted the charter, with the condition 
that it should have the approval of three-fifths of the freemen voting 
at a town meeting to be held on the 22d of November. On that day 
the freemen voted 459 for and 188 against it. The necessary majority 
being thus given, the charter went into effect on the first Monday in 
June, 1832, the town government being superseded by it. 

The first election of city officers was held on the fourth Monday 
in April, 1832. Samuel W. Bridgham was elected to the office of 
mayor, an office to which he was successively re-elected without opposi- 
tion, till his death in December, 1839. The city was at first divided 
into six wards, and the aldermen elected from each w r ard were as 
follows, the order of each name corresponding to the number of the 
ward represented by him: Dexter Thurber, Charles Holden, John H. 
Ormsbee, William T. Grinnell, Henry R. Greene and Asa Messer. 
The first common council was composed of the following: First ward 
-Thomas R. Holden, Jesse Metcalf, William R. Staples, Peter Dan- 
iels: Second ward— Isaac Brown, Samuel Pearson, Joseph Cady, Cyrus 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 201 

Fisher; Third ward— Joseph S. Cooke, John Church, William C. 
Barker, Asa Pike; Fourth ward — George Barker, James M. Warner, 
Benjamin D. Weeden, Thomas B. Fenner; Fifth ward — Samuel Jack- 
son, 2d., Hezekiah Anthon) r , Pardon Clark, William Tallman; Sixth 
ward— Caleb Williams, William Olney, Thomas Seekell, Sterry Baker. 

The last meeting of the town council was held on June 4th, 1832, 
at the state house. The five members who were then present were 
Richmond Bullock, who was president of the board, Charles H olden, 
John H. Ormsbee, William Sheldon and Henry P. Franklin. The 
record of that meeting declares, 

" The Council met at this time and place, pursuant to an act of 
the General Assembly passed at their October session, A. D. 1831, for 
the purpose of inducting the Mayor and Aldermen elect of the city 
of Providence into office; when the oath of affirmation prescribed by 
law was by the President of this Council administered to the officers 
elect of the City Government, the Council dissolved." 

The ceremony of induction spoken of took place in the represent- 
atives' chamber, and after taking the oath of office himself Mayor 
Bridgham duly engaged the board of aldermen and common council, 
by administering the official oath to them. Other city offices were 
filled by the following: Richard M. Field, clerk; Stephen Tilling- 
hast, treasurer; Joshua Rathbun, overseer of the poor, and clerk of 
the market; Edward Harwood, sergeant; John Hill, collector of 
taxes; John Greene, city crier; Menzie Sweet, overseer of public 
bridges; Sylvester Hartshorn, auctioneer; Joshua Rathbun, overseer 
of town house. Many other offices were at that time also filled, such 
as city constables, officers of the city courts, assessors of taxes, sur- 
veyors and corders of wood, surveyors of highways, hoops, staves and 
heading, gaugers of casks, packers and inspectors of fish, overseers 
of hospitals, fence viewers, field drivers, presidents of firewards, 
school committee men (20), sealers of leather, street committee, in- 
spectors of pot and pearl ashes, inspectors and measurers of carpen- 
ters', masons' and painters' work, surveyors and measurers of stone, 
superintending committee on chimneys, stoves and stove pipes, 
measurers of grain, sea coal and salt, overseers of pumps, inspectors 
of liquors, commissioners of sidewalks, measurers of bran, and com- 
mittee on nuisances. 

At this time the city contained about 17,000 inhabitants, who were 
scattered over an area of 5w square miles. This area was traversed by 
about 60 miles of streets. The following streets were then open, as 
far as indicated: Abbott, from Sabin to Brewery; Aborn, from West- 
minster to Sabin; Angell, from Benefit to Central bridge; Ann, from 
Wickenden to Shore; Anthony's Wharf, opening between 28 and 30 
Wevbosset; Arnold, from Benefit to Hope; Atwell's avenue, from 
Aborn to North Providence line; Bark, from Mill to Stevens; Ben, 
from Smith to Orms; Benefit, from the "north pumps" to Wickenden; 



202 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Benevolent, from Benefit to Hope and beyond; Black, from Onns to 
Martin; Bourn, from Atwell's avenue to Federal street; Bowen, from 
North Main to Benefit; Bradford, from Tanyard street, across At- 
well's avenue; Broad, from Weybosset to High; Brook, from Wil- 
liams to Wickenden; Brown, from George to Power; Burgess, frcm 
High to Cranston street; Burrill, from Westminster to High; Burr's 
lane, from North Main to Stampers; Butler's Wharf, opened between 
38 and 40 Weybosset; Cady's lane, from North Main to Benefit; 
Charles, from Smith to north bounds of city; Charles Field street, 
from Benefit to Hope; Cheapside, from Market Square to 71 North 
Main; Chestnut, from Broad to Elm; Church, from North Main to 
Benefit; Claverick, from Pawtuxet street to Friendship; Clemence, 
from Westminster to Fountain; Clifford, from Dorrance to Chestnut; 
College, from South Main to the college; Cook, from Power to George; 
Congdon, from Angell to Cushing; Convenient, frcm Elm to South; 
Corlis, from So. Water to So. Main; Cranston, from High to the west 
boundary line; Crawford, from So. Water to So. Main; Cozzen's lane, 
from No. Main to Sexton; Cushing, from Congdon across Prospect; 
Dorrance, from Broad to the river; Dyer, from Eddy to Dorrance; 
East street, from Hill across North street; Eddy, from Pine to the 
river; Elbow, from Ship to Hospital; Elm, from Plane to the river; 
Federal, from Sabin to Tanyard street; Fenner, from High to Paw- 
tuxet street; Field, from Ship to the river; Foster's lane, from Paw- 
tuxet street to Pine; Fountain, from Mathewson to Tanyard; Fox 
Point Wharves, on Shore street; Franklin, from High to Fountain; 
Friendship, from Dorrance to Plane; Front, from Hope to Seekonk 
river; George, from Benefit across Hope; Harding's alley, from So. 
Main to Well street; Harrington's lane, at north end of city; Hewes 
street, from Stevens to No. Main; High, from Westminster to 
Johnston line; Hill, from Hope, running eastward; Hope, from 
( )lney's lane to Hill street: Hopkins, from So. Main to Benefit; Hos- 
pital, across Elm and head of Pine toward old hospital; Howland's 
alley, from North Main to Benefit; Hydraulion, from Market street 
to the Cove; India Point Wharves, east end of Shore street; Jackson, 
from Westminster to Fountain and Weybosset streets; James, from 
So. Main to Benefit; Job, from Westminster to Fountain; John, from 
Benefit across Hope; Long Wharf, opened between 16 and 18 Wey- 
bosset; Love lane, from High to Atwell's avenue; Market street, 
from the bridge to Westminster; Market Square, fronting the 
Market; Martin, from Charles to the North Providence line; Mason's 
Wharf, opened between 8 and 10 Weybosset; Mathewson, from 
Broad to the Cove; Meeting, from No. Main to Hope; Megee, from 
George to Benevolent; Middle, from Orange to Union; Mill, from 
No. Main to Charles; Mohawk alley, from Arnold to Transit; Nash's 
lane, from 37? No. Main westward: North, from Hope eastward; 
North Court, from North Main to Benefit; North Main, frcm Market 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 203 

Square to North Providence line; North Water, from Market Square 
to Smith street; Olney's lane, from No. Main to the Neck; Orange, 
from Westminster to the river; Orms, from Charles to the North 
Providence line; Packet, from So. Water to So. Main; Page, from 
Broad to Friendship; Parsonage, from Elm to South; Pawtuxet, from 
Broad to the Cranston line; Peck's Wharf, opened between 48 and 50 
Weybosset; Pine, from Peck's Wharf to Plane street; Plane, from 
Pawtuxet street through South toward the hospital; Planet, from 
So. Main to Benefit; Pleasant, from Broad to Westminster; Point 
street, from Hospital street to the river; Potter, from Broad to Pine; 
Power, from So. Main to Hope; President, from No. Main to Benefit; 
Prospect, from College street to Olney's lane; Randall, from Charles 
to No. Main; Rhodes, from Broad to Pine; Richmond, from Broad to 
Ship; Sabin, from Mathewson to Federal; Sexton, from No. Main to 
the North Burial Ground; Sheldon, from Benefit to Hope; Ship, from 
Chestnut to the river; Short alley, from No. Main to Benefit; Snow, 
from Broad to Washington; Smith, from No. Main to Powder Mill 
turnpike; Shore, from So. Water to India Point; Stampers, from No. 
Main to Hewes; Star, from No. Main to Benefit; Steeple, from No. 
Water to No. Main; Stevens, from No. Main to Charles; South, from 
Plane to the river; South Court, from No. Main to Prospect; South 
Main, from Market Square to Wickenden street; South Water, from 
Market Square to Fox Point; Stewart, from High to Pawtuxet street; 
Sugar lane, from Broad to Westminster; Tanyard, from High to At- 
well's avenue; Talman's lane, from Chestnut to Seekonk river; 
Thayer, from Arnold to Power; Thomas, from North Main to 
Benefit; Thompson, from Wickenden to Shore street; Thurber's 
lane, in north end of the city; Transit, from So. Main to East street; 
Union, from Broad to the Cove; Walker, from Westminster to Wash- 
ington; Washington, from Tanyard street to the Cove; Well, from 
Power to William; Westminster, from Market to High; West Water, 
from Market street to Mason's Wharf; Weybosset, from Market to 
Broad; Wickenden, from So. Main to Hope; Williams, from So. 
Main to Hope. 

The city had on its shoulders tc begin with a debt of about 
$109,000, of which $95,000 was funded at five per cent, interest. The 
assessed valuation of property in the city was, of real estate, $6,838,- 
300; personal property, $5,282,900; the total assessment being $12,- 
121,200. The first tax, of 33 cents on a hundred dollars, amounted to 
$40,000. The expenses of the city government for the first year, 
aggregating $43,205.11, were in detail of subjects as follows: For 
bridges, $1,599.33; fire department, $1,797.74; highways and paving, 
$6,452.47; interest, $5,352.59; lighting streets, $ 1 ,742.69; public schools, 
$4,702.56; support of the poor, including the asylum, $3,717.82; offi- 
cers' salaries in part, $1,700, and for watchmen, $4,110. 



204 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

A few of the principal streets were then lighted a part of the 
night. The light was but little more than darkness, being furnished 
by oil lamps, enclosed in small, well smoked lanterns placed at a 
great height above the sidewalks. Contingencies of fire were pro- 
vided for by a volunteer fire department, with hand engines, and 
stationary force pumps, and buckets in every house. The night 
watch was composed of men who crept about the streets, well 
wrapped in coats and cloaks, and going in pairs, for protection and 
for company. The few school buildings showed the wear of time 
and neglect in the buildings themselves as well as in their furniture. 
But the day of enterprise and progress was brightening, and the 
growth of the city, and its internal improvement were in brighter 
prospect than ever before. During the decade that followed many 
new enterprises sprung up, and those already established made more 
rapid growth. Attention was paid to the advancement of literary 
culture and the arts and various interests of refinement and educa- 
tion. Many newspapers were established, churches were built, im- 
provements in the streets and other public works of the city were 
made on every hand, and individual enterprise in many fields of 
industry and commercial achievement spread its wings for grander 
flight than it had ever known before. Thus the years sped on while 
prosperity smiled graciously upon the growing city. 

We come now to the period which saw in the history of Provi- 
dence one of the most violent and deplorable commotions that ever 
disgraced or disturbed the social and political peace of a civilized 
community. We refer to the period and the succession of events 
commonly known as the Dorr war. It would be impossible within 
the limits of present space to give an account in detail of this un- 
happy conflict of the inflamed passions of men. From the various 
representations of the affair we glean the following outline which we 
trust may be as free from any shade of prejudice as it is possible to 
picture a proceeding which has its roots in a soil of prejudice and 
waves its branches in an atmosphere of prejudice. 

The principle on which the controversy was based was the 
suffrage qualifications. From the date of the Rhode Island charter 
of 1663, down to the year 1841 no person was allowed to vote for town 
or state officers unless possessed of competent estates and admitted 
as a freeman in the town of his residence. From 1723 no person 
could be admitted a freeman of any town unless he owned a freehold 
estate of the value fixed by law, which value was varied at different 
times, or else he should be the eldest son of such a freeholder. The 
freehold value required in 1841 was $134. This freehold require- 
ment was the source of growing dissatisfaction. At the January 
session of the legislature in 1841, a petition signed by five or six 
hundred male inhabitants, praying for an extension of suffrage, was 
presented. The legislature thereupon requested the freemen of the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 205 

several towns to choose delegates at their regular town meetings in 
August for a convention to be held in November, 1841, to frame a 
written constitution. It may be needless to remark that up to this 
time the state had no constitution other than the charter of 1663. 
The convention met, and finally, in February, 1842, completed and 
set forth a constitution which was to be acted upon by the votes of 
the freemen to make it the fundamental law of the state. 

Meanwhile the citizens who advocated the extension of suffrage 
beyond the freehold qualification, seeing in the call of the assembly 
for a convention a determination to favor such limitation, resolved 
upon a bold appeal to the people, believing that a majority would 
rally to the support of the principle held by them that the suffrage 
right was inherent in the citizen and not conferred by legal enact- 
ments. Thus the people were divided into two parties, one the 
" land-holders," or the " charter " party, and the other the " people's" 
or " suffrage " party. A mass meeting of the advocates of suffrage 
was held in Providence April 18th, 1841, and adjourned thence to 
Newport, May 5th following, and thence again to Providence on July 
5th. Long lists of resolutions were passed, the most vital points of 
which declared in favor of a constitution and the extension of suf- 
frage. At the meeting in Providence a state committee was appoint- 
ed to attend to the details of calling a state convention. This com- 
mittee met in Providence on July 20th, and issued a call for the 
election of delegates on the 28th of August following, to attend a 
convention to be held at the state house in Providence on the first 
Monday of October for the purpose of framing a constitution and 
laying it before the people of the state for their adoption or rejection. 

This convention, the delegates to which were elected by an aggre- 
gate vote of about 7,200 in the state, met in October, and framed a 
constitution called the "people's" constitution. This constitution 
was printed and circulated throughout the state, and by the order of 
the convention it was voted upon on the 2 7th, 28th and 29th of De- 
cember. Every American citizen over 21 years of age who had re- 
sided in the state one year previous to the time of voting was allowed 
to vote, by placing his name upon the back of his ballot and also 
certifying whether or not he was entitled by statute to vote. The 
ballots were received by secretaries in open town meetings, the sec- 
retaries preserving and forwarding all the ballots to the convention 
which by adjournment met to canvass the result, on the 12th of Jan- 
uary, 1842. It was then found that 13,944 had voted for the constitu- 
tion and 52 against it. Of the whole number who voted 4,960 were 
entitled by existing statutes to vote. The committee who canvassed 
the votes then made a certified copy of the result, and with an at- 
tested copy of the constitution thus adopted, transmitted it to the 
governor, with the request that he would communicate the same to 
the general assembly then in session. 



206 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

According to the act of the legislature the other constitution was 
voted upon on the 21st, 22d and 23d of March, 1842. It was rejected 
by a majority of 676; there being 8,689 against it, and 8,013 in favor 
of it. The claim was now asserted by the "people's " party that their 
constitution was the choice of a majority and ought to go into effect. 
This claim was denied by the state government already in power and 
foreseeing trouble they petitioned the president of the United States 
to interfere. He replied that he should recognize those in authority 
under the charter as the true representatives of the state, but hoped 
that they would be able to preserve order without the interference of 
the general government or resort to martial force. Cn the 13th of 
April an election was held under the "people's" constitution, and 
Thomas W. Dorr was elected governor, and other state and leefisla- 
tive officers to organize a state government. On the 3d of May the 
members elect of the legislature met at Providence. Eight or nine 
hundred state troops and two or three thousand citizens composed a 
procession which honored the inauguration of the new state govern- 
ment by their presence. The state house being barred against them 
their meeting was held in another place. The legislature organized 
in a building called the Foundry, on Eddy street, whence they ad- 
journed, after making a few preliminary directions, to meet at 
Providence on the 4th of July. Governor Dorr was thus left to man- 
age the affairs of state as best he could. This legislature never met 
again. The state government under the " people's " constitution thus 
came into existence on the 3d of May, and went out of existence on 
the 4th of May. The representatives of Providence in this legisla- 
ture were William M. Webster, Samuel H. Wales, T. F. B. Flagg- 
William Coleman, John A. Howland, Perez Simmons, Frederick L. 
Beckford, Benjamin Arnold, Jr., Franklin Cooley, William A.Thorn- 
ton, and John S. Parkis. 

The charter government was in session at Newport at this time, 
and measures were instituted to prepare for resisting the "people's" 
government. Military companies drilled and were armed and equip- 
ped for active service. Mr. Dorr went to Washington and laid his 
case before the president and heads of departments, but without meet- 
ing any encouragement. In New York, however, he was assured of 
friendly regard and help to withstand the national forces in case the 
executive should send them against him. Also on his return to Prov- 
idence he was received with many assurances of support in maintain- 
ing what he considered the cause of the people and of justice. Mean- 
while some arrests had been made of some of the members of his 
legislature, and others resigned. The state arsenal was an important 
object of possession. It was now in the keeping of a strong guard 
under the charter government. On the 17th of May, " Governor " 
Dorr issued orders to the military of the several towns to repair forth- 
with to headquarters and await further orders. The order was im- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 207 

perfectly responded to, and this so disheartened those who did come 
that many returned before night. When at one o'clock the next 
morning- the signal was given for an attack on the arsenal only about 
250 men were on hand ready to move forward. This command, armed 
with muskets and two pieces of artillery, took position in front of the 
arsenal, and Mr. Dorr demanded its surrender. The summons was 
returned with an indignant refusal. The night was extremely dork, 
and the pieces of artillery were found to be defective, whereupon the 
force moved back to headquarters without firing a gun. In the morn- 
ing several companies of militia were marched to Dorr's headquar- 
ters, which were found to be deserted. It was evident that Mr. Dorr 
had miscalculated the stability of the professed adherents of the 
"people's" constitution. The strength of the charter government, 
with the means in its hands, and fears of what consequences might 
follow, effectually prevented many from taking any hand in the mat- 
ter, even though at heart they may have sympathized with the prin- 
ciples represented by Mr. Dorr. 

On the 8th of June, 1842, Governor King issued a proclamation, 
offering $1,000 reward for the delivery of Thomas Wilson Dorr to 
the proper civil authorities of this state. wSoon after " Governor " 
Dorr issued a proclamation calling the general assembly to meet at 
Glocester, instead of Providence, as its adjournment required. On 
the same day the charter general assembly, at Newport, declared the 
state under martial law. Also on the same day Mr. Dorr, from his 
headquarters at Glocester, issued a proclamation calling on the mili- 
tary of the state who were in favor of the people's constitution to 
repair forthwith to headquarters. Before this time troops had been 
sent forward by President Tyler, also arms and ammunition, which 
were held in reserve at the forts on Rhode Island for any emergency. 
The only newspaper that had espoused the cause of the "suffrage" 
party was the Daily Express of Providence, and when the state was 
declared under martial law the office of that paper was entered by a 
band of men who commanded the publishers to leave the building, 
while a mob in the street threatened to destroy the building. Under 
the supposed protection of the martial law edict many acts of wanton 
violence were committed in different parts of the state, and at least 
one man was killed. Considerable property was also destroyed or 
stolen by those who professed to be employed in the interest of the 
government. The streets of Providence were guarded by state troops. 
It was evident that the "people's" legislature could not be convened 
here, so the quiet village of Chepachet, some 16 miles away to the 
northwest, was chosen. Here some days before Dorr's proclamations 
a party of his friends had begun some fortifications on Acote's hill, 
and it was determined to make an attempt to defend the place and 
the legislature that was expected to meet there. Meanwhile Gov- 
ernor King concentrated the forces at his command in Providence, 



208 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

until it was estimated there were some three or four thousand armed 
men, with fifteen or twenty pieces of artillery in the city. Seeing 
the hopelessness of his cause, Mr. Dorr, on the 27th of June, dismissed 
his forces, and the fortifications were abandoned. This was late in 
the afternoon. On the morning of the 28th, at about 7 o'clock, an 
armed force from Providence arrived, under command of Colonel 
Brown, and took possession of the vacated earthworks, also capturing 
about 100 prisoners, the most of whom they met on different roads as 
they were returning to their homes These prisoners were tied to- 
gether with ropes and forced to walk to Providence, where they were 
confined in close prisons for several weeks, and otherwise treated in 
a very inhuman manner. Martial law was maintained until the 8th 
of August, when it was temporarily suspended, and on the 1st of 
September raised altogether. Then followed a long series of investi- 
gations and trials for treason, of those who had taken part in defend- 
ing the " people's" constitution. 

But the sentiment in favor of a constitution was destined to live 
and grow. The general assembly called for the election of delegates 
on the 8th of August, to meet in convention to frame a constitution. 
The constitution thus framed was voted upon during the three days 
beginning November 21st, 1842. The result showed 7,024 in favor, 
and 51 against it. The legislature thereupon declared the constitu- 
tion adopted, and government was organized under it. 

The population of Providence in 1845 was 31,753; of which 1,476 
were colored. The expenses of the city government for the year 
ending in June, 1847, were in total, $117,156.82; being an excess of 
about $5,000 over the receipts for the same time. At that time the 
Providence & Boston railroad, from India Point, was in operation, as 
also the Providence & Stonington railroad. Other points were 
reached by numerous stage lines. These started from the Manufac- 
turers' Hotel, the Weybosset House, the Washington Hotel, the 
National House, or the American House. Some of them ran daily, 
others tri-weekly. The city was largely interested in manufactures, 
particulars of which, as well as particulars of other departments of 
the growth and energy of the city will be found under topical heads 
in other chapters of this book. The general history of the city is 
but a continuous run of successful and healthy development and 
growth. The continuous progress of that growth was not stopped 
even by the four years of civil war which tried the metal of the 
country during the years 1861 to 1865. A special chapter will be 
given to that subject. For the growth of the city in any particular 
direction the reader is referred to the chapter devoted to the particu- 
lar subject desired. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

PROVIDENCE CITY DURING THE REBELLION. 



Opening of the Rebellion.— Recruiting.— Establishment of Camps.— First Regiment 
R. I. Detached Militia. — General Burnside.— Second R. I. Volunteers.— Fourth R. I. 
Volunteers.— Ninth R. I. Volunteers.— Tenth R. I. Volunteers.— Seventh R. I. Vol- 
unteers.— Eleventh R. I. Volunteers.— Twelfth R. I. Volunteers.— Hospital Guards. 
— First R. I. Cavalry. — Seventh Squadron R. I. Cavalry.— Second R. I. Cavalry.— 
Third R. I. Cavalry.— Third R. I. Heavy Artillery.— Fifth R. I. Heavy Artillery- 
Fourteenth R. I. Heavy Artillery.— First Light Battery R. I. Volunteers.— Tenth 
Light Battery R. I. Volunteers.— First R. I. Light Artillery.— Batteries A. B, ('. D, 
E, F, G and H.— Close of the War.— The City Prosperous.— Return of the Soldiers. 
— Soldiers and Sailors" Monument. — Dedication Ceremonies. — Mrs. Whitman's 
Hvmn. 



TO go over the causes and development of the war of the rebellion 
of 1861-5 would be a recital of what belongs to the history of 
the nation in general rather than that of a single city in par- 
ticular. The citizens of Providence were true to the traditions of 
their fathers. In common with the people of other parts of the state 
they shared in the most hearty sympathy with the cause of the 
Union. They were ready at the first call to furnish all the men and 
means for carrying on the war that were reasonably expected of 
them. The patriotic sentiments of the people were expressed in 
banner raising and meetings to discuss the situation, in enlistments 
for the service, and in preparing a thousand comforts for those who 
went to the front, as well as in voting the necessary money to sustain 
the work. Manufactories of fire-arms were established, and the city 
was in a feverish state of activity with the various preparations for 
carrying on the war. 

( )n the 12th day of April, 1861, rebellion against the government 
of the United States assumed a positive form by the bombardment of 
Fort Sumter, then occupied by a single company, under the command 
of Major Robert Anderson, who bravely maintained his position 
upwards of 30 hours, when, overpowered by raging flames within the 
fort, and an overwhelming assaulting force, he was compelled to sur- 
render. ( )n the 15th of the same month the president of the United 
States made a call upon the states for 75,00(1 men, to serve three 
months in suppressing this outbreak of treason; and on the day fol- 
lowing, in response to this call, an order was issued by Govern or 
Sprague for an immediate organization of the 1st Regiment. Great 
14 



210 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

activity prevailed in the adjutant-general's and quartermaster-gen- 
eral's departments, and among our citizens generally, and in a few 
days the organization was completed. The regiment proceeded to 
Washington in two detachments; the first, under Colonel Ambrose 
E. Burnside, leaving Providence April 20th, and the second, under 
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Pitman, on the 24th. 

IJoth detachments left their encampment in Providence with the 
warm benedictions of the immense throngs that lined the streets and 
crowded the wharves and shipping to witness their departure. On 
arriving in Washington quarters were provided for a short time at 
the Patent Office, and subsequently the regiment was established at 
Camp Sprague, a beautiful grove, with ample parade ground, in the 
vicinity of the city, where the time was devoted to improvement in 
discipline and drill. On the 9th of June a company of carbineers, to 
act as skirmishers, consisting of 73 privates, was organized, of which 
Francis W. Goddard was commissioned captain. The other officers 
were Walter B. Manton, lieutenant, and Sergeants John B. Campbell, 
George O. Gorton, Robert H. Deming, Louis T. Hall and Peleg E. 
Bryant. They 'were armed with Burnside rifles and drilled by Lieu- 
tenant Henry T. Sisson, paymaster of the regiment. Previous to 
their organization as a separate corps they were drilled by Lieutenant 
Charles E. Patterson, of the 4th U. S. Infantry. James Allen, of the 
Light Battery, and William H. Helme, of Company C, were author- 
ized to act as aeronauts in connection with the movements of the regi- 
ment. An accident to their two balloons frustrated their plans for 
aerial reconnoissances. 

The interest in the regiment by friends at home did not expend 
itself in impassioned farewells at its departure, but followed it 
through its entire absence, and almost daily packages and boxes 
were received in camp as tokens of kindly remembrance. A cargo 
of ice, the gift of 44 citizens and firms in Providence, was sent in May 
to the regiment by the schooner "Sea Gull," Captain Howland, 
Messrs. Earl Carpenter & Sons and the Providence Ice Company 
being among the principal contributors. The vessel arrived at Wash- 
ington May 27th, and the welcome contribution was gratefully 
acknowledged by Colonel Burnside in behalf of the regiment, as was 
also a donation of 500 copies of the New Testament and Psalms from 
the Rhode Island Bible Society, and numerous other gifts from gen- 
erous friends. The enterprise was inaugurated by Mr. John Ken- 
drick, and carried forward to its final success by the persistent labors 
of himself and Mr. Earl C. Potter. They, with twelve other gentle- 
men, accompanied the vessel as a guard, and rendered efficient aid in 
the distribution of the cargo. They were Reverend S. W. Field, E. 
L. Wolcott, L. T. Downes, A. E. Bradley, E. S. Allen, J. A. Winsor, 
O. W. Frieze, J. A. Howland, H. S. Harris and H. J. Smith, of Provi- 
dence; P. W. Lippitt. of Woonsocket, and William Town, of Paw- 
tucket. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 211 

On the 10th of June, the regiment marched on an expedition 
toward Harper's Ferry, preceded the day before by the battery 
attached to it, to join other forces under General Patterson, for the 
purpose of dislodging- the rebels under General Joseph E. Johnston, 
then holding that place. The expedition was accompanied to Green- 
castle by ex-Governor Dyer, of Providence, who rendered timely and 
efficient service. The regiment was here joined by Governor 
Sprague, accompanied by his aid-de-camp. Colonel John A. Gardner. 
It advanced to Williamsport, in the state of Maryland, but the evacu- 
ation of Harper's Ferry by General Johnston rendered the further 
prosecution of the campaign unnecessary, and in obedience to orders 
received from Washington, the regiment returned to that city, and 
on the 20th of June was established once more at Camp Sprague. 
The excessive heat and clouds. of dust rendered the marching en this 
expedition exceedingly fatiguing, but the discomforts were borne 
with cheerfulness. It was on this occasion that the regiment made 
a march of 33 miles in a single day, and " in half an hour from the 
time the head of the column arrived at the encampment, every 
straggler had found his proper place in his company bivouac." 

On the 21st, the contending forces met at Bull Run, and fought 
the first bloody battle of the war. It was honorable to the patriotism 
of the First Rhode Island, that, notwithstanding but a few days of 
its term of service remained, officers and men marched to the field 
with the same alacrity that they first answered to the call of their 
country. The enlarged command of Colonel Burnside, and the ab- 
sence of Lieutenant Colonel Pitman on detached duty at Providence, 
devolved the command of the regiment on Major Joseph P. Balch. 
In the order of battle, the regiment was intended to be held as a re- 
serve, but in the exigencies of the fight it gallantly moved to the 
front and dealt back with vigor the heavy blows that fell so fatally 
upon many of its own members. Through the entire battle, which 
terminated so disastrously to the Union arms, and covered with a 
dark cloud the bright hopes with which the whole army had been 
inspired, the regiment was found promptly wherever most needed, 
and amidst all the panic of defeat, and the confusion of retreat, which 
demoralized so many of the regiments, the 1st Rhode Island main- 
tained a soldierly calmness and preserved its ranks unbroken until 
it reached once more the camp from which it went out with buoyant 
spirits a few days before. In the perils of this battle Governor 
Sprague shared, having attached himself to Burnside's brigade as a 
volunteer. He was present in the thickest of the fight, and had a 
horse shot from under him. Chaplain Augustus Woodbury, besides 
performing with great acceptance the duties of his sacred office, 
rendered active and valuable service on the field during the battle, 
as aide to Colonel Burnside. Reverend Thomas Ouinn, the Catholic 
assistant chaplain, was there, encouraging the men by his presence 



212 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and his\vords. The noble Lieutenant Henry A. Prescott fell, lead- 
ing on his'men. Surgeon Francis L. Wheaton, having been appointed 
surgeon in the 2d Regiment R. I. Volunteers, was succeeded by 
Doctor Henry W. Rivers, who, with his assistant. Doctor George W. 
Carr. very faithfully attended to the needs of the wounded. 

The term of service having expired and Washington being no 
longer considered in danger, the regiment broke camp and left for 
home Thursday at midnight, July 25th, and reached Providence Sun- 
day morning, 28th, bringing the sick and the wounded that did not 
fall into the hands of the enemy. It was received with military 
honors, and with a civic welcome that showed how deeply its patri- 
otic services were appreciated. The regiment was mustered out of 
the service of the United States and disbanded August 2d, having by 
brave endurance of fatigue, hardship and peril, and by gallantry 
upon the battle field, gained the grateful regard of the citizens of the 
state. 

In connection with this sketch of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment 
we may appropriately give a brief notice of its distinguished ccm- 
mander, whose name is so conspicuously and honorably associated 
with Rhode Island patriotism and history. Colonel Ambrose Everett 
Burnside was of Scotch descent, and was born at Liberty, Union 
county, Indiana, May 23d, 1824, and died in 1881. After completing 
his elementary education, he entered the West Point Military Acad- 
emy, and graduated with distinction, in the artillery, in 1847. The 
following year, he received a full second lieutenancy, and was 
attached to the 3d regiment of artillery. The Mexican war was at 
this time in active operation, and soon after graduating Lieutenant 
Burnside joined General Scott. On the proclamation of peace, he 
was ordered to Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., where he remained until 
the spring of 1849, when he was ordered to join Bragg, in New 
Mexico and received the appointment of first lieutenant in the famous 
battery of that officer. In the new service to which he was called, he 
gained a reputation for coolness and bravery. Returning from his 
service in New Mexico, to Newport, he was married April 20th, 1852, 
to Miss Mary Bishop, of Providence. Soon after, he resigned his 
commission, and removed to Bristol, R. I., where he engaged in the 
manufacture of a breech-loading rifle of his own invention. Failing 
to obtain a government contract which he had reason to expeet. and 
meeting with other embarrassments, he was compelled to give up 
the business entirely. In 1858 he went to Chicago, and was ap- 
pointed cashier in the land department of the Illinois Central Rail- 
road. Subsequently, he was made treasurer of the railroad company, 
and took up his residence in New York. 

While residing in Bristol Colonel Burnside was chosen major 
genera] of the Rhode Island State Militia, and by his urbane manners 
and soldierly qualities obtained a wide popularity; and when the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 213 

rebellion broke out he was at once selected as the most suitable offi- 
cer to lead the 1st Rhode Island Regiment to the defense of Wash- 
ington. The call of Governor Sprague was promptly responded to. 
Moved by the purest patriotism, he left his business, and in an hour 
after receiving the despatch notifying him of his appointment, he 
was on his way to Providence, where he was received with the warm- 
est enthusiasm. Immediately on his arrival at Washington he was 
tendered the commission of brigadier general, which, from a sense of 
duty to his regiment and the state, he declined; but afterward, before 
the army advanced into Virginia, he was urged to take command of 
a brigade, including the 1st and 2d Rhode Island Regiments, as 
already mentioned, which he did. The gallantry and military skill 
displayed by Colonel Burnside, as commander of the brigade, in the 
battle of Bull Run, attracted the attention of the general govern- 
ment, and August 6th, 1861, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier 
general. Besides the acknowledgment of his services by his adopted 
state, before referred to, Brown University, at its commencement in 
September, 1861, conferred upon him the degree of master of arts, 
and the Phi Beta Kappa Society elected him an honorary member of 
that body. 

When, in the autumn of 1861, the North Carolina expedition was 
projected, General Burnside was placed in command. With character- 
istic energy he organized the enterprise at Annapolis, Maryland, and 
early in January, 1862, the expedition set sail for Roanoke island, 
the stronghold of the rebels in that quarter. On the 7th and 8th of 
February the battle of Roanoke island was fought and the rebels 
totally defeated, with the loss of six forts and batteries, 40 cannon, 
upwards of 2,000 prisoners of war and 3,000 stands of arms. Shortly 
after Commodore Goldsborough sent a fleet of gunboats up the Pas- 
quotauk and Chowan rivers, and Elizabeth City, Hertford, Edenton 
and Plymouth fell into the hands of the Union troops. On the 14th 
of March Newbern was captured, after a hardly contested battle of 
four hours. Here the 4th Rhode Island Regiment won laurels by a 
fierce bayonet charge, which decided the contest. On the 23d of 
March possession was taken of Morehead City. April 26th, after a 
bombardment of ten hours, Fort Macon surrendered, and to the 5th 
Rhode Island Regiment was assigned the honor of taking pos- 
session. 

The successes of General Burnside were received in Rhode Island 
with the liveliest demonstrations of joy. The general assembly 
voted him, in testimony of the appreciation of his eminent services, 
an elegant sword, which was presented to him at Newbern, June 
20th, with appropriate ceremonies, in the presence of 16,000 troops. 
The general continued to operate in North Carolina until the latter 
part of June, when, for the purpose of co-operating with General 
McClellan, who was about to withdraw from the Peninsula, he set 



214 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

out with 7,000 men for Newport News, where lie was joined by a 
division from Hilton Head, under the command of General Isaac I. 
Stevens, and proceeded to Fredericksburg, to take the place of Gen- 
eral McDowell, who had been sent to the aid of Pope. After the de- 
feat of Pope in the second battle of Bull Run, General Burnside, with 
his Ninth Corps, joined McClellan to drive Lee out of Maryland. He 
entered Frederick City September 12th and was enthusiastically re- 
ceived. On the 14th he fought the successful battle of South Moun- 
tain, and on the 17th fought again at Antietam Bridge, beating back 
the enemy at every point, and crowning the day with one of the most 
brilliant achievements of the war. On the 7th of November General 
Burnside succeeded General McClellan in the command of the army 
of the Potomac. On the 13th of December the battle of Fredericks- 
burg took place, and, though unsuccessful, General Burnside stood 
acquitted by the words of President Lincoln, who in his address to 
the army declared that "the attempt was not an error, nor the failure 
other than an accident." The position of General Burnside was one 
of great trial and perplexity. But amidst all the vexations and dis- 
appointments to which he was subjected he bore himself with char- 
acteristic equanimity. On the 26th of January, 1863, he was, at his 
own request, relieved from his unsought and undesired position, and 
was soon after assigned to the command of the Department of the 
Ohio. During the campaign he gained the battles of Blue Spring and 
Campbell's Station, and resisted the siege of Knoxville. After retir- 
ing from the duties of the department he returned to the East. 

Early in 1864 General Burnside completed the reorganization of 
the Ninth Corps, and joined General Grant in the final movement of 
the army of the Potomac toward Richmond. By a forced march he 
arrived on the field on the first day of the battle of the Wilderness, 
in season to strengthen the general. Seeing the advantage of con- 
solidating the Ninth Corps with the Army of the Potomac, and will- 
ing to relieve General Grant from an embarrassment in relation to 
the command, General Burnside generously waived his rank and 
subordinated himself to General Meade. On the 16th of June the 
Ninth Corps was in position before Petersburg, and on the following 
dav carried the enemy's works in its front. On the 18th it partici- 
pated in a still more sanguinary fight, and the line of the corps was 
pushed to within loo yards of the rebel defense. The most marked 
feature of the siege was the mining of the enemy's works. General 
Burnside's arrangements were judiciously made to insure success, 
but owing to a reversing of the programme at the last moment by 
General Meade, and other unavoidable causes which delayed the 
springing of the mine beyond the appointed time, and the want of 
sufficient support, after the assaulting force of the Ninth Corps had 
all been put in, the enterprise failed. Of course, great disappoint- 
ment was felt, and by no one more keenly than by General Burnside; 



HISTORY OI- - PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 215 

but he had the satisfaction, in the midst of his sorrow, of knowing 
that no fault justly lay at his door. A military court of inquiry, 
composed of officers personally interested in the results of an inves- 
tigation, did indeed censure him for not doinor what the testimony 
shows to have been an impossible thing; but the congressional com- 
mittee on the conduct of the war, after a careful examination of the 
subject, exonerated him entirely from blame. 

After this unsuccessful assault, General Burnside tendered his 
resignation to General Grant, who refused to accept it, and gave him 
20 days' leave of absence, which he improved in visiting his home 
and friends in the East, where he received from all quarters the most 
gratifying tokens of unabated confidence and esteem. In the course 
of the subsequent winter he repeatedly tendered his resignation to 
the president, who as repeatedly refused to accept it. He, however, 
did no further military duty, though his voice and influence were con- 
stantly employed in behalf of the army and the government; and 
April 15th, 1865, he again tendered his resignation, which was 
accepted. 

The 2d Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers was organized 
under the first call for additional troops to serve three years or dur- 
ing the war. The work of enlisting was spiritedly prosecuted under 
an order from Governor Sprague, and Camp Burnside was established 
on the Dexter Training- Ground in Providence. The command of 
the regiment was given to Colonel Slocum, who had been promoted 
from major of the 1st Rhode Island, an officer of great personal 
bravery, who had gained reputation in the Mexican war. Colonel 
William Goddard, of the governor's staff, was detailed temporarily 
to act as lieutenant colonel, who on being relieved was temporarily 
succeeded by General Charles T. Robbins. At the request of Colonel 
Slocum, Colonel Christopher Blanding assisted in drilling the regi- 
ment. To add to the comfort of the men, a thousand rubber blank- 
ets were presented to them by the firm of A. & W. Sprague. Many 
other tokens of interest and regard were also received by officers and 
men, and the citizens of Lonsdale made a liberal donation to the hos- 
pital department. An elegant stand of colors was presented to the 
regiment by the ladies of Providence, through Colonel Jabez C. 
Knight. 

The regiment struck their tents at 2 o'clock P. M., June 19th, L861, 
marched to Exchange place, where, in the presence of a large crowd 
of spectators, a short and spirited address was delivered by Bishop 
Thomas M. Clark, who also invoked the divine blessing. Resuming 
their march to Fox point, they embarked on board the steamer 
"State of Maine," under Captain William H. Reynolds, and on board 
the steamer " Kill von Kull." 

On the morning of June 22d the regiment accompanied by Gov- 
ernor Sprague, Hon. John R. Bartlett, secretary of state, and Bishop 



216 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Clark, arrived in Washington, was warmly welcomed, and encamped 
in Gales' woods, near Camp Sprague. On the 25th, the 1st and 2d 
regiments, with their respective batteries, paid their respects to 
President Lincoln, by whom they were reviewed. Commanded by 
Colonel Burnside, they marched to the battle of Bull Run, where it 
was the first, with Captain Reynolds' battery to engage, and fought 
the enemy 45 minutes without support, losing 28 men killed, 56 
wounded, and 30 missing; among the former, Colonel Slocum, Major 
Sullivan Ballou, and Captains Levi A. Tower and Samuel J. Smith. 
The death of the brave Colonel Slocum left the regiment in the com- 
mand of Captain Frank Wheaton, of the United States Army, then 
acting lieutenant colonel to the colonelcy of which he was subse- 
quently promoted. Captain Viall, on the fall of Major Ballou, as- 
sumed the duty of a field officer, and was afterward promoted to 
major of the regiment. Captain William H. P. Steere received the 
commission of lieutenant colonel in the same. 

On the 26th of March, the regiment moved with the Army of the 
Potomac, to enter upon the campaign of the Peninsula. During the 
siege of Yorktown, it was constantly employed in picket and other 
important duties. On the evacuation of that place by the rebels, it 
formed a part of Stoneman's advance in pursuit, and participated in 
the capture of Fort Magrucler, at Williamsburg, saving a regiment 
that had been badly cut up by unwisely drawing upon it the fire of 
the fort at 800 yards distance. It continued with the advance of 
Stoneman during its operations on the Pemunky and Chickahominv 
rivers, was the first to take possession of White House, took part in 
the battles of Mechanicsville and Seven Pines, and at Turkey Bend 
was detached with the Seventh Massachusetts, to guard Turkey Bend 
bridge, and remained there until Porter's corps crossed. After the 
battle of Malvern Hill, when the army fell back to Harrison's Land- 
ing, the regiment was assigned to the rear as a cover. On the 5th of 
July, it was in position on the west side of James river, opposite City 
Point, occupied in throwing up breastworks. 

When the Army of the Potomac withdrew from the Peninsula, 
the regiment proceeded to the vicinity of Yorktown, where it re- 
mained a week destroying earthworks, and August 29th it embarked 
for Alexandria, where it landed September 1st. It shared the for- 
tunesof Pope's Bull Run campaign, was in position at Elk Mountain 
on the 17th of September, during the battle of Antietam, and subse- 
quently, after performing a variety of fatiguing duties, marched with 
Franklin's corps, to a position in front of Fredericksburg. In the 
assault upon that city, December 14th, it acted with spirit and effi- 
ciency. In the preliminary movementsof Franklin's corps, this regi- 
ment was the first to cross the river, in face of a heavy body of rebel 
infantry and artillery, and deploying as skirmishers, drove in their 
pickets — a movement executed with the coolness and precision of a 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 217 

regimental drill. Here, Colonel Wheaton was ordered to the com- 
mand of a brigade that had been under the command of General 
Howe, and the command of the regiment devolved on the gallant 
Colonel Nelson Viall, who received his commission on the field. 
This he subsequently resigned, and the temporary command of the 
regiment fell to Lieutenant Colonel Goff, an able and highly esteemed 
officer. He was .succeeded bv Colonel Horatio Rogers, Jr., trans- 
ferred from the 11th R. I. Volunteers. 

In the " mud expedition," that followed this attack on Fredericks- 
burg, the 2d Rhode Island participated. It subsequently went into 
winter quarters, and was employed in picket duty and the usual 
camp routine. On the 2d and 3d of May, 1863, the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville was fought. On the morning of the 3d, the regiment 
supported Gibbons' division in carrying Salem Heights, near Fred- 
ericksburg, having two men slightly wounded. In the storming of 
Marye's Heights, on the afternoon of the same day, the regiment led 
by Colonel Rogers, performed deeds of conspicuous valor. At a 
critical moment, it largely contributed toward checking the enemy 
when our forces were being driven on the right, and saved a New 
Jersey regiment, hotly pressed, from annihilation and probable 
capture. 

The battle of Gettysburg, Pa.. July 1st, 2d and 3d, next followed. 
In reaching this field of Union triumph, so dearly purchased, the 
regiment made good time, and toward night of the second day, hav- 
ing marched about 30 miles, it took position on the field of battle on 
the extreme left, as a portion of Sedgwick's reserve. During the 
whole of the 3d, though not directly engaged, it was constantly mov- 
ing under a storm of shells, to different parts of the field, in support 
of points hardly pressed, losing one man killed and three wounded, 
and on the following day was on picket on the further edge of the 
battle field. 

After a quiet winter at Brandy vStation, on the 4th of May, 1864, 
the Army of the Potomac began the grand movement that ultimated 
in the capture of Richmond, and the overthrow of the rebel confed- 
eracy. The marching and fighting of the succeeding four or five 
weeks, to reach the Chickahominy, comprise a part of the history of 
the regiment. In the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania Court House, and 
all along the succession of flank movements, it bore an honorable 
and conspicuous part, and in the sanguinary battle of Cold Harbor, 
a few days before its term of service expired, added another to the 
laurels won on other fields. On the 11th of June, the three-years' 
men, under the command of Colonel S. B. M. Read, returned to 
Providence, and on the 17th were mustered out of service. By order 
of Governor Smith, they were received by the division of militia 
under the command of Major General Olney Arnold, and escorted to 
Howard Hall, where a bountiful collation had been provided, and a 



218 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

formal state reception took place. Colonel Read was wounded m 
the head and leg, May 12th, on the third day of the battle at Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, and was promoted from lieutenant colonel on the 
1st of June following", for gallant conduct in the battles of the cam- 
paign in which he had participated up to that date. 

At the date of the mustering out of the first three years' men, 
Companies A, B and C, comprising recruits enlisted from time to 
time, conscripts and re-enlisted veterans, remained in the field before 
Petersburg. Wishing to preserve to the close of the war the identity 
of a regiment that had served so faithfully and bravely, Governor 
Smith authorized a reorganization, dating from the muster out of the 
original regiment. Companies D, E, F, G and H were recruited and 
sent forward, and regimental relations were once more established, 
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Elisha T. Rhodes, bre- 
veted colonel April 2d, 1865, for gallant services before Petersburg. 

On the 6th of July, 1864, General Early, with a portion of the rebel 
advance, crossed the Potomac near Antietam, into Maryland, and 
made a raid on Washington. The 6th Army Corps, including the 
2d Rhode Island and Batteries C, D and G, were hurried to the defense 
of the capital, and reached there just in season to save the city, and 
to aid in driving the enemy, who had approached within shelling 
distance, back into the vallev of the Shenandoah. In the battle of 
Winchester, September 19th, the regiment behaved with great gal- 
lantry, and had nine men wounded, one mortally. After this battle 
the regiment was detailed as part of the garrison of Winchester, to 
protect it against guerrillas, as well as to escort trains to the front. 
It was there when the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, was fought, 
and remained until December 1st, when it rejoined the Army of the 
Potomac, and passed the winter of 1864 and 1865 in doing siege duty 
in the trenches in front of Petersburg, Va. 

In the attack on Petersburg, April 2d, 1865, the regiment took a 
prominent and important part. The night before, the 6th Corps was 
massed in front of Fort Fisher, ready for the assault. Just at day- 
break, Sunday morning, the lines advanced under a heavy fire, and 
carried the enemy's main lines by storm. The Second Rhode Island 
started in the second line, but were the first to reach the works, and 
planted its colors on the parapet. The enemy fled in great confusion 
after their lines were pierced. Lieutenant Frank S. Halliday, acting 
adjutant of the regiment, with a small party, carried a rebel fort 
mounting two guns, and turned them upon the enemy. The whole 
affairwas a glorious success, and caused the evacuation of the city on 
Monday morning, April 3d. 

In the battle of Sailor's Creek, Thursday following the above, 
April (Uli, the regiment displayed great prowess. About 5 o'clock 
P.M., the division to which it was attached advanced on the enemy's 
lines, and the 2d Rhode Island attacked a part of the naval brigade, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 219 

commanded by officers of the late rebel fleet. The regiment charged 
to within a few feet of their lines, when it met a severe flank fire, 
which forced it to retire. The action was so close that men were 
bayoneted and knocked down with the butts of muskets. In the con- 
fusion, the colors of the regiment were captured, but were quickly 
retaken. The place where it charged was swampy, with water at 
least three feet deep, but the men pushed gallantly forward, and re- 
gained all the ground lost, causing the enemy to flee in great confu- 
sion, who left a part of their wagons in federal hands. The loss was 
severe in officers and men, but there was a proud satisfaction in 
knowing that the efforts of the regiment hastened the surrender of 
Lee and his army. Captain Charles W. Gleason and Lieutenant Wil- 
liam H. Perry, both gallant officers, were killed. 

After the fall of Richmond and the surrender of the rebel North- 
ern Army, under Lee, the regiment left that city for Washington. D. 
C, May 24th, was mustered out of the United States service at Hall's 
Hill, Va., July 13th. and left for Providence on the loth. It reached 
its destination by the train from New York, at 12 o'clock midnight, 
July 17th, accompanied by the 11th and 58th Massachusetts regiments 
bound to Readville. The regiment was received with cheers of wait- 
ing friends, the salute of the Marine Artillery, and the presented 
arms of Company A, Pawtucket Light Guard, Captain M'Cloy. Under 
general orders from the war department, General Meade directed, 
March 7th, 1865, the names of the following battles in which the regi- 
ment had borne a meritorious part, to be inscribed upon its colors, 
viz.: First Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, 
Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Fort Stevens, Opequan. 

The 4th Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers was organized by 
Colonel Justus I. McCarty, of the regular army, and at the time of his 
appointment holding a commission as major of an independent bat- 
talion. "Camp Greene" was established between Olneyville and 
Apponaug, west of the railroad, and September 5th, 1861, the first de- 
tachment enlisted under Captain Charles W. Topliff, pitched their 
tents there. Others followed in rapid succession, and before the close 
of the month the regiment was reported full. While in camp the 
regiment received two elegant stands of colors from ladies of Provi- 
dence. The first was presented through Mrs. R. M. Bates and E. A. 
Winn, and the second through Airs. Philip Allen, Jr. 

On the 2d of October, the regiment broke camp, and embarked at 
Providence on board the steamer "Commodore," for Washington, 
amid the thundering of cannon, and the mingled cheers and tears of 
kindred and friends. It proceeded to New York, and thence to its 
destination, where it arrived October 6th, and took temporary quar- 
ters at Camp Sprague. After two removes, its camp was established 



220 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

near Bladensburg, and received the name of "Camp Casey," in honor 
of General Casey, a native of East Greenwich, R. I. Here for about 
two months the time was filled up with drills, parades and reviews. 
On the 28th the regiment, in connection with ten others, was reviewed 
by General McClellan. Soon after, Colonel McCarty*s commission 
was revoked, and Captain Isaac P. Rodman was appointed to fill his 
place. 

On the 30th of October the Fourth was mustered into the service 
of the United States, and was fairly launched upon the stormy sea 
of rebellion. Drills and the routine of camp duties filled up the time 
until November 28th, when the regiment passed into Virginia, and 
on the 29th pitched its tents at Camp California, near Fairfax Semi- 
nary. 

Among the troops selected for the North Carolina campaign, 
under General Burnside, the 4th Rhode Island was included. The 
regiment proceeded to Annapolis, Md., where it was brigaded with 
the 5th Rhode Island Battalion and the 8th and 11th Connecticut, 
which together constituted the 3d Brigade of the Coast Division. 
January 7th. 1802, the regiment embarked on board the "Eastern 
Queen" for Fortress Monroe, and sailed thence with the fleet gathered 
there for Roanoke. In the violent gale which the fleet experienced 
when approaching Hatteras Light, the "Eastern Queen" was driven 
ashore. The steamer "Pocahontas," an unseaworthy vessel, was 
beached, with the loss of all but 19 of the horses belonging- to the 
regiment. The men suffered severely for want of fresh water and 
food, but finally were safely landed, and participated in the success- 
ful battle of Roanoke Island, February 7th and 8th. This was the 
first experience of the regiment under fire, and it had the honor of 
first planting the Union colors on Fort Bartow, thus announcing to 
the Meet that victory had been achieved. The regiment bivouacked 
the night of the 8th, and soon after went into camp at "Camp Parke." 
where it remained for a month, recruiting its strength. The capture 
"i Xewbern, as a part of the operations of the campaign, was 
planned, and on the 14th of March was successfully accomplished by 
the combined land and naval forces, with a loss to the rebels of 46 
siege guns. 3 field batteries, 3,000 stand of small arms, about 300 men 
taken prisoners, and 500 men killed and wounded. The federal losses 
were 91 killed and IOC, wounded. In this battle the 4th Rhode Island 
was fiercely engaged, and by an impetuous bayonet charge decided 
the fate of the day. The regiment lost 8 killed and 22 wounded. Of 
tin former were Captain Charles Tillinghast, of Providence, R. I., a 
brave and energetic officer, and Sergeant George H. Church, of 
Wick ford. R. 1.; <.f the latter were Captain William S. Chace and 
Lieutenant George E. Curtis, both of Providence. 

May 1st Colonel Rodman was appointed military governor of 
Beaufort and Major Allen provost marshal for the entire district. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 221 

Colonel Rodman having been commissioned brigadier .general, the 
command of the regiment was assumed by Lieutenant Colonel 
George W. Tew. Lieutenant Joseph 1!. Curtis was placed on General 
Rodman's staff. 

When the 9th Army Corps, under General Burnside, left North 
Carolina to co-operate with General McClellan on the Peninsula, the 
regiment followed his fortunes, and embarking on board the "Em- 
pire State" arrived at Fortress Monroe July 8th, and debarked at 
Newport News, where the command was taken by Colonel William 
H. P. Steere, promoted from lieutenant colonel of the 2d Regiment, 
R. I. Volunteers. Lieutenant Colonel Tew having resigned August 
11th, Adjutant Curtis, of General Rodman's staff, was appointed to 
succeed him. The regiment was now in the 2d brigade, comprising 
itself and the 8th and 11th Connecticut, all under the command of 
Colonel Harland. 

From Newport News the regiment proceeded with its corps to 
Fredericksburg, and after General Pope's failure at the second battle 
of Bull Run, joined General McClellan, and took part in the great 
struggle made on the soil of Maryland. It shared in the spontaneous 
ovation bestowed by the citizens of Frederick upon the Union forces 
as they entered that city, and in the battle of South Mountain, fought 
September 14th, sustained the honor already gained in North Caro- 
lina. In the battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, the regi- 
ment enrao-ed with a valor second to no other on the field, and closed 
the sanguinary day with a loss of 98 killed and wounded. Among the 
latter were Colonel Steere, who received a rifle bullet in his thigh; 
Captain Caleb T. Bowen, taken prisoner and paroled; Lieutenants 
George H. Watts, severely, George P. Clark, dangerously, and acting 
Lieutenant George R. Buff um. mortally. The color bearer. Corporal 
Thomas B. Tanner, having carried his flag within 20 feet of the 
enemy, was killed, but the flag was saved from capture by Lieutenant 
Curtis. Assistant Surgeon Smalley was laboriously employed in 
rendering service to the wounded. Surgeon Miller being detailed to 
the general hospital, where his duties were arduous. Colonel Steere 
attempted to lead on his men after being struck, but fainting from 
loss of blood, was carried to the division hospital, and the command 
devolved on Lieutenant Colonel Curtis. The regiment was here 
called to mourn the death of its former commander. General Isaac P. 
Rodman, who received a mortal wound in this bloody contest— a 
musket ball entering the left breast and passing completely through 
his body. He was removed from the field and conveyed to the house of 
Doctor Horner, near Hagerstown, Md., where he died September 29th, 
aged 44 years, in the presence of his father and his wife, who were 
with him to comfort his last hours. His remains were brought to 
Providence October 3d, where they lay in state in the representa- 
tives' hall in the state house until the afternoon of the next day. 



222 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

when, after an impressive service, held on a canopied and draped 
platform erected on the vState House Parade, they were conveyed to 
South Kingstown, and buried October 5th, with military honors. 

In November the regiment, with the Army of the Potomac, was 
in front of Fredericksburg, and in the battle of December 13th, took 
an active part. Lieutenant Colonel Curtis, a brave and promising 
officer, still in command, was killed by a ball from a shrapnell shell, 
while re-formino- the regimental line. Lieutenant George E. Curtis, 
Corporal Hiram Freeborn and seven privates were wounded. The 
remains of Lieutenant Colonel Curtis were conveyed to Providence, 
where they were received with military honors, and after lying in 
state, were buried December 20th, in the North Burying Ground. 
Colonel Steere being still confined by his wound, the command of 
the regiment was assumed by Major Buffum, who soon after (Decem- 
ber 24th) was commissioned lieutenant colonel. Captain James T. 
Bucklin was promoted major. The regiment was now detached from 
Colonel Harland's brigade and with the 13th New Hampshire and 
25th New Jersey, was formed into a new brigade, under Colonel 
Dutton. February 8th, 1863, it accompanied the 9th Army Corps to 
Fortress Monroe, and once more encamped at Newport News. Here 
it received, through Mrs. Sarah M. Hall, a handsome national flag 
and guidons, the gifts of a few friends in Providence. On the 13th 
of March the regiment made its camp near Suffolk, Va. From that 
time to April 16th, it was in active operations. May 3d it partici- 
pated in an engagement at Hill's point, across the Nansemond river, 
with the loss of one man (Corporal James Grimwood) killed, and four 
wounded. ( )f the latter were Lieutenant George F. Waterman and 
Corporal George W. Allen. June 22d. it moved on an expedition to 
King William Court House, which it reached July 6th, and returned 
to its encampment July 13th, greatly fatigued, but having suffered no 
loss. Previous to this, Colonel Steere returned to his command, after 
a detention, by his wound, of nearly nine months. 

From July 15th, 1863, to March 1st, 1864, the regiment reported 
from near Portsmouth, Va. April 1st. it reported at Norfolk, Ya. 
From thence it proceeded to Point Lookout, Maryland, where it re- 
ported May 1st, May 31st, and June 30th. It subsequently went to 
the front, and having rejoined the 9th Corps before Petersburg, Va., 
was, between the 18th and 25th of July, much of the time doing duty 
in the trenches, and constantly under fire. The headquarters of 
Lieutenant Colonel Buffum were within musket range, and the music 
of minie halls was a daily entertainment. During this period, 
Captain Frank A. Chase. Sergeant James Farley, Sergeant Cromwell 
I'. Mvriek, George Martin (musician), and Privates Thomas Lake and 
Christopher Plunkett, were wounded. In the assault upon the rebel 
forces, immediately upon the explosion of the mine, July 30th, the 
regiment led by Lieutenant Colonel Buffum, advanced upon the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 223 

enemy's line, and under a gallant fire entered the crater of the fort, 
caused by the explosion, where a hand to hand fight ensued, with 
great slaughter on both sides. The attempt to hold the position was 
made in vain. The overwhelming force and deadly fire of the rebels, 
threatened speedy destruction to the regiment, and Lieutenant 
Colonel Buffum, while obeying an order to withdraw his men, was 
fiercely charged upon by an overpowering fee, which resulted in the 
capture of himself, Captains Bowen, Shearman, Reynolds, Lieutenant 
Kibby, and 22 enlisted men. The total loss in killed, wounded and 
missing, was S3. Of the killed were Lieutenants (reorge A. Field 
and John K. Knowles. acting adjutant, and Corporal George S. 
Thomas. The capture of Lieutenant Colonel Buffum left the com- 
mand of the regiment with Major James T. P. Bucklin, an efficient, 
brave and valuable officer. August 2d, the regiment was still before 
Petersburg, and September 1st reported in the field. 

From the date of departure from Providence to September 9th. 
1863, the regiment broke camp 85 times, made heavy marches in 
three rebel states, and went within eight miles of Richmond. In the 
same period, besides the part taken in the battles of Roanoke, Xew- 
bern, Fort Macon, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, it 
had two skirmishes on the Nansemond river, and two at Suffolk. It 
entered the field with 890 men. On the date referred to, it had 581, 
including 175 recruits. Up to the same time it had lost 295 in killed, 
wounded and by disease. Patriotism and fidelity are the sum of its 
honorable record. The last battle in which the regiment took part, 
was in the operations on the Weldon railroad, Friday, September 
30th, on the eve of the termination of its time of service, losing two 
men killed and two wounded. On the Monday following, October 
3d, it left scenes full of exciting interest for home, and reached Provi- 
dence on the morning of the 7th. It w 7 as received with a salute frcm 
the Marine Artillery, and escorted to the Marine Armory, where the 
men were w r armly welcomed by Lieutenant Governor Padelford in 
behalf of the people of the state, and then partook of a generous 
breakfast, prepared by L. H. Humphreys. The regiment numbered 
189 officers and enlisted men. and came on in command of Captain 
Walter A. Read, and was mustered out of service October 15th. Of 
the original three ve'ars' men 175 having re-enlisted as veterans, were 
with recruits, remaining in the field, consolidated October 21st, 1S64, 
w T ith the 7th Rhode Island Infantry, to be known as the 7th Rhode 
Island Volunteers. By order of General Meade, March 7th, 1865, in 
accordance with requirements of general orders from the war depart- 
ment, 18G2, the names of the following battles in which the regiment 
had borne a meritorious part, were directed to be inscribed on its 
colors, viz.: Roanoke Island, Newbern, Fort Macon, South Mountain, 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring- 
Church, Hatcher's Run. 



224 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

In May, 1862, the rebel General Thomas J. Jackson, familiarly 
known as "Stonewall," with a large body of men, made a sudden raid 
upon the valley of the Shenandoah, and threatened the safety of 
Washington. A telegram to the governor of Rhode Island, calling 
for the immediate forwarding to the national capital of all the avail- 
able troops in the state was received by Governor Sprague at mid- 
night, and before sunrise measures had been taken to comply with 
the call. The excitement and enthusiasm were intense. The national 
guards furnished an ample reserve from which to draw. Volunteers 
came pouring in with great rapidity, and in two days the Lonsdale 
National Guards, the Natic National Guards, the Westerly National 
Guards and the Pawtucket Battalion, four full companies, were re- 
ported for duty, and left Providence, May 27th, for Washington, as 
the first detachment of the 9th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers. 
The second detachment followed May 29th, thus in four days com- 
pleting its organization, and commencing its journey to the field of 
duty. 

The 9th Regiment was organized by Colonel Charles T. Robbins, 
who accompanied it to Washington. It was subsequently placed un- 
der the command of Colonel John T. Pitman, whose commission bore 
date July 3d, 1862. Jul} 7 1st the regiment crossed the Potomac into 
Virginia, and encamped near Fairfax Seminary. At the end of two 
days it returned by water to Washington, and going out across the 
eastern branch of the Potomac, it relieved the 99th Pennsylva- 
nia Volunteers, who joined the army of General McClellan on the 
Peninsula. For the remainder of its term of service it performed 
garrison duty, its headquarters being at Fort Baker. At the expira- 
tion of the term of enlistment, the regiment returned home. It 
reached Providence in the steamer " Bay State," August 31st, and was 
escorted by the 10th Regiment through the various streets to Ex- 
change place, where it w r as dismissed. With one exception, the com- 
panies belonged to other towns, and left the city in the earliest trains 
for their respective homes. 

The 10th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was principally 
drawn from the companies in Providence, belonging to the " National 
Guards," previously organized for state defense, or for any other 
emergency. These companies were the First Ward Light Guards, 
First Ward Drill Corps, Second Ward National Guards, What Cheer 
Guards. Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Ward National Guards, 
and the Burnside Zouaves, organized and drilled respectively under 
Captains A. Crawford Greene, Benjamin W. Harris, Charles II. Dun- 
ham, William M.Hale, Elisha Dyer, William E. Taber, Hopkins B. 
Cady, Theodore Winn and Christopher Duckworth. The call had 
been partially anticipated and provided for in advance. At a meet- 
ing of the officers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment National Guards, 
ex-Governor Elisha Dyer presiding, Colonel James Shaw, Jr., was re- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 225 

quested to offer to the governor the service of the regiment as then 
officered and organized, in response to the call he made May 23d. 
The offer was accepted. May 25th, at midnight, the despatch an- 
nouncing the defeat of General Banks, and calling for troops, was 
received: at 1 o'clock A.M., May 26th, the executive issued an order to 
immediately organize the National Guards for active duty; at 9 
o'clock a.m.. the companies met at their respective armories; at 7 
o'clock p.m., of the same day, 613 men were reported to the governor 
as ready to march; and on the following day (27th) the regiment, un- 
der the command of Colonel Zenas R. Bliss, left Providence for Wash- 
ington, where it arrived on the 29th, and took quarters for the night 
in the barracks near the depot. The next morning it marched to 
Tennallytown, and pitched its tents at " Camp Frieze," in the midst of 
a drenching rain. Officers had been left in Providence to recruit 
additional men for both the 9th and 10th Regiments, who completed 
their work in two days, and May 29th a second detachment for each 
regiment was sent forward. 

The regiment.was assigned to the brigade commanded by General 
Sturgis, and on the 29th of May was mustered into the service of the 
United States. The usual routine of camp life now commenced, with 
its daily drills and details for guard and picket duty. June 26th it 
passed into Virginia and encamped near Fort Ward, in the vicinity 
of Fairfax Seminary. Here it remained until the 30th, when in obe- 
dience to orders, it embarked at Alexandria for Washington, marched 
thence to Tennallytown and bivouacked for the night, and July 1st 
was distributed among the several forts, as follows: Company B, Cap- 
tain Elisha Dyer, and Company K, Captain G. Frank Low, Fort Penn- 
sylvania; Company D, Captain William S. Smith, Fort De Russe'y; 
Company A, Captain William E. Taber, Jr., Fort Franklin; Company 
E, Captain Hopkins B. Cady, and Company I, Captain William M. 
Hale, Fort Alexander; Company H, Captain Christopher Duckworth, 
Battery Vermont and Martin Scott; Company C, Captain Jeremiah 
Vose, Fort Cameron; Company G, Captain A. Crawford Greene, Fort 
Gaines. This chain of forts extended over a space of six or eight 
miles, commanding the Potomac at Chain Bridge, and all the roads 
leading to Harper's Ferry and Rockville. 

August 6th, Colonel Bliss issued a farewell order to the regiment, 
and returned to Providence to take command of the 7th Regiment. 
On his departure, Lieutenant Colonel Shaw assumed command, and 
was commissioned colonel August 11th. At the same date. Captain 
William M. Hale was promoted to be lieutenant colonel. Colonel 
Shaw was a valuable officer, energetic in executive duties, an excel- 
lent disciplinarian, and ever watchful for the rights and comfort of 
his command. December 31st, 1862, he was commissioned lieuten- 
ant colonel in the 12th Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, and 
served before Fredericksburg and also in the Tennessee campaign, 
t5 



226 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

under General Burnside. Subsequently he was commissioned colo- 
nel in a Maryland colored regiment, and served with distinction in 
the second Peninsula campaign. The term of service having expired, 
the regiment was relieved by the 113th New York Volunteers, and 
August 25th started for home, accompanied by the 10th Battery R. I. 
Light Artillery. It proceeded through Baltimore, Harrisburg and 
Easton, to Elizabethport, where it embarked on board a steamer, and 
arrived in Providence on the morning of the 28th. It returned to 
Providence with 674 men, 25 reported as unfit for duty, and three left 
behind in hospitals, sick. During the term of service two died, and 
their remains were brought home. The regiment was mustered out 
of service September 1st. 

On the 22d day of May, 1862, a general order was issued to enlist 
and organize the 7th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, to serve 
during the war. " Camp Bliss " was established in South. Providence 
for drill and for the formation of soldierly habits preparatory to the 
fatigues of the march and the conflict of the field. Welcome B. 
Sayles, Esq., of Providence, having been commissioned lieutenant 
colonel, engaged energetically in the work of enlistment, but which, 
owing to unfavorable circumstances, proceeded slower than in pre- 
ceding regiments. By the unwearied diligence of officers and agents, 
the regiment had, early in September, nearly reached its maximum 
number. September 10th it broke camp, and under the command of 
Colonel Zenas R. Bliss, an accomplished officer, proceeded to Wash- 
ington, where it arrived on the 12th. It was soon called to the front 
at Fredericksburg, Va., and engaged there in the hard fought battle 
of December 13th. Throughout that sanguinary day the regiment 
exhibited the most unflinching bravery, and after expending all its 
ammunition, besides that procured from the dead and wounded, and 
from other regiments, it remained on the field with fixed bayonets 
until ordered off at 7% o'clock in the evening. In this battle the regi- 
ment suffered severely- — 140 killed and wounded being reported. 
Lieutenant Colonel Sayles was instantly killed by the fragment of a 
shell. Major Jacob Babbitt was mortally wounded. Adjutant 
Charles Y . Page. Captains Rowland G. Rodman, James H. Reming- 
ton and Lewis Leavens; Lieutenants George A. Wilbur and David R. 
Kenyon. and Sergeant Major Joseph S. Manchester, were severely 
wounded. Colonel Bliss had several narrow escapes. The remains 
of Lieutenant Colonel Sayles were brought to Providence, and after 
lying in state in the Representatives' Hall, under a spacious marquee, 
formed of mourning drapery, were entombed December 20th in 
Grace Church Cemetery, with Masonic and state military honors. 
The deceased was 50 years of age when he fell. He was a native of 
Bellingham, Mass., and possessed uncommon executive ability. He 
was for eight years postmaster in Providence, was one of the foun- 
ders, and for several years chief editor of the Providence Post, and had 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 227 

long been a conspicuous leader in the democratic party of Rhode 
Island. 

After the Fredericksburg battle the regiment remained at its old 
camp near Falmouth, suffering much from sickness and death, until 
February 9th, 1863, when with its corps it proceeded to Newport 
News. From Newport News the regiment proceeded to Kentucky 
with the Ninth Army Corps, under General Burnside, who had been 
assigned to the "Department of the Ohio." It reached Lexington 
March 31st, and at different dates, until June 1st, 1863, was at 
Winchester, Richmond, Paint Lick, Lancaster and Crab Orchard. 
From Kentucky it proceeded to join the army of the Tennessee in 
front of Vicksburg, Mississippi. It embarked at Cincinnati on steam- 
boats and disembarked at Sherman's Landing. On the 15th of June 
it made an effort to join General Grant's army, in the rear of Vicks- 
burg, but before accomplishing that design, was ordered to Snyder's 
Bluff, on the Yazoo river, to assist in defending Grant from an attack 
by Johnston. On the surrender of Vicksburg the regiment was joined 
with other troops in pursuit of the retreating Johnston. July 10th 
it reached Jackson, where a large amount of the rebel president's 
private correspondence was discovered and seized as a trophy of war. 
July 20th the regiment left Jackson, and on the 24th arrived at 
Snyder's Bluff, where the campaign of the Mississippi ended. August 
8th the brigade embarked on steamboats for Cairo, and soon ran 
aground in the Yazoo river. In attempting to get off, the boat con- 
taining the 7th Rhode Island broke her rudder, and was detained 
until the afternoon of the 10th. Many of the men were taken sick 
with the Yazoo fever, and during the trip up the Mississippi three 
died and were buried on the shore. August 20th the troops arrived 
at Cincinnati, and proceeded to Nicholasville, Ky. Including the two 
killed at Jackson, there was a loss of 35 by death to October 1st, 
besides many subsequently discharged or transferred to the Invalid 
Corps. On the 7th of September the regiment was ordered to join 
the army of General Burnside in Tennessee; but on representation of 
its condition, it was sent to Lexington, Ky., to do provost duty. 

On the 2d of April, 1864, the regiment set out on its return to the 
Army of the Potomac. It proceeded by the way of Cincinnati, where. 
it took the cars for Annapolis, Md. The regiment left Annapolis for 
Alexandria, Va., April 23d, and passing through Washington en- 
camped on Arlington Heights on the 25th. April 27th it marched to 
Fairfax Court House, and the next day departed for the south bank 
of the North Anna river. 

May 4th the regiment moved with the 9th Corps from Bristoe 
vStation, Va., toward the Rappahannock. On the 5th it was detached 
from its brigade to guard trains, but rejoined it in time to share in 
the bloody struggles around Spottsylvania Court House. On the 10th 
it lost one man wounded. On the 12th it occupied and held a posi- 



228 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tion from which two large regiments had been driven. In the battle 
of this-Tday Lieutenant Darius I. Cole was killed. On the 18th the 
regiment held a position in front of the Union lines for six hours, 
exposed to a raking fire from a battery in close proximity. During 
six days it lost 62 in killed and wounded. All the way to Cold Har- 
bor, from May 19th to June, hard marching and hard fighting was 
its daily experience. In a bloody charge on the 3d of June, nearly 
one-third of the regiment went down. At Cold Harbor, from the 6th 
to the 12th, two lines of works were built, and skirmishing was most 
of the time going on. On the 14th the Chickahominy river was 
crossed, on the 15th the James river, and in the afternoon of the 16th 
the regiment formed a line and dug pits in front of the enemy's 
works around Petersburg. While here its decimated ranks were 
replenished by the re-enlisted veterans and the recruits of the 4th 
Rhode Island, which (October 21st) became consolidated with it. 
From the opening of the campaign to May 18th, Captain Theodore 
Winn commanded the regiment, and Captain Alfred M. Channel 
from June 15th to 17th; after which Captain Percy Daniels took com- 
mand, and June 29th was commissioned lieutenant colonel. After 
the explosion of the mine before Petersburg, July 30th, on which 
occasion he led a brigade of another corps (his own regiment acting 
as engineers), he was breveted colonel for gallantry and general good 
conduct. In this battle he received three bullets through his clothes, 
and on several other occasions was touched by rebel lead, though 
never seriously wounded. 

On the 28th of September the regiment took part in an engage- 
ment near the Weldon railroad. 

From the last of November, 1864, until the fall of Petersburg, the 
regiment formed a part of the garrison of Fort Sedgwick, generally 
known as " Fort Hell," from its exposed position, on the Jerusalem 
plank road, and a part of the time Colonel Daniels was in command 
of the fort. In the action of April 2d, 1865, the regiment, though in 
garrison, was under a heavv artillery fire much of the day, and was 
engaged most of the forenoon, one or two companies at a time, in 
carrying ammunition to our troops in the captured works. The casu- 
alties of this day were Major Peleg E. Peckham, Captain Edwin L. 
Hunt, Lieutenant Albert A. Bolles and 11 privates wounded. The 
wound of Major Peckham proved fatal.- On the receipt of the news 
ot President Lincoln's assassination, it moved with the corps for 
Washington, and arrived at Alexandria April 28th, where it was mus- 
tered out of service on the 9th of June following. By general orders, 
tin- names of the following battles, in which the regiment had borne 
a meritorious part, were directed to be inscribed on its colors: Fred- 
ericksburg. Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, 
1 latchers Run. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 229 

The regiment set out immediately for Providence, where it arrived 
in the steamer "Oceanus," from New York, Tuesday morning, June 
13th, accompanied by the 35th Massachusetts Volunteers en route for 
home. The regiment returned with 350 enlisted men and 20 officers. 
In marching by the residence of General Burnside, the men cheered 
their old and beloved commander in the most enthusiastic manner, 
which touching demonstration of affection he graceful!}' acknow- 
ledged. June 21st, Colonel Daniels issued a spirited farewell order, 
and the 7th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, with its record of 
gallant deeds, passed into history. 

There remained still in the field Companies B, D and G of the re- 
enlisted veterans of the 4th Rhode Island, and the recruits belonging 
to the Seventh, who.se term of service had not expired. These, by 
special order of the war department, were formed into a battalion of 
three companies, to be known as "Battalion Seventh Rhode Island 
Volunteers." This organization was continued until July 13th, 1865, 
when the battalion was mustered out of service near Alexandria, Va. 
The men, about 200 in number, returned to Providence under the 
command of Captain Caleb T. Bowen, with Adjutant George B. Cos- 
tello and Surgeon C. G. Corey. The other commissioned officers 
were Captain Daniel S. Remington and Lieutenant A. R. Collins, 
Company B; Captain Winthrop A. Moore and Lieutenant Merchant 
Weeden, Company D; Lieutenant C. Goffe, Company G. The batta- 
lion reached Providence at 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, July 17th, 
and was refreshed with a bountiful breakfast, prepared by direction 
of Captain Crandall. 

When the president of the United States, on the 4th of August, 
1862, issued a call for 300,000 men to serve for a period of nine 
months, the people of Rhode Island responded promptly and with 
great unanimity. Two regiments were to be raised, the 11th and the 
12th. "Camp Stevens" was established on the Dexter Training 
Ground in Providence, for the reception of recruits, and the charge 
of organizing the 11th was assigned to Captain A. C. Eddy. Eight 
hundred men, including two companies raised through the exertions 
of the Providence Young Men's Christian Association, were enlisted 
in this city; 200 were sent by North Providence, Smithfield, Paw- 
tucket and Central Falls; and on the 23d of September the ranks 
were filled. Colonel Edwin Metcalf was appointed to the command. 
From the ladies of Providence the regiment received a national flag 
bearing its name, and the motto, " God and the Constitution." Octo- 
ber 1st it was mustered into service, on the 4th it performed escort 
duty at the funeral ceremonies of General Isaac P. Rodman, in Provi- 
dence, and on the evening of the 6th broke camp and departed for 
Washington, where it arrived on the evening of the 8th, and spent 
the night in the barracks near the depot. The next day it encamped 
on East Capitol hill, and the following Saturday marched across Chain 



230 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Bridge to near Fort Ethan Allen, and the next day made its second 
camp about a mile from that fortification. After a little more than a 
week spent there, the regiment proceeded to Miner's hill, where it 
established a camp. Drills, parades and picket duties now made up 
the daily routine of regimental life, all tending to toughen the men 
for the more serious work of the front, which they hoped to see. Once 
only were they called to answer to the long roll, when a midnight 
march to Mills' Cross Roads, accompanied by two regiments of the 
brigade, proved that the rebel cavalry whose approach had caused the 
alarm were not disposed at that time to measure strength. Colonel 
Metcalf having been appointed to the command of the 3d Regiment 
of Heavy Artillery at Hilton Head, S. C, left in November for that 
field of duty, with the sincere regret of the regiment, devolving its 
command on Lieutenant Colonel John T. Pitman, who, during the 
entire nine months' service, won to a rare degree the respect and 
confidence of the men. 

The desire to enter at an early day upon the active duties of a 
campaign was not to be gratified, and in place thereof the regiment, 
January 14th, 1863, was assigned as a guard to the "Convalescent 
Camp," midway between Washington and Alexandria. Spring wore 
on without much incident until April 15th, when the regiment pro- 
ceeded to Alexandria, embarked on board the " Hero," and sailed for 
Norfolk, Va., where it landed, and after a few hours delay took a 
train for Suffolk. This was an agreeable change, and gave promise 
of life more in accordance with military aspirations. 

At Suffolk the 11th was annexed to the brigade of General Terry, 
who commanded the western front of the defenses. By an order of 
Colonel Church, the encampment reeeived the name of "Camp 
Perry," in compliment to the regimental surgeon. It marched to the 
" Deserted House" on the South Quay road, and remained until the 
evening of the 20th, when being attached to the 3d Brigade, Colonel 
Farrar, 26th Michigan, commanding, it joined the division under 
command of General Corcoran, and marched to Windsor, where it 
encamped until the 22d, when it marched to the extreme front, three 
miles from Black water Bridge, throwing Company F as pickets one 
mile to the front, who were soon engaged by the enemy, and a brisk 
skirmish ensued which lasted until dark. On the afternoon of the 
23d, Companies C, K and E, picketing the front, were attacked by six 
companies from a Mississippi regiment deployed as skirmishers. 
Company B was sent forward as a support, but soon deployed as 
skirmishers. The firing continued for some hours, the enemy being 
driven steadily back, leaving their dead on the field. Several pris- 
oners were captured. ( )beying orders to fall back to Windsor, the 
picket companies acted as a rear guard. On this expedition the regi- 
ment was absent eleven days. 

June 12th the regiment with a large force of infantry, cavalry and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 231 

artillery, under command of Brigadier General Corcoran, started on 
an expedition toward the Blackwater, and returned on the 18th, hav- 
ing suffered much from heat and excessive marching-. Several times 
during the expedition it was in line of battle, but it was not called 
into action. June 19th, it left ,Snffolk and proceeded to Norfolk, 
where it embarked on board the steamer " Maple Leaf," and was con- 
veyed to Yorktown. On the 22d, in company with many other regi- 
ments, the march was continued to Williamsburg, where the 11th 
was distributed among the forts and redoubts defending that place. 
June 30th, the regiment was relieved from duty in the fortifications, 
retraced its steps to Yorktown, and reached its camp on the morning 
of July 1st. The term of service having expired, it embarked on 
board the propeller "John Rice," for home July 2d, and reached 
Providence at noon on Monday the 6th, with 838 men and 38 officers, 
leaving 55 men in hospital, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 privates 
on detached service. During the nine months' absence, 7 deaths 
occurred. 

Nearly simultaneously with the organizing of the 11th Regiment 
the 12th commenced. Honorable George H. Browne was appointed 
its colonel, his commission bearing date September 18th, 1802. He 
immediately established his headquarters at '' Camp Stevens," on the 
Dexter Training Ground, in close proximity to the 11th, and under 
his energetic action enlistments rapidly progressed. In less than 
four weeks the work was accomplished, and on the 13th of October 
the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States. 
On arriving at Washington the regiment passed over the Potomac to 
" Camp Chase," in the neighborhood of Arlington Heights, but be- 
fore completing the work of tent pitching, was assailed by a violent 
storm of wind and rain, which raged two days and nights as a prelude 
of discomforts soon to follow. Here it was brigaded in General 
Casey's division of the army of the defenses of Washington, and re- 
ceived for its arms the old Springfield, smooth bores. Soon after, the 
regiment proceeded to Fairfax Seminary, and established a camp, 
devoted the time to drills and picket duty until December 1st, when 
the line of march was taken up for the front at Fredericksburg, Ya., 
where an important blow was soon to be struck. 

The regiment remained at Acquia Landing for three days, when 
with the brigade it marched to Fredericksburg. It arrived at Fal- 
mouth on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 10th, and was 
there brigaded with the 7th in the First brigade, General Nagle, Sec- 
ond division, General Sturgis, of the Ninth Army Corps, General 
French, General Sumner's grand division. Here the regiment lay 
all night on its arms, ready to march at a moment's notice. The next 
morning it was ordered out, and forming in line toward Fredericks- 
burg, remained in that position all day. About 5 o'clock P. M., it was 
ordered back, and unsheltered passed another night, reposing en its 



232 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

arms. ( )n the morning of the 12th it crossed the river to Fredericks- 
burg, where it passed the night, and early in the morning of 
the 13th formed in line of battle and marched to the front, where the 
fighting had already begun. In reaching the field of action the regi- 
ment was obliged to cross a deep cut, where it experienced a heavy 
enfilading fire from the enemy, which, had it been directed with as 
much accuracy as vigor, must have told severely on its ranks. To 
descend into the cut was easy enough, but to ascend the opposite 
bank was nearly impossible, and forming in line in the bottom of the 
cut, under a perfect storm of canister and grape, Colonel Browne 
marched his men by the flank down to its intersection with the rail- 
road to the place where the right wing crossed. There forming in 
line they pushed up, and Lieutenant Abbott planted the regimental 
colors on the extreme front of the Union line. 

The regiment occupied one of the hottest positions on the field, 
and doggedly held its ground until evening, when, having fired away 
all its ammunition, and the other regiments retiring, it filed into the 
rear of the retreating column and returned to the position it occupied 
in Fredericksburg the night before. Roll call showed 109 killed and 
wounded, besides 95 missing, many of whom afterward came in. The 
regiment remained two days in Fredericksburg, and on Monday 
night, December 15th, recrossed the river and went into camp. 

The regiment remained in camp until January 9th, 1863, when it 
accompanied the Ninth Army Corps to the Peninsula and made its 
next camp on the banks of the James river, gaining greatly in health 
by the change. The day before withdrawing from the Rappahannock, 
Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Jr., joined the regiment. On the 
25th of March it started for a new field of operations, and arrived at 
Cincinnati on the evening of the 30th, where it received a hospitable 
welcome. It crossed the river to Covington, Ky., the same night, 
and the next morning proceeded to Lexington. From the 1st to the 
23d of April, it visited Winchester, Boonsboro, Richmond, Paint Lick 
and Lancaster. From the latter place it moved to Crab Orchard, 
where preparations were made for an advance into Tennessee. But 
the order was countermanded and another issued directing a march 
to Vicksburg in support of General Grant. The regiment started 
from Crab Orchard in company with the 7th for that place, but on 
reaching Nicholasville, an order was received detaching it from the 
Ninth Corps, and directing it to return to Somerset and report to 
* Brigadier General Carter. It arrived at Somerset June 9th, having 
marched over dusty roads and under a broiling sun 100 miles in six 
days. When the arms were stacked and the roll was called, every 
man was found in the ranks. Here it was detached, and with 
the 32d Kentucky Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Morrow, was 
sent to Jamestown, near Che borders of Tennessee, where it ar- 
rived June 24th, and was soon busy in guarding the fords on the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 233 

Cumberland, and by various movements holding Morgan's guerillas 
in eheck. 

On the 5th of July the regiment commenced its return to Somer- 
set, having 20 prisoners in charge. On the 9th it was at Crab 
Orchard again, on the 10th at Dick's river, and on the l'Jth at Hick- 
man's Bridge. A single day of service only now remained due, and 
the steps of the regiment were turned homeward. It arrived in Cin- 
cinnati July loth and was received with demonstrations of res] 
Morgan and his command now hovering in the vicinity and threat- 
ening an attack, the regiment, by request of General Burnside, took 
post at the junction of the roads of Mount Auburn, guarding the 
approaches to the city, and contributing to calm the apprehensions 
of the citizens. Here it remained until the 19th of July, when its 
services being no longer required, it set out for Providence. 

The regiment arrived in Providence July 22d, and was met by 
the. 4th Regiment State Militia, Colonel Nelson Viall, and the 6th, 
Colonel James H. Armington. The men were then dismissed, and 
on the following Wednesday, July 29th, were mustered out of the 
service. The regiment returned with nearly 800 men, 706 of whom 
on their arrival answered the roll-call for duty. During the term of 
nine months it traveled 3,500 miles, 500 of which were on foot. 

Among the earliest thoughts of the citizens of Rhode Island after 
the battle of Bull Run, with other fields of carnage looming in the 
distance, was the care due to those of her sons who should be 
wounded in the progress of the rebellion, or become the victims of 
disease. The Marine Hospital, located in the city of Providence, 
seemed well adapted to the purpose, and on application of Governor 
Sprague, May 19th, 1862, the surgeon-general of the United States 
authorized a hospital for sick and wounded Rhode Island soldiers to 
be established there, and Doctor James Harris was appointed surgeon 
in charge of the same. This arrangement continued until August 
18th, when the United States government having, in the latter part 
of June previous, established a hospital on an extensive scale at 
Portsmouth Grove, which received the designation of " Lovell Gen- 
eral Hospital," and Doctor Harris having been appointed surgeon of 
the 7th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, the patients of the former 
were transferred to the wards of the latter. A military police was 
now seen to be necessary. General Charles T. Robbins was directed 
by Governor Sprague to detail a guard from the active militia for 
duty at the United States Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, and the hos- 
pital in Providence. This arrangement was continued until Novem- 
ber loth, when a detachment from a company being enlisted by Cap- 
tain Christopher Blanding, as a permanent garrison of the post, was 
sent to Portsmouth Grove to relieve the militia. This company was 
enlisted under an order of the war department, bearing date October 
4th, 1862. and was mustered into service December 6th following. In 



234 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

' the organization of the company Captain Blanding was not permitted 
to recruit able-bodied men, but was required to select from such as 
had been disabled in the field, yet were fit for garrison duty. Both 
himself and his lieutenants came within that rule. 

The duties of the company at the hospital were the same as per- 
formed at any garrison. A chain of sentinels encircled the entire 
camp. The guard house was under the commander's control, to 
which all prisoners were committed. The company was a sort of 
provost guard to carry out the rules and regulations of the hospital, 
and to enforce the discipline necessary in so large a camp, composed 
of soldiers from different regiments throughout the Union. The 
hospital was closed August 25th, 1865, and. the guards were resolved 
into private citizens. 

The 1st Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry was originally composed 
of three battalions, two of which were recruited by this state and one 
by New Hampshire. In the work of enlisting in Rhode Island, 
Major Willard Sayles, Major William Sanford, General Gould and 
others were actively engaged. The regiment. was organized in the 
autumn of 1861. Its first camp, named " Camp Hallett," was in 
Cranston. In November Colonel Lawton received his commission. 
In December the regiment was removed to the Riding Park in Paw- 
tucket, which received the name of " Camp Arnold," in honor of 
Lieutenant Governor Samuel G. Arnold. March 12th, 1862, the Sec- 
ond battalion, under Major Sanford, left for Washington, followed on 
the 14th by the First and Third. On arriving in Washington the 
regiment was assigned to the cavalry of the army of the Potomac, 
under Brigadier General George Stoneman, chief of cavalry. At 
Front Royal, in May, a sharp engagement ensued between the Third 
battalion and the rebel cavalry, infantry and artillery occupying the 
town, which resulted in their rout, with the loss of loo men taken 
prisoners. The loss of the battalion was ten killed and wounded. 
Joining General Pope's army at Culpepper, it was assigned to picket 
duty at Raccoon Ford. It marched thence and opened the fight at 
Cedar Mountain, August 9th, losing seven men killed. It partici- 
pated in all the battles and skirmishes of Pope's campaign. At 
Groveton, August 29th, and at Bull Run, August 81st, it was under 
fire. At Chantilly, September 1st, it drew the enemy's fire and 
engaged in the fight, losing two men wounded and two horses. Rest- 
ing for a few weeks at Poolesville, Md., it was again in motion 
October 27th for Falmouth, and during the entire march was con- 
stantly on the flanks of the army and doing picket duty. In an affair 
at Mmtville, in the Loudon valley, where it was attacked by a large 
body of Stuart's cavalry, Captain Lorenzo D.Gove was killed, and 
Lieutenant Joseph F. Andrews and several privates were taken pris- 
oners. What was called "the first cavalry fight of the war " took 
place at Kelly's Ford, March 17th, 18(53. Here the regiment displayed 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 235 

great gallantry and achieved an honorable distinction. It charged 
across the river, the fords of which were deep, well defended and 
barricaded, repulsed the enemy, and took 24 prisoners. In an open 
field across the. river three charges were made by the Union forces, 
each time driving the enemy. The whole number of killed and 
wounded was 26. 

In April following tins battle, the regiment accompanied General 
Stoneman in his raid toward Richmond, and in May took part in the 
battle of Chancellorsville, losing a few men taken prisoners. June 
9th, during the battle of Brandy Station, it was employed upon the 
flanks and rear scouting. June 17th the regiment advanced to Mid- 
dleburg, where the rear guard of Stuart's command was encountered. 
After a brisk fight of half an hour, the rebels retreated in disorder. 
The town was held till 7 o'clock p.m., and barricaded. At about 5 
o'clock, Captain Frank Allen, with two men, was despatched to Gen- 
eral Kilpatric, at Aldie, for re-enforcements. In the meantime the 
enemy surrounded the town and attempted to storm the barricades, 
but were repulsed with great slaughter. In three successive charges 
they were driven back, but in view of his perilous situation, and no 
aid arriving, Colonel Duffie retired from the town, crossed Little 
river and bivouacked for the night. With no prospect of succor, and 
being informed by scouts previously sent out that the roads in every 
direction were full of the enemy's cavalry, Colonel Duffie on the 18th 
directed the head of his column on the road to Aldie, when a severe 
engagement with the enemy commenced. Though hemmed in by a 
vastly superior force in the front and rear and on both flanks, the 
colonel succeeded in cutting his way through, and escaped by Hope- 
ville Gap. This fight resulted in five killed, fourteen wounded and 
200 taken prisoners. 

From vSeptember 12th to November 10th the regiment participated 
in engagements at Culpepper Court House, Rapidan Station, Pony 
Mountain, Sulphur Springs, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Wolf Run and 
Rappahannock Station, besides guarding the rear and railroad com- 
munication at Catlett's Station. About the 20th of November it was 
detached from the brigade and reported to Brigadier General Kenly 
for duty with the First Corps in guarding the railroad. The army 
advanced to Mine Run, and during the battle there on the 27th, the 
regiment was engaged in scouting for guerrillas. 

January 5th, 1864, the New Hampshire battalion was permanently 
detached from the regiment to form a nucleus of a regiment from 
that state, and subsequently went home to recruit. March 26th the 
regiment, including- the re-enlisted veterans, came to Providence on 
furlough, under command of Major Farrington, and were greeted on 
their arrival with a national salute. April Sth the regiment left for 
Washington, and on the 9th of May was ordered (unmounted ) on duty 
in the defenses of the capital, and was assigned to the cavalry brigade 



236 HISTORY, OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

commanded by Colonel Charles R. Lowell. July 26th the regiment 
crossed Appomatox river; on the 27th crossed the James river at 
Dutch Gap, and had a brisk skirmish with rebel cavalry; and on the 
28th attacked the rebel infantry and drove them to Malvern Hill with 
the loss of one man killed. Early in August the regiment joined 
General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and participated in the 
movements against General Early in that quarter. It was engaged 
in skirmishes and battles at Charlestown, Kearnysville, Smithville, 
Berrysville, Summit Point, Opequan river, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, 
Milford Creek, New Market, Waynesboro, where Captain George N. 
Bliss was wounded and taken prisoner, Kernstown, W T oodstock, Cedar 
Creek and Road's Hill. January 1st, I860, it was consolidated into a 
battalion of four companies. February 28th the cavalry commenced 
a march with General Sheridan, which eventuated in the battle of 
Five Forks, and after the battle near Waynesboro, March 3d, in which 
General Early's forces were routed, the regiment returned to Win- 
chester in charge of prisoners captured. March 24th it marched to 
Mount Jackson to parole the men of General Lee's surrendered army. 
June 22d it was relieved from duty with the army of the Shenandoah 
and marching to Monrovia Station, Md., reported to General Lew 
Wallace, at Baltimore. July 28th it marched to the Relay House and 
reported to General Kenly, and August 3d was mustered out of serv- 
ice at Baltimore. Proceeding without delay to Providence, the regi- 
ment, now a battalion of 335 men, arrived there Saturday morning, 
August 5th. The men were paid off August 15th, by Major Hapgood, 
Paymaster U. S. A. 

The 7th Squadron Rhode Island Cavalry consisted of two compa- 
nies. Company A. Captain Christopher Vaughn, was enlisted mostly 
in Providence. Company B, Captain Sanford S. Burr, was composed 
of students of Dartmouth College, N. H., and of Norwich University, 
Vt.. who offered themselves to Governor Sprague for the three 
months' service, and were accepted by him. The Student Company 
arrived in Providence June 19th, 1862, and went into camp on the 
Dexter Training Ground. 

On the 24th of June the squadron was mustered into the service 
of the United States, and on the 28th departed for Washington. It 
established for a few days "Camp Eddy," near Fairfax Seminary, and 
then marched to Winchester, where a considerable force was sta- 
tioned under General White. Its encampment was named " Camp 
Sigel," and until September the squadron was constantly engaged in 
picket duty and scouting. 

While at Winchester, the term of service being nearly expired, 
the officers and enlisted men agreed to remain until the rebels should 
be driven out of Maryland. On the 2d of September the squadron 
was sent on a scouting expedition as far as Newtown and Middle- 
burg, and took several rebel soldiers prisoners. With the departure 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 237 

of Lee from Maryland, the work of the squadron closed. Setting out 
for home, it reached Providence September 26th, and was quartered 
at the Silvey barrack. Though the campaign had been short, the 
services performed were creditable to the squadron, to its com- 
mander, Major Corliss, and to the state. 

On the 31st day of August, 1862, the war department issued an 
order for raising the 1st Battalion, 2d Regiment Rhode Island Cav- 
alry, to be under the command of Major Augustus W. Corliss, then 
the senior officer of the 7th Squadron Rhode Island Cavalry. On the 
15th of November, another order was issued to make it a full regi- 
ment of three battalions. The 1st Battalion was full December 24th, 
the 2d Battalion January 19th, 1863, and Major Corliss was promoted 
to lieutenant colonel. The two battalions were ordered to join Major 
General Banks, and arrived in New Orleans in season to take part in 
the first advance on Port Hudson, March 14th, 1863. The regiment 
was embraced in the force engaged in the Teche expedition. It 
started from Baton Rouge, and proceeded by way of Algiers, to Bra- 
shear City, took up the line of march thence with General Emory's 
division, and participated in the battles of Bisland and Franklin. The 
expedition proceeded to Alexandria, La., and the regiment was act- 
ively engaged in scouting and foraging. 

About 5 o'clock on the morning of June 23d, the enemy opened 
upon the defenses at BrashearCity with the Valsude Battery near the 
mound on the opposite side of the bay, which was immediately an- 
swered by the gunboat. She then cut loose from the wharf and 
backed down the bay out of the reach of the enemy's guns. Brashear 
being fortified to repel a water instead of a land attack, the guns were 
so situated that they could not be immediately brought to bear upon 
the batteries of the enemy. All the light pieces had been sent to 
Lafourche and Bayou Boeuf. Major Anthony ordered Captain Nol- 
lett, of the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, to move one of his guns down 
to the Sugar House, which would enable him to reach the enemy. 
In the absence of mules he drew it down by hand and opened on the 
enemy. The gun from the water tank was brought up and placed be- 
tween the depot and ice house. The major then ordered Captain Crofut, 
of the 23d Connecticut, to take all the men capable of bearing arms, and 
post them under cover along the edge of the bay to act as sharpshoot- 
ers, as the enemy were on the houses on the opposite side. He did 
so; the artillery fight continued about two hours, when it ceased on 
the part of the enemy, their guns having been silenced, but active 
musketry fire was still going on along the whole front. The whole 
action lasted a little over three hours. It is impossible to say how 
large a force made the attack in the morning, but three hours after 
Major Anthony's surrender there were over 6,000 troops in Brashear 
City, with Generals Taylor, Greene and Morton. Major Anthony was 
taken to Camp Ford, near Tyler, Texas, and was held prisoner until 



238 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

July 22d, 1864, a period of 13 months, when he was exchanged at the 
mouth of the Red river. 

In the fight at Springfield Landing, July 2d, the regiment lost one 
man killed, four severely wounded, and thirteen taken prisoners. Ten 
of the latter were paroled. Hard marches and an unhealthy climate 
also aided to diminish its numbers. Reduced below the minimum 
allowed, it was consolidated, by general order August 24th, 1863, into 
one battalion of four companies and united with the 1st Louisiana 
Cavalry. The field and staff officers, consisting of Lieutenant Colonel 
Augustus W. Corliss, Major Charles N.Manchester, Surgeon Howard 
W. King, Adjutant C. E. Brigham, Quartermaster William McCready, 
Jr.. resigned, and were honorably discharged. The officers retained 
were Captains William J. McCall, Henry C. Fitts, George W. Beach 
and Edwin A. Hardy; First Lieutenants Joseph N. Whitney, Charles 
W. Turner, John D. Hanning, Walter M. Jackson, and Second Lieu- 
tenant Frank Hays. All the other officers were mustered out of 
service. 

The union of the regiment with the 1st Louisiana Cavalry took 
place September 1st, 1863, contrary to the wishes of both officers and 
enlisted men. Unwilling to lose their Rhode Island identity, they 
remonstrated against a measure which the rank and file particularly 
regarded as arbitrary and unjust. Some days before the consolida- 
tion occurred, they resolved that when called upon to join the Lou- 
isiana regiment they would lay down their arms rather than obey. 
Accordingly, when on the morning of September 1st, Lieutenant 
Colonel Robinson of the 1st Louisiana sent an order for the 2d Rhode 
Island Cavalry to transfer their camp to his, no one moved. Learn- 
ing the posture of affairs, he immediately rode over and repeated the 
order in person, but the men simply replied. " We belong to Rhode 
Island, and not to Louisiana." In fifteen minutes the 1st Louisiana 
was ordered up on foot, armed with sabres, revolvers and carbines, 
and formed on the front and right of the Rhode Island regiment. 
Lieutenant Colonel Robinson then repeated the command previously 
given, adding the threat, " Hurry up, or I will fire into you." Things 
now assumed a serious aspect. The men saw that resistance would 
be useless, and with military law against them, slowly fell into line. 
Their tardy movements excited the ire of the Louisiana commander, 
and a file of men was ordered to lead Richard Smith and William 
I >avis, the two last to follow, to a field in front of the camp, where, 
with their hands tied behind them, their eyes blinded, and without 
semblance of law, or form of trial, they were shot by two squads of 
men detailed from the Louisiana regiment. Davis fell killed. Smith 
was shot through the legs, and was afterward despatched by the re- 
volvers of the adjutant and sergeant in charge. Lieutenant Colonel 
Robinson then addressed the Rhode Island Cavalry in threatening 
terms, after which they marched back to camp filled with horror and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 239 

indignation by the butchery thev had witnessed. No candid person 
will say that the exigencies of the service authorized this severity, 
and the deed will live in history to shadow the memory of the officer 
by whose authority it was done. 

No good could be hoped from a union formed under the circum- 
stances here described, and Governor Smith fully appreciating the 
feelings of the men, early interested himself to relieve them from 
their unpleasant connection. He communicated with the war depart- 
ment on the subject, protesting against the change, and claiming if 
the regiment must be broken up, that it should be transferred to the- 
3d Rhode Island Cavalry. Assurances were received from the war 
department that they should be thus transferred on the arrival of that 
regiment at New Orleans; and pursuant to an order this was done by 
General Banks, January 14th, 1864. 

The organization of the 3d Regiment Rhode Island Volunteer 
Cavalry was commenced July 1st, 1863, by Colonel Willard Sayles 
(appointed to its command by the governor) under the authority of 
the secretary of war. A camp was established for the recruits at 
Mashapaug. August 18th the men collected there, 150 in number. 
were transferred to "Camp Meade." in Jamestown, on Conanicut 
island, to which all subsequent recruits were sent. The 1st Battalion, 
Major Davis, with full rank, embarked on board the "Western 
Metropolis " for New Orleans, December 31st, 1803, and was reported 
to Major General Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf, Jan- 
uary 14th, 1864. The battalion received February 2d, an addition of 
two companies from the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, formerly the -id 
Rhode Island Cavalry, but transferred to this regiment January 
14th, 1864, by order of General Banks. The regiment crossed the 
Mississippi river March 3d, 1864, and began the march that was con- 
tinued almost without cessation through the state of Louisiana for 
the term of three months, and was known as the Red River Expedi- 
tion. The course lay through Franklin. Alexandria and Natchito- 
ches, to Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, on the Shreveport road, where 
the 1st, 3d and 4th Brigades of cavalry, with a large force of artillery, 
were thrown into confusion in a dense forest, where, encumbered by 
two brigade trains, little resistance could be offered. 

The regiment arrived at Alexandria, April 25th, where it found 
Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Parkhurst, with Companies E, F and 
L. In obedience to orders from General Reynolds, these companies 
embarked on board the steamer " Superior," Tuesday night, April 
20th, and sailed the next morning. Nothing of particular interest 
occurred until they reached Tunica Bend, some 30 miles below the 
mouth of the Red river, when they were fired upon by the rebels 
from the easterly bank of the Mississippi, who had a six pounder 
well supported by infantry. Three shell and shot passed through 



240 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the cabin, and Corporal Logue, of Company F, received a severe gun 
shot wound in the right arm, badly shattering the bones. 

While at Alexandria, the regiment served as the advance picket 
on the south side of the town, and was almost daily engaged with the 
enemy. May 1st, in a skirmish near Governor Moore's plantation, 
one man was killed and five were wounded. From Alexandria to 
Simmesport, the regiment served as rear guard nearly all the time. 
It took part in the battles of Marksville Plain and Yellow Bayou, 
suffering a small loss in wounded and prisoners. Passing through 
Morganzia, Plaquemine and Donaldsonville, it reached Fort Banks just 
above and opposite New Orleans, on the 3d of June, 1S64. Another 
detachment composed of Companies G and H reported for duty in 
the field, May 8th, and was joined by the regiment at Greenville, 
June 10th, 1864. 

The year 1865 opened as the preceding one had closed, and the 
weather continued cold with frequent rain storms through the entire 
month of January. On the 3d of June, the entire regiment had con- 
centrated at Napoleonville in expectation of joining the expedition 
under General Sheridan to Texas, but the order was rescinded, and 
after remaining together for a short time employed in drilling and 
other duties, it was again scattered and was constantly engaged in 
scouting for guerrillas and bushwackers, or in picket duty protecting 
plantations, until mustered out of service at New Orleans, La., 
November 29th, 1865. The field of duty occupied by the regiment 
was the entire state of Louisiana. Frequent and rapid marches, the 
swampy nature of much of the country passed over, short rations 
when on expeditions longer than had been provided for, and exposure 
to a malarious climate, told severely on both men and horses. 

On the 12th of August, 1861, Governor Sprague issued an order 
for organizing a third regiment of infantry. General Charles T. 
Robbins was appointed acting colonel, and Colonel Christopher 
Blanding acting lieutenant colonel. On the afternoon of the 7th of 
September the regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bland- 
ing, left Camp Ames, on the Old Warwick road, proceeded to Provi- 
dence, and embarked on board the steamer "Commodore" for the 
camp on Long Island, which was under command of General W. T. 
Sherman. Colonel Eddy was succeeded in command by Colonel 
Nathaniel W. Brown, who continued the daily drills until the em- 
barkation of the regiment for Fortress Monroe, October 12th, where 
it arrived on the 14th, and encamped about one mile beyond toward 
Hampton. On the 23d of ( )ctober, the regiment embarked with the 
expedition under General Sherman and Admiral Dupont, destined 
to Port Royal, S. C. After a boisterous passage, the fleet arrived off 
that place November 4th. The regiment was present at the naval 
action at Port Royal November 7th, landed two companies the same 
day. and the remainder the next, and was assigned to the charge of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 241 

Fort Welles. Subsequently Fort Seward at Bay Point, the entrench- 
ments at Hilton Head, the entrenchments at Beaufort, and Fort 
Mitchell, on Snell Creek, were garrisoned by detachments f re m it. 

December 17th, 1861, Lieutenant Colonel Blanding, then not in 
service, was commissioned Major of the 3d Rhode Island Volunteers, 
and for some time superintended recruiting for the regiment. On 
the 19th of February, 1862, he proceeded with 225 men to Hilton 
Head, where he arrived March 23d, having experienced a severe gale 
on the passage from New York. Immediately on his arrival, he was 
assigned to important and laborious duties. February 17th, 1862, 
by general order, the name of the regiment was changed to "3d 
Rhode Island Heavy Artillery," with authority to increase it to 12 
companies of 150 men each. In the bombardment of Fort Pulaski. 
April 10th and 11th, companies B, F and H assisted, and after the 
capture of the fort Company G formed a part of its garrison. 

In the movement on Charleston in June, 1862, by way of John and 
James islands, companies B, E, F, H, I, K and one section of C 
(mounted) were included. On the 16th of June the battle of Seces- 
sionville, on James island, took place, in which five companies, B, E, 
F, H and K, commanded by Major Edwin Metcalf, participated. 
Leading the brigade, companies B, F and K were employed as skir- 
mishers, under the command of Major Sisson. The fire of the enemy 
was very severe, and the Union loss was 7 killed, 30 wounded, and 8 
missing. 

In October, 1862, the battle of Pocotaligo Bridge was fought. 
Company M assisted in transporting and working two boat howitzers. 
Companies E, K and L formed a part of the force, but were not en- 
gaged. In this action Lieutenant Jabez B. Balding was badly 
wounded in the left arm. April 2d, 1863, companies B, D, F, I, K. L 
and M, sailed for Stone Inlet, to take part in the second movement 
on Charleston, but returned to Hilton Head on the 12th. In an ex- 
pedition up the Combahee June 1st, a section of Battery C, under 
Captain Brayton, participated, and did the enemy great damage. 
Companies B, C, D, H, I and M accompanied General Gillmore, in the 
siege of Charleston, and were assigned to batteries of 20, 30, 100 and 
200-pounder Parrott guns on Morris island. 

On the 30th of October, 1862, the regiment was called to mourn 
the death of its commander, Colonel Nathaniel W. Brown. He was a 
thorough disciplinarian, prompt and decided in action, and ever 
watchful of the interests of his men. He possessed to perfection one 
virtue of a soldier — strict temperance; and what he practiced he en- 
couraged in others. He had a high sense of the value of religion and 
religious observances, and was much interested in the establishment 
of religious worship near headquarters at the Post, and was a regular 
attendant until his sickness. Lieutenant Walter B. Manton, acting 
quartermaster of the regiment, a valuable and highly esteemed 
lfi 



242 • HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

officer, died of the same disease, October 25th. January 27th, 1863, 
the remains of Colonel Brown and Lieutenant Manton were brought 
to Providence, and after funeral services were interred, the former 
in the North Burial Ground and the latter in Swan Point Cemetery. 

Colonel Edwin Metcalf, of the 11th Rhode Island, nine months' 
volunteers, succeeded Colonel Brown in command of the regiment. 
His successor was Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Bray ton, who was 
commissioned colonel March 24th, 1864. He continued in command 
until the expiration of his term of service, October 5th, 1F64. 

In losses by sickness and death from disease, the 3d Rhode Island 
shared an experience common to all other troops in the field. The 
number of men who re-enlisted as veterans was 303. The return of 
the regiment from the scenes of war was in squads, at different times. 
On the 24th of August, 1864, three officers and 117 men arrived in 
Providence, and were mustered out of service on the 31st. They w r ere 
under the command of Captains Peter J. Turner and Charles G. 
Strahan. September 30th another detachment, numbering 256, offi- 
cers and men, under Colonel Charles R. Bray ton, arrived by w T ay of 
Xew York in the steamer " Electra." June 12th, 1865, Company C, 
Captain Martin S. James, numbering four officers and 92 enlisted 
men, arrived home, having been mustered out of service at Rich- 
mond. August 1st, Company A, Captain William H. Hamner, com- 
prising five officers and 83 men, arrived at Providence in the steamer 
" Oceanus." Companies B and D, being all of the regiment not pre- 
viously discharged, arrived in Providence Monday, September 11th, 
1865, under Colonel Ames, having been mustered out of service at 
Hilton Head August 2d. They came from New York in the steamer 
" Galatea," numbering nine officers and 170 enlisted men. November 
4th, 1865, Major General Q. A. Gillmore, in accordance with the re- 
quirements of the war department, ordered that the names of the fol- 
lowing battles should be inscribed on the colors of the regiment, 
viz.: — Fort Pulaski, Ga.; Honey Hill, S. C; Petersburg, Va.; Morris 
Island, S. C; Fort Sumter (siege); Pocotaligo, S. C; Fort Wagner, 
S. C.; Laurel Hill, Va.; Fort Burnham, Va.; Olustee, Fla.; Deveaux 
Neck, S. C; Drury's Bluff, Va.; Secessionvillc, S. C. 

The 5th Rhode Island Volunteers was organized at " Camp 
Greene" in ( )ctober, 1861, from which it was transferred to "Camp 
Slocum," on the Dexter Training Ground, in Providence. In about 
seven weeks five companies were filled, and on the 27th of December, 
after being reviewed by Governor Sprague, the battalion departed 
for Annapolis. Md., to join the expedition to North Carolina. On 
Thursday, January 9th, 1862, the regiment embarked on board the 
transport " Kitty Simpson " for Fortress Monroe, and there joined 
the fleet destined to Hatteras Inlet. On the 7th of February a land- 
ing was effected and the battle of Roanoke island w r as fought. In 
this battle the regiment was brought under a heavy fire, but for- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. . 243 

tunately suffered no casualty. In the battle of Newbern, March 14th 
following, it took a conspicuous and gallant part, losing four men 
killed and seven wounded. In the bombardment of Fort Macon, 
April 26th, the Fifth took part, and on the surrender was assigned 
the honor of taking possession. In May, after the fall of Fort Macon, 
the camp of the Fifth was on Bogue Banks, near by, where it 
remained until General Burnside was called to the aid of General 
McClellan on the Peninsula, when it went to Beaufort, where Major 
Wright, who resigned July 25th, became military commandant, and 
Lieutenant William W. Douglas was appointed provost marshal of 
the district. The battalion having attained the proportions of a regi- 
ment. Colonel Henry T. Sisson, promoted from major of the 3d 
Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, arrived at Beaufort and took com- 
mand January Oth, 1863. 

Among the military adventures of the Fifth, the raising of the 
siege of Little Washington, N. C., must ever occupy the most promi- 
nent place as a hazardous and brilliant achievement. Immediately 
after the capture of Newbern it was occupied by national forces. 
Early in April, 1S63, information reached Newburn that Major Gen- 
eral Foster, commanding this department, who had gone to Little 
Washington to inspect the garrison and defenses there, was closely 
besieged by the enemy. Colonel Sisson, on Friday, 10th of April, 
received orders from Brigadier General Palmer to proceed with his 
command to Little Washington by water. Accordingly, about 1 
o'clock p. m., the regiment embarked on board the steamer " Escort," 
Captain Wall, and started from Newbern, and the next morning ar- 
rived in Pamlico river and anchored a short distance from Manly 
Point, ten miles below the city of Little Washington. A blockade 
which had been erected by the rebels consisted of a triple row of 
piles extending across the river, with the exception of a passage 100 
feet wide and 400 feet from the shore, directly under the guns of the 
battery. To increase the difficulty in finding the crooked channel, 
the enemy had removed all the buoys in the river. On Sunday morn- 
ing, in accordance with orders from General Palmer, the expedition 
got under way, and slowly approached the opening in the blockade 
and the Hill's Point battery. A fog had arisen about daybreak, and 
soon became so dense as to prevent further progress, and the steamer 
was ordered to return to its anchorage. When the fog lifted the 
gunboats commenced bombarding the battery at long range, but 
with no visible effect. Monday morning 50 volunteers from the 
regiment were sent on shore, under command of Captain William W. 
Douglas and Lieutenant Dutee Johnson. Their landing was covered 
by the gunboat " Valley City," and was effected a short distance below 
Blunt's creek. The reconnoissance was conducted with success and 
credit to the commanding officers and the men who were engaged in 
it. They discovered three batteries on the west bank of the creek, 



244 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

commanding its passage and preventing approach to Little Washing- 
ton by land. 

At 8 o'clock, on Monday, the " Escort " again weighed anchor and 
started for Little Washington. The officers and men on duty were 
placed below by peremptory orders, so as to insure their safety as 
far as possible. Lieutenant Colonel Tew and Major Jameson re- 
mained on deck with Colonel Sisson. together with the officers of the 
day, Captain Henry B. Landers, the officer of the guard, Lieutenant 
Thomas Allen, and a company of sharpshooters who volunteered for 
that purpose under command of Captain J. M. Potter. 

The pilot steered safely through the passage in the blockade, 
grazing only once on the piles. Just as he had cleared the obstruc- 
tions, the battery opened upon the " Escort " a terrible fire from a 
distance of about 400 yards. The progress was very slow, owing to 
the shallowness of the water and the extreme crookedness of the 
channel. The gunboats engaged the battery and distracted their 
attention somewhat, but did not pass above the blockade. The shots 
from the enemy, as had been anticipated, were thrown very much at 
random on account of the darkness, and the " Escort" passed by un- 
hurt. The enemy at Fort Rodman were prepared to greet the 
" Escort " warmly, as the previous firing below had warned them of 
her approach. The channel lay close to the bank, and their guns 
opened on her at about 300 yards distance. Although they were bet- 
ter aimed than before, the shots passed harmlessly over, only a few 
striking the boat and lodging in the hay. The shore was lined with 
sharpshooters, who fired upon the steamer with no effect except to 
provoke a few answering shots. Another mile passed at full speed 
brought the " Escort " to the wharf at Little Washington without in- 
jury to any one on board. The passage of the blockade with a large 
unarmed steamer convinced the enemy of its inefficiency; and despair- 
ing of their attempt to starve out the garrison, they evacuated their 
works Tuesday night, 14th of April, and left General Foster in undis- 
puted possession of the post. 

Almost immediately on landing at Little Washington, the regiment 
was assigned positions in the trenches and forts on the right of the 
line of defense, where it remained until the enemy abandoned the 
siege as hopeless. April 16th, Lieutenant Colonel Tew, with Compa- 
nies I), E, (i, H and I, was detailed to take possession of Rodman's 
Point, and on the 22d the residue of the regiment returned to New- 
bern, followed on the 24th by companies left behind. 

During several months in the early part of 1864, Company A had 
been stationed at Croatan, N. C. About 1\ o'clock on the morning 
of the .^th instant, the enemy approached in considerable force, hav- 
ing effected the crossing of Boyce's creek at a point above our pick- 
ets. Arriving at the station, they immediately surrounded the force 
stationed there in preparation for an attack, and to prevent the possi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 245 

bility of any escaping. In the meantime Captain Aigan collected his 
men, and threw his entire command into the fort at that place, which 
had one small gun, a six-pounder howitzer, and opened a vigorous 
fire on the enemy. A desperate fight ensued, lasting one hour and a 
half, when, at 12 o'clock M., the enemy demanded an unconditional 
surrender. This was refused by Captain Aigan. Subsequently, how- 
ever, seeing he could maintain his position but a short time, and the 
ammunition for the field piece being exhausted, he agreed at 3 o'clock 
p.m. to a conditional surrender. The force brought against Captain 
Aigan, as stated to him by the rebel General Dearing, was at least 
1,600 men. During the fight 184 rounds were fired from the single 
cannon with which the fort was defended, and the rifles of the men 
became so hot that they had to be held by the slings. Fortunately 
not one of Captain Aigan's command was killed and but one wounded. 
The rebels violated the terms of capitulation in every particular but 
one, and that was, that the garrison should march out with the hon- 
ors of war. The men and officers were afterward shamefully robbed 
of their private property. The treatment of the prisoners on the 
march, and in the prisons at Kingston, Macon and Andersonville, was 
inhuman in the extreme. Of the 51 captured, 32 died in prison, seven 
died elsewhere, and one was shot in attempting to escape. 

After the return of the regiment, it re-occupied its old camp (Camp 
Anthony). One company (F) having for some two or three months 
garrisoned Fort Rowan, resumed its duties at that fort. General 
Foster, pleased with the manner in which Fort Rowan was garri- 
soned, ordered, toward the latter part of May, that Colonel Sisson 
should garrison, in addition to Fort Rowan, Fort Totten, the largest 
fort about Newbern, and not wholly completed at that time. Soon 
after, Colonel Sisson's command was extended to the forts on the 
south side of the Trent, all of which the 5th Regiment contributed 
largely to put in a state of defense. At the siege of Newbern, in 
February, 1864, Colonel Sisson's command, with the Fifth astheprin- 
cipal part of it, constituted the right center division of the defense. 
On the 3d of February, at midnight, the rebels succeeded in cutting 
out and sinking a gunboat lying in the Neuse river between Forts 
Stephenson and Anderson. Among the prisoners were Acting As- 
sistant Paymaster Edward H. Sears, and Henry Earle, paymaster's 
clerk, both of Providence. May 1st, Company C, Captain Douglas, 
and Company E, Captain Hopkins, who had been stationed at Little 
Washington with the force under General Harlan, withdrew from 
that place, leaving it in flames, and returning to Newbern. The regi- 
ment did constant duty of the most varied kind. It was a matter of 
remark that if a detail was to be made for any difficult work, the Fifth 
was sure to be called upon. On the departure of Colonel Sisson, 
Colonel Tew took command of the regiment. The regiment was now 
succeeded at Forts Totten and Rowan bv the 2d Massachusetts Heavy 



246 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Artillery. The Fifth was assigned to Forts Spinola, Gaston and 
Amory on the south side of the Trent, and Forts Anderson and Chase 
on the north side of the Neuse, the whole under command of Colonel 
Tew. 

The regiment was mustered out of service at Newbern, June 20th r 
1865, and set out immediately for home, under the command of Colo- 
nel George W. Tew. It arrived in the steamer " Nansit," between 
eleven and twelve o'clock on the morning of July 4th, amid the joy- 
ous demonstrations of the national holiday. 

Into the idea of raising a regiment of colored men, Governor 
Smith early entered. He communicated with the authorities at 
Washington on the subject, and on the 17th of June, 1863, was 
granted permission to enlist a colored company of heavy artillery. 
This was so spiritedly done that on the 4th of August the permit was 
extended to a battalion, and on the 3d of September was again ex- 
tended to a full regiment. This was called the 14th Regiment R. I. 
Heavy Artillery. "Camp Smith" was established on the Dexter 
Training Ground, in Providence, and on the 28th of August the first 
company was mustered in. In the course of a few weeks a battalion 
of four companies was enlisted. In September three companies were 
transferred to Dutch island. The encampment on the Dexter Train- 
ing Ground was still used to complete company organizations. 
November 19th, the governor, accompanied by the legislature and 
many other invited guests, visited Dutch island, reviewed the troops, 
and presented to the regiment a stand of colors. 

On the 7th of December, the First battalion left the island under 
Major Joseph J. Comstock, Jr., and went into camp at " Camp Smith," 
in Providence, preparatory to proceeding to New Orleans to join 
General Banks, commanding the Department of the Gulf. December 
19th the battalion left Providence and sailed from Newport on board 
the transport " Cahawba " for New Orleans, where it arrived Decem- 
ber 30th. Without debarking it proceeded to Passe Cavallo, Texas, 
where it arrived January 8th, 1864, and was assigned to garrison 
duty in Fort Esperanza, Matagorda island. 

( )n the 8th of January, 1S64, the 2d Battalion under the command 
of Captain Nelson Kenyon, sailed in the transport" Daniel Webster" 
for New ( )rleans, where it arrived February 3d. The battalion was 
ordered into camp at English Turn, where, March 7th, Major Rich- 
ard G. Shaw assumed the command. From English Turn the bat- 
talion removed to Plaquemine, 160 miles above New Orleans, where 
Major Shaw became post commander, and Captain Kenyon resumed 
the immediate command of the battalion. Here it was engaged in 
putting the fort in a state of defense, and in guarding the town by a 
long line of pickets. This line of pickets extended as far as Indian 
Village, twelve miles back. Frequent skirmishes occurred between 
the battalion and the guerrillas under the notorious Captain Scott of 



HISTORY <>i- PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 247 

Plaquemine Parish. At one time they dashed upcn the outposts and 
captured four or five men. whom they murdered as they retreated 
through Indian Village. 

The whole regiment being now in the Department of the Gulf, 
its designation was changed by general order April 19th, to the 11th 
U. S. Heavy Artillery {Colored). On the 19th of May Major Comstock 
received orders to evacuate Fort Esperanza, first destroying what he 
could not take away, and return to New Orleans. He accordingly 
dismantled the works, shipped the heavy ordnance, and embarking his 
men on board the transport steamer "Clinton," reached New Or- 
leans May 23d. 

Early in January, 1865, the allotment commissioner. Major 
Amsbury, visited the Second battalion at Plaquemine, and paid up 
the troops to August 1st, preceding the first payment received by the 
men since their enlistment. Up to the opening of the new year, little 
had occurred at the post to vary the usual routine of garrison duty. 
February 16th, the entire regiment numbered 1,452 men. The effects 
of climate had seriously diminished its ranks. Up to the date last 
named, upward of 300 men had died of disease. From July 1st previ- 
ous, 70 men had died at Fort Jackson. Experience proved that while 
black men made good and faithful soldiers, their power of endurance 
was not equal to that of the whites. In April the station of the First 
battalion was transferred from Fort Jackson to Brashear City. The 
duties of the regiment at the several posts possessed few of the 
charms that give attraction and excitement to the movements of the 
field. It was mustered out at New Orleans, October 2d, 1865. On 
the 7th, it embarked on board the steamship " North Star" for New 
York, where it arrived on the 15th. On landing, the regiment 
marched up Broadway preceded by a brass band and drum corps 
organized from its ranks, presenting one of the most imposing scenes 
that had been witnessed by the citizens of New York since the com- 
mencement of the return of soldiers from the field of war. Leaving 
New York in the propeller " Doris," the regiment reached Ports- 
mouth Grove at eight and a half o'clock a. .m., October 18th, and was 
received with a national salute fired by a detachment of the Newport 
Artillery under Colonel John Hare Powell. Saturday morning Octo- 
ber 21st, the regiment made a visit to Providence. A few days after, 
the men were scattered to their homes, having by their general gccd 
conduct as soldiers honored the state whose name they bore upon 
their regimental colors, and paying in this manner a gratifying 
tribute to the untiring energy of the chief executive by whom they 
were called into service. 

The assault upon Fort Sumter April 12th, 1861, sent a thrill of 
patriotic indignation through all the loyal states. In no one was 
this more visible than in Rhode Island, and when Governor Sprague 
tendered to the general government the services of 1,CC0 infantry 



248 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and a batten' of artillery, he but expressed the spirit of the people. 
It was under this state of feeling that the Marine Artillery was 
organized for three months' active service by Captain Charles H. 
Tompkins, who was appointed to the command and commissioned 
April 18th. Hon. Samuel G. Arnold, lieutenant governor elect, hav- 
ing tendered his services to Governor Sprague, was appointed upon 
his staff, with the rank of colonel, and took the general command 
of the battery until after it reached Washington. On the afternoon 
of April 18th, the battery embarked at Providence on board the 
steamer " Empire State " for Jersey City, taking with it over 100 
horses, six field pieces, caissons, battery wagon and forge. From 
thence the battery proceeded to,. Easton, Pa., and encamped on the 
fair grounds. 

While at Easton, the battery exchanged its smooth-bore guns for 
the James rifled cannon, the first ever used in the service of the 
United States, and after devoting several days to drill, proceeded to 
Washington. It left Easton April 27th, and arrived in Philadelphia 
on Sunday morning, where it was hospitably entertained. April 
30th, it started again for Washington, via Perry ville, touching at 
Annapolis. Fears were entertained of being fired into in passing- 
Alexandria, which was then in the hands of secessionists. To avoid 
provoking an attack, the men of the battery and all appliances of 
war were concealed from view, and a few persons in citizen's dress, 
among them Mrs. Samuel G. Arnold, who joined her husband at 
Philadelphia, courageously promenaded the upper deck of the 
steamer, giving it the appearance of a mere passenger boat. The 
apprehended point of danger was passed without molestation. May 
2d, the battery landed at the arsenal in Washington, and passeel in 
review before the president at the executive mansion. It quartered 
for a few days at the patent office. June 9th, the battery started one 
day in advance of the regiment, and proceeded by way of Baltimore, 
Harrisburg, Chambersburg, and Greencastle to Williamsport, Md., 
arriving there June loth. Resting a few days, the first and second 
sections of the battery under Captain Tompkins crossed the Potomac 
and went into camp at Falling Waters. On the following day it was 
ordered back to Washington, arriving there on the 20th. 

July 1st the battery started on its route by rail, and reached 
I [agerstown in 37 hours. After resting a short time, it advanced to 
Williamsport and encamped for the night. Passing over the Potc- 
mac with a body of infantry to operate against the rebels, it marched 
to Martinsburg, Va., and encamped near the 12th and 28th New York 
Volunteers. Soon after sunrise July 15th, General Patterson's grand 
column moved out of Martinsburg, with the battery on the right, and 
marched to Hunker Hill. Va. When within nearly two miles of that 
place, about 700 rebel cavalry appeared approaching, but on discov- 
ering the Union forces turned at once and retreated. The battery 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 249 

fired a number of rounds, shelling the woods, freeing them from any 
lingering party of the enemy, and mortally wounding one officer and 
two privates, and slightly injuring a sergeant. The battery took 
possession of the vacated rebel camp, the fires of which were still 
burning. On the third day, at 3 o'clock a. m., General Patterson's 
column commenced moving toward Charlestown. From there the 
battery marched, to Harper's Ferry, arriving the same evening. 
From Harper's Ferry the battery proceeded to Sandy Hook, where 
it was relieved after the battle of Bull Run by Battery A, Cap- 
tain William H. Reynolds commanding. The term of service having 
expired, the battery, under the command of Lieutenant Remington 
(Captain Tompkins being detained in Washington), set out for home. 
It reached Providence July 31st, and the next morning was provided 
with a sumptuous breakfast at Railroad Hall. August 6th the battery 
was mustered out of service. 

The 10th Light Battery, for three months' service, was raised 
simultaneously with the 9th and 10th regiments of three months' 
volunteers, and was recruited under the supervision of Captain 
Edwin C. Gallup. In May it left Providence for Washington in three 
detachments, the first under Lieutenant Samuel A. Pearce, Jr., the 
second under Lieutenants Frank A. Rhodes and Amos D. Smith, Jr., 
and the third under Captain Gallup and Quartermaster Sergeant Asa 
Lyman. On reaching Washington they proceeded to Tenallytown, 
and concentrated at Camp Frieze. The battery lay here improving 
in its drill until June 23d, when, in obedience to order, it moved for- 
ward to re-enforce General Banks. It was mustered out of service 
August 30th, 1862. During its absence it made a proficiency in artil- 
lery movements that excited the surprise and received the strong 
approbation of military visitants from Washington. 

Battery A, of the 1st Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was 
enlisted and organized simultaneously with the 2d Regiment Rhode 
Island Infantry, and with that regiment had its encampment on the 
Dexter Training Ground in Providence. It was mustered into service 
June 6th, 1861, and under the command of Captain William H. Rey- 
nolds embarked on board the transport steamer " Kill von Kull " for 
Washington June 19th. On arriving there it was attached to Bum- 
side's brigade, Hunter's division, McDowell's army corps. It remained 
at Camp Sprague until the movement of the army to Bull Run. There 
it opened the attack on the right. 

In August, in accordance with instructions from the secretary of 
war. a battalion of light artillery was organized, consisting of Lat- 
teries A, B and C, under command of Major Charles H. Tompkins, 
and in September following was constituted a regiment, Major 
Tompkins being appointed its colonel. The battery wintered at 
Poolesville, Md., and in March, 1862, after the operations against Win- 
chester, shared the fortunes of the army of the Potomac on the Pen- 



250 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

insula. It was engaged before Yorktown, at Fair Oaks, Peach 
Orchard, Savage's Station, Charles City Court House and Malvern 
Hill, and was the last battery to leave the hill when the arm)- fell 
back to Harrison's Landing. The battery participated in the battle 
of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13th, and in the battle of Marye's 
Heights, May 3d, 1863. At Gettysburg, Pa., on the 1st, 2d and 3d days 
of July following, it fought with distinguished bravery, losing five 
men killed and 23 wounded; 30 horses were also lost. October 14th 
it engaged the enemy at Bristoe Station, and aided in frustrating 
Lee"s attempt to get between the forces of General Meade and Wash- 
ington. On the 3d of May the battery commenced the grand march 
with the entire army toward Richmond. It was hotly engaged in 
several battles, known as the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania 
Court House, North Anna, etc., and lost a number of men wounded. 
It fought at Cold Harbor, May 30th. Here Lieutenant Peter Hunt 
was wounded in the foot, and was removed to the hospital at Wash- 
ington, where the limb was amputated. Sinking under the effects of 
the wound, he died June 14th. His remains were brought to Provi- 
dence, and on the 20th, after an impressive service in the Central 
Congregational church, were escorted to their last resting place by 
30 men of the battery. 

The term of service of the original three years' men having now 
expired, the battery comprising that class returned home under Cap- 
tain Arnold, and arrived in Providence Monday morning, June 13th. 
On the evening of June 15th a sumptuous complimentary supper was 
given to the battery at the City Hotel by a number of gentlemen 
whose interest in its welfare had been unabated through its long and 
honorable career. The battery was mustered out of service June 
18th. 

Less than 50 men of the battery remained in the field after the 
departure of those whose three years' term of service had expired. 
These were recruits and re-enlisted veterans. The command de- 
volved on Lieutenant Gamaliel Lyman Dwight, who reorganized it 
with admirable despatch. He procured men from other batteries of 
the corps to supply its deficiencies, and in three days announced the 
battery as ready for the front. On the 30th of September the battery 
was consolidated with Battery B, which act terminated a distinctive 
history marked by brilliant deeds. 

Battery B, 1st Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, left Provi- 
dence for Washington August 13th, 1861. On arriving there it was 
assigned to General Stone's command, afterward Sedgwick's corps, 
Army of the Potomac. October 21st, the left section, under the com- 
mand of Captain Vaughan, proceeded to Conrad's Ferry, to operate 
in the unfortunate battle of Ball's Bluff. In February, 1862, the bat- 
tery advanced to Winchester, Va. It moved with the army of the 
Potomac in the campaign of the Peninsula. It engaged the enemy 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 251 

before Yorktown, was subsequently present as a support at the battle 
of Hanover Court House, was under fire at Fair Oaks, was in position 
at Peach Orchard, Savage's Station and Malvern Hill, having several 
men wounded at the latter place. At the battle of Fredericksburg, 
Va., December 13th, the battery fought bravely under a hot fire, losing 
16 men killed and wounded, and 12 battery horses shot. At Gettys- 
burg the battery again went into action and came out with a heavy 
loss of horses, four men killed and 23 wounded. In the subsequent 
movements of the army of the Potomac up to the close of 1803, the 
battery handsomely maintained, especially at Bristoe Station and 
Mine Run, a well-earned reputation. It wintered in the valley of the 
Rappahannock. It was now attached to the First Division (Barlow's i, 
Second Army Corps, and shared in all the hard fights that marked the 
way to Petersburg. In the battle of the Wilderness it occupied a 
position in an open space in front of the advance line. At Todd's 
Tavern, four guns were placed in the front line in woods so dense 
that a road was cut for each gun, and when planted the eye could not 
penetrate 50 yards in advance. On the afternoon of the 9th of Maj , 
the battery reached the Po, and a section was sent forward to shell a 
wagon train beyond the river. The rebels replied, killing two men 
of the battery. On the 10th, Barlow's division was attacked by a 
greatly superior force, and was ordered to re-cross the Po. The bat- 
tery was sent to take position on a hill overlooking the river, to cover 
the crossing. This was done with complete success, the heavy and 
well directed fire upon the pursuing rebels causing them to seek 
shelter in the woods in great disorder. At this time one man was 
killed and four were wounded by an enfilading fire from a rebel- bat- 
tery on the left. On the 12th, the battery was stationed all day within 
500 yards of the rebel rifle-pits, where a sharp contest was carried on 
until after two o'clock on the morning of the 13th. On the 15th, Cor- 
poral McMeekin and Private Stephen Collins volunteered to run out 
and fasten ropes to two rebel guns that lay abandoned between the 
lines of sharpshooters, while a company of infantry should pull them 
within the Union lines. The dangerous enterprise was successfully 
accomplished. On the 19th the battery was severely engaged and 
lost one man. June 3d the battery had four men wounded at Cold 
Harbor, and in August five men wounded before Petersburg. Bat- 
teries A and B were now operated together under a single com- 
mander, though they were not officially consolidated until September 
3<»th, when the two took the name of Battery B, as mentioned in the 
sketch of Battery A. 

In the fierce battle of Ream's Station, August 25th, the combined 
battery A and B was nearly annihilated. The total of killed, wounded 
and missing numbered 52, with a loss of all the guns and 50 horses. 
The men served their guns faithfully and assisted in repelling three 
terrific assaults, but an overpowering force finally drove them from 



252 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

their posts; not, however, until some of the men had been killed at 
the cannon's side by the clubbed muskets of the enemy. This dis- 
aster reduced the battery to 72 men. The battery continued with the 
Second Corps in all its movements and battles until Lee's surrender. 
On the retreat of the rebel general from Richmond, the battery fol- 
lowed close upon his rear, and had its last fight at Farmsville. Thus 
closing its military life in the field, the battery comprising 135 en- 
listed men, under Lieutenant Chace, left Washington June 3d, and 
arrived in Providence on the 5th. The men were quartered at the 
Silvey barracks until mustered out of service, June 13th. 

By order of General Meade, March 7th, 1805, the following names 
of battles in which the battery had borne a meritorious part were 
directed to be inscribed on its colors: Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, Fair 
Oaks, Malvern Hill, Antietam, First Fredericksburg, Second Fred- 
ericksburg, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station. Reams' Station, Mine Run, 
Wilderness, Po River, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold 
Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom. 

Battery C was enlisted in Providence and went into camp at 
" Camp Ames," on the Warwick road, beyond Pawtuxet, was mus- 
tered into the United States service August 25th, 1861, and on the 
31st of the same month took the cars at Providence for Washington. 
On the 10th. of March, 1862, it moved with the grand army, first 
toward Manassas, and afterward by transports from Alexandria to 
the Peninsula. Landing at Fortress Monroe March 24th, the battery 
took up its line of march for Yorktown by way of Hampton, Great 
Bethel, New Market Bridge and Harwood's Mills. On the 5th of 
April it had its first fighting experience m front of Fort Magruder, 
one of the defenses of Yorktown. In this battle, which lasted from 
10 o'clock a. m. until late in the afternoon, Battery C lost one man 
killed. ( )n the 26th of June the great seven days' contest opened 
with the battle of Mechanicsville, where the battery was under fire. 
( )n the 27th it fought at Gaines' Farm with a vigor and bravery that 
commanded admiration. But courage and skill could not withstand 
the superior numbers hurled against the right wing of the federal 
army, and after repelling repeated charges, the battery was com- 
pelled to retire, losing severely in men and horses. Leaving this 
field of honorable disaster, the battery proceeded by Charles City 
Cross Roads to Turkey Bend, on the James river, and July 1st 
engaged in the bloody battle of Malvern Hill. The total losses at 
Gaines' Farm and Malvern Hill were five men killed, 21 wounded, 
om who died while being removed, five missing, three 3-inch 
ordnance guns, carriages and limbers, two caissons, two caisson 
bodies and 50 horses with their equipments. 

When the army of the Potomac withdrew from the Peninsula, 
the battery with its corps joined General Pope and took part in the 
second battle of Bull Run. The casualties were one man wounded, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 253 

six horses killed, and two sets of horse equipments lost. On the ] 2th 
of September the battery marched with the army for the field of An- 
tietam, and during the battle of the 17th was in the reserve. 

Moving again with the army, October 30th, the battery marched 
to the neighborhood of Potomac Creek, Va., and took an honorable 
part in the attack upon Fredericksburg, December 11th, J2th and 
13th. After the second attempt on Fredericksburg, December 30th, 
the battery remained in winter quarters. Nothing further of moment 
occurred until the last of April, 1863, when General Hooker put the 
army of the Potomac in motion to meet and measure strength with 
the rebel army at Chancellorsville. April 30th it crossed the Rapidan 
river at Ely's Ford, and reached Chancellorsville at noon of the same 
day. The battle of May 2d and 3d was fierce and bloody, and on both 
days the battery moved in various directions over the field, at one 
time reconnoitering, and at another taking position commanding 
some important point. 

The return march to the line of the Rappahannock commenced 
July 5th, was very severe on both men and horses. In the battle of 
Rappahannock Station, November 7th, the battery fired 160 rounds, 
and had two men wounded. At Mine Run, November 27th, it 
expended 150 rounds of percussion, fuse and shrapnell shell. The 
casualties were one man wounded and two horses killed. 

The winter of 1863-4 was passed at Hazle Run, with little inci- 
dent to relieve the dullness of life in close quarters. On the morning 
of May 4th, 1864, the battery broke camp and joined in the forward 
movement of the entire army toward Richmond. For the succeeding 
27 days it shared the fatigues and perils that beset the way to the 
Chickahominy. June 3d it reported to Major General Smith, com- 
manding the 18th Army Corps, at Cold Harbor, and took position in 
breastworks within 300 yards range of the rebel works. Here one 
man was killed by a rebel sharpshooter and one man was wounded. 
The battery remained at Cold Harbor until June 12th, when it 
moved toward the James river, which it crossed at Brandon on a pon- 
toon of 108 boats, and encamped near Petersburg on the 17th. 

In the beginning of July General Early made a raid on Washing- 
ton, and the 6th Army Corps was withdrawn from before Petersburg 
for its protection. The battery broke camp at midnight July 9th, 
and on the 11th embarked at City Point on board the hospital 
steamer " George Leary." It reached Washington about 11 o'clock 
on the night of the 12th and went into camp at Fort Stevens. The 
prompt arrival of the 6th Corps saved the capital from the grasp of 
the rebel general, who, disappointed of his purpose and conscious of 
the danger of his situation, made a hasty retreat. Pursuit, in which 
the battery joined, was immediate. An early return to share in the 
work before Petersburg was now anticipated, but the operations of 
the rebels on the Upper Potomac rendered the recall of the battery 



254 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

to that field necessary. For several weeks the battery was in inces- 
sant motion, now advancing and now retreating - , as circumstances 
demanded. The heat was excessive; the dust, thrown into clouds, 
filled the atmosphere, and the marching was severe. These com- 
bined, greatly exhausted men and horses. In the double battle at 
Cedar Creek, October 19th, which for fierceness and brilliancy has 
few parallels in American military history, the battery was hotly 
engaged, and suffered severely in men and horses. Lieutenant Reu- 
ben H. Rich and Sergeant George A. Perry were badly wounded. 
Corporal John Keating and 18 privates were also wounded. Two 
guns were lost, but were subsequently recovered. 

August 25th, preceding the above named battle, 44 men of the 
battery, whose three years term of service had expired, were mus- 
tered out near Harper's Ferry, and returned to Providence in charge 
of Lieutenant Rich, August 28th. A few days after they were paid 
off. December 23d, by order of the war department, the battery was 
consolidated with Battery G. By order of General Meade, the names 
of the following battles, in which it had borne a meritorious part, 
were directed to be inscribed upon its colors: Yorktown, Hanover 
Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mills, Malvern Hill, Second 
Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek. 

Battery D was enlisted in Providence, and was mustered into the 
service of the United States September 4th, 18(51. October 12th. it 
reported to General McDowell at Upton's Hill. It established there 
" Camp Dupont," and remained in quarters until March 9th, 1862, 
when it marched to Fairfax Court House, and was attached to General 
King's division of General McDowell's corps. Early in June it 
accompanied the corps in pursuit after Stonewall Jackson when on 
his famous raid up the Shenandoah Valley. It subsequently took 
part in the fights at Sulphur Springs and Groveton. It the latter 
battle, August 28th, several men were wounded severely and four 
were taken prisoners. In the battle of Bull Run, August 29th and 
30th, the battery lost 18 men in killed and wounded. 

After this disastrous battle, the battery returned with the 
army within the defenses of Washington, and marched with the 
army of the Potomac into Maryland, attached to General Hooker's 
corps. It participated in the victorious battle of South Mountain, 
September 14th. and on the 17th fought with great steadiness and 
bravery at Antietem. In this battle 39 men were lost, in killed, 
wounded and missing. Being subsequently assigned to the 9th 
Army Corps, for service in the Department of the Ohio, the battery 
proceeded to the Peninsula, and March 19th, 1803, departed from 
Newport News to join General Burnside. From April 9th to May 
8th, the battery marched in various directions 237 miles. July 12th 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 255 

it left Camp Nelson, Ky., for Cincinnati, ()., where it was employed 
in picket and other duties during the alarm caused by Morgan's 
guerrillas until August. 

After completing the service assigned to it in the Department of 
the Ohio, the battery returned to the East to rejoin the army of the 
Potomac. It came to Providence on a veteran furlough of 30 days, 
and had a handsome reception. From April 5th to the 25th, 1864, it 
was successively at Stevenson's Station, Kearnstown, Middletown, 
Summit Point, and near Winchester, Va. May 4th, it marched from 
Warrenton Junction as a part of the 9th Army Corps in the advance- 
on Richmond, Va., and on the 0th took position near General Grant's 
headquarters. 

When General Early retreated from his raid on Washington Bat- 
tery D received a new armament and joined in the pursuit. .Septem- 
ber 19th it marched to near Winchester, Va., and went into acticn 
with the 19th Corps, to which it was joined. In this battle four men 
were wounded and six horses were killed. On the 20th, it marched 
to Strasburg, Va.; on the 21st shelled the enemy; on the 22d engaged 
in the battle of Fisher's Hill, in which the rebels were put to rout 
with heavy loss; and at 6 o'clock P. M. marched for Woodstock, where 
it arrived at daylight on the 28d. From this date to the 30th, the 
battery was consecutively at Edinburg, New Market, Harrisonburg. 
Mount Crawford, and again at Harrisonburg. October 19th, it en- 
gaged in the battle of Cedar Creek, in which it had six men wounded 
and 24 horses killed. 

The battery continued in the Valley of the Shenandoah perfoim- 
ing such duties as were required of it until July 10th, 1865, when it 
left Winchester, Va., and proceeded to Providence under the com- 
mand of Captain Corthell. The battery was mustered out of service 
July 17th, leaving a record honorable alike to itself and to the state. 

Battery E was enlisted in Providence and had its encampment at 
" Camp Greene," previously occupied by the 4th Regiment Rhode Is- 
land Volunteers. It left for Washington early in October, 1861, and 
remained in " Camp Sprague " until November 5th, when it passed 
into Virginia and established a camp near Fort Lyon, southwest of 
Alexandria, which was named " Camp Webb." It was busily occu- 
pied during the siege of Yorktown until the evacuation, when it 
joined in pursuit of the rebels, and after the battle of Williamsburg 
Captain Randolph, with a section of his battery and a section of 
Thompson's U. S. under him, was the first to enter the town the next 
day. It passed through the fiery ordeal of the memorable "seven 
days," in which the right wing of the army swung round to the James 
river. In the battle of Malvern Hill it lost one man killed and four 
men wounded. It left the Peninsula with the army of the Potomac 
to join General Pope, and fought bravely at Bristoe Station, August 
27th, driving the enemy, and having- two men killed and two 



256 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

wounded. In the second battle of Bull Run, Captain Randolph 
posted his battery on the left of the Leesburg road, and delivered an 
effective fire. He lost two men killed and three taken prisoners. 
In the battle of Chantilly, September 1st, the destructive fire of the 
battery did much to decide the day. 

At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2d and 3d, 1863, Captain 
Randolph being chief of artillery, the battery was under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Pardon S. Jastram, and fought with great vigor. 
It was subjected to a galling enfilading fire, and suffered a loss of 
two men killed, 16 men wounded, and 24 horses killed, wounded and 
missing. At the battle of Gettysburg, Captain Randolph commanded 
the artillery brigade in General Sickles' (Third) corps. He had five 
batteries of his own brigade and three from the artillery reserve, in 
the battle, which were finely handled. Battery E was posted on the 
road from Gettysburg to Emmettsburg, near the Peach Orchard that 
formed the angle of the Federal lines. A concentrated rebel fire 
upon it caused a loss of 29 men killed or wounded, and 40 horses 
killed and disabled. 

On returning to the valley of the Rappahannock, the battery was 
active in the various movements of the army until winter. In the 
advance upon the rebels November 7th, it surprised the enemy at 
Kelly's Ford, and drove him across the river. The loss of the bat- 
tery was one man killed and two wounded. In the battle of Mine 
Run, November 27th, the battery took an efficient part, and had two 
men wounded. After this action, it went into winter quarters near 
Brandy Station. 

May 4th, 1864, the battery moved with the army to share in the 
successive battles fought from the Wilderness to Petersburg. 

June 1st, the battery reached Cold Harbor in the afternoon, and 
immediately engaged the enemy, expending ,083 rounds of ammuni- 
tion. On the 17th, it arrived before Petersburg, and the next day 
went into position within 300 yards of the enemy's skirmish lines. 
Changing to a point nearer the city, it threw solid shot into Peters- 
burg, being the first fired into the city. Its casualties were five men 
wounded and three horses killed. June 29th the battery accompanied 
the 6th Corps to Reams' Station to reinforce General Wilson. July 
1st it was in position to command the plank road from Reams' Sta- 
tion; the next day it marched with the corps to Williams' Farm; 
thence on the 9th to City Point, and on the 13th embarked for Balti- 
more. It arrived in Washington July 16th, and the next day was 
ordered back to City Point, where it arrived on the 19th. Through 
the residue of the year, the battery met promptly all the duties as- 
signed it. 

From the 29th of March until the morning of the 2d of April, 1865, 
the battery remained in position in "Fort Wadsworth," on the Wel- 
don railroad, where it had been since December 30th, 1864. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 257 

On closing its career on the Peninsula, the battery proceeded to 
Washington, and June 3d set out under Captain Jacob H. Lamb for 
Providence. It arrived from New York on the steamer " Galatea," 
on Wednesday, June 7th. The returned men numbered one hundred 
and forty. The battery was mustered out of service June 14th. The 
names of the following battles in which it had borne a meritori< us 
part were inscribed upon its colors: Yorktown, Charles City Cross 
Roads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Har- 
bor, Petersburg. 

Battery F was sent to Washington early in November, 1861, and 
quartered at " Camp Sprague." After a few weeks it proceeded to 
" Camp California," near Alexandria, Va., and thence to Annapolis. 
Aid., where it joined the North Carolina expedition under General 
Burnside. 

October 10th, the battery marched on an expedition to Elizabeth 
City, N. C, and returned to Newbern on the 16th without engage- 
ment, marching 425 miles. It was now called from the field of its 
first experience to mingle in struggles with succession on the Penin- 
sula. On the 3d of November it marched by the way of Dismal 
Swamp tow path to Deep Creek, Va., a distance of 41 miles, skirmish- 
ing with the enemy for about ten miles. On the 4th it marched to 
Portsmouth, Va., and embarked for Fortress Monroe. It disem- 
barked there on the 5th, and arrived on the same day at Newport 
News. The whole distance traveled was 320 miles. December 23d 
it left Newport News, and proceeded on board the steamer "Con- 
queror" to Point Lookout, Md., where it disembarked on the 24th. 

January 24th, 1864, the battery embarked on board transports 
and proceeded to Yorktown. It left Yorktown May 3d, proceeded 
to Newport News, and on the 4th embarked on board transports. 
Sailing up the James river, it disembarked at Bermuda Hundred, 
marched five miles toward Petersburg, and encamped May 6th. On 
the 12th of May it again left camp, and engaged the enemy on the 
Richmond and Petersburg Pike. In this engagement one man was 
killed and three men were severely wounded. ( )n the J6th a conflict 
occurred at Drury's Bluff, where Captain Belger was taken prisoner, 
and the command devolved on Lieutenant Thomas Simpson. The 
entire casualties were three men killed, eight wounded, four missing, 
26 horses, two guns and four limbers lost. It again left camp June 
22d, took position in the trenches in front of Petersburg, and skir- 
mished continually with the enemy until the 27th. During this time 
five men were wounded, and four horses were killed. The battery 
remained in position in the trenches until July 8th, and on the after- 
noon of that day engaged the enemy, having one man slightly 
wounded. 
17 



258 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

April 3d, 1865, Lieutenant Simpson, who was taken prisoner Octo- 
ber 27th, 1804, rejoined the battery, which, on the morning- of April 
7th, broke camp and marched to Richmond, where it was stationed, 
and June 27th was there mustered out of service. On the 1st of July 
it arrived in Providence direct from Richmond, coming from New 
York in the steamer " Galatea." 

Battery G left Providence for Washington, December 7th, 1861, 
and went into camp at " Camp Sprague," where it remained occupied 
in drill until January 3d, 1862, when it proceeded to Darnestown, 
Md. In February, the battery was at Edwards' Ferry, where it was 
visited by Governor Sprague. On the 15th of that month it was at 
Bolivar Heights, and from there it proceeded to Washington to join 
McClellan's advance on Richmond. March 29th it left Washington 
for Fortress Monroe, where it arrived April 2d. After landing, the 
battery proceeded up the Peninsula, and encamped seven miles from 
Yorktown. On the 28th, it was ordered to take position within 1,000 
yards of the rebel fortifications, which it did, and at night returned 
to "Camp Winfield Scott." During the siege, it was constantly en- 
gaged in picket duty and skirmishes with the enemy. On withdraw- 
ing- from the Peninsula, it marched by the way of Yorktown to 
Hampton, where it embarked for Alexandria. On the 17th it fought 
at Antietam, under Captain Owen, with great bravery. On the 6th 
of October, it was at Bolivar Heights. It left there on the 31st 
and crossed the Shenandoah. On the 5th of November it was at 
Upperville, and moving on, was in readiness, on the 13th of Decem- 
ber, to join in the assault on Fredericksburg. 

In this battle, before crossing the river, the battery was posted on 
the extreme right of the artillery line. On going over, it took posi- 
tion in the rear of Gordon's house and by a well directed fire of can- 
ister and the support of the 5th Michigan Infantry, drove back the 
rebels who had approached to within 150 yards in an attempt to seize 
the position. In the second battle of Fredericksburg, May 2d and 
3d, Captain Adams led his battery into the hottest of the fight. It 
was early sent forward to an exposed position to silence a rebel bat- 
ter)- about 600 yards distant, which it succeeded in doing. During 
the operation it was subjected to a heavy and fatal enfilading fire 
from a rebel battery on the right. The casualties were 24 men killed 
or wounded, 16 horses lost, and a gun carriage badly damaged. Ac- 
companying the army of the Potomac in June following, to drive the 
rebel forces under General Lee out of Pennsylvania, it took a gallant 
part in the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d. 

The battery returned with the army of the Potomac to the Valley 
of the Rappahannock. October 17th it was at Chantilly, Va., in the 
movement to head off General Lee in his attempt to flank General 
Meade, and get between his army and Washington. Later in the 
same month it was at Warrenton. In November it reported at 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 259 

Brandy Station. It went into winter quarters near Brandy Station, 
where 28 men were re-enlisted, and December 26th went home on a 
veteran furlough of 35 days. May 12th, 1864, it was engaged in the 
action near Spottsylvania Court House from 7 o'clock a. M. until 4 
o'clock p. M. and had one man wounded. June 2d, it participated in 
the battle of Cold Harbor, in which Lieutenant Charles V. Scott was 
wounded. It remained in position here until the 12th, when it 
marched to near Petersburg. 

In the battle of Winchester, September 19th, the battery was 
actively engaged; and on the 22d participated in the battle of 
Fisher's Hill. In the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, the battery 
was warmly engaged, and met with heavy losses. Six men were 
killed and 21 were wounded, including Lieutenant C. V. Scott, who 
subsequently died. 

After the battle of Cedar Creek, the battery returned to "Camp 
Barry," near Washington, where it received a new outfit of guns and 
equipments, and then proceeded to the front at Petersburg. In the 
spring of 1865, General Wright prepared for an assault with the 6th 
Corps upon the enemy's works. Captain Adams conceived the plan 
of scaling their defenses, getting possession of their guns, and turn- 
ing them upon the rebel force, or spiking and rendering them use- 
less, as circumstances might warrant. With the consent of General 
Wright he selected 17 men of his battery, and trained them carefully 
for the operation. On the 2d of April, the assault was made. Cap- 
tain Adams with his trained men advanced with the corps to the 
conflict, and rushing in with great impetuosity successfully accom- 
plished their object. The moral effect of this daring deed upon the 
army was inspiring, and awakened the greatest enthusiasm. In 
recognition of the value of this service, the war department in May, 
1866, directed handsome bronze medals, struck in honor of the event, 
to be presented to the following named persons: Sergeants John H. 
Haveron and Archibald Malbone; Corporals James A. Barber and 
Samuel E. Lewis; Privates Warren P. Franklin, Carl Guhl, Henry 
Krull, H. Griffith, Charles D. Ennis, Heniy Randall, Horace B. Tan- 
ner, Germon W. Potter, J. A. Taft, William F. Short, James Calla- 
han, John Corcoran and John P. Kronke. Twelve of these men were 
members of Battery C previous to its consolidation with Battery G, 
December 23d, 1864. 

After the fall of Petersburg, Battery G took part in the battle of 
Sailor's Creek, April 6th, and closed its long and active military ser- 
vices by joining in firing a salute in commemoration of General 
Lee's surrender. After marching to Richmond it set out for home. 
Accompanied by Battery H, it arrived in Providence Friday morn- 
ing. June 16th. They came from New York on a steamer of the Nep- 
tune line, and were received with a national salute, and the warm 
greetings of waiting friends. By order of General Meade the names 



260 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of the following battles in which it had meritoriously participated 
were directed to be inscribed upon its colors: Yorktown, Fair Oaks, 
Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Gettys- 
burg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek. 

Battery H was enlisted under Captain Charles H. J. Hamlen, and 
went into camp near Mashapaugpond. It recruited in its camp, while 
in Rhode Island, more than four times its complement of men, but in 
consequence of the many requisitions from batteries in the field whose 
ranks had been reduced by the casualties of war, it was deemed neces- 
sary to furnish them with recruits from this battery, and it was only 
after they had been thus supplied that it was completed and permit- 
ted to leave the state. On proceeding to Washington, October 23d, 
1862, it was assigned, ( )ctober 28th, to "Camp Barry," where it re- 
ceived three-inch rifled guns in place of the James pieces with which 
it left Rhode Island. 

In the spring of 1864, Battery H was transferred from the com- 
parative quiet of a defensive position to the more exciting scenes of 
aggressive war. On the 6th of May it marched to Rappahannock 
Station, on the 7th to the Rapidan river, on the 8th to near Chancel- 
lorsville, and on the 9th to near Spottsylvania Court House, where it 
joined the artillery reserve of the army of the Potomac. On the 11th 
its march was reversed to Marye's Cross Roads. It thence continued 
its march to Oak Hill, thence to Fredericksburg, thence to Falmouth 
and Belle Plain, where it joined General Abercrombie's division. 
Remaining here until May 24th, the battery marched to Westmore- 
land Plain, and the next day to Port Conway, crossing the Rappahan- 
nock to Port Royal. May 29th, Captain Allen shipped the battery on 
board the transport "St. Nicholas," on the 30th was off Port Royal, 
and on the 31st started for Washington in tow of the steamer "Gen- 
eral Hooker." June 4th he disembarked his men at the city, turned 
in ordnance stores, and marched to the Soldier's Rest; June 5th 
marched to Fort Richardson; left Fort Richardson July 10th for Fort 
Smith, and October Kith moved from thence to Camp Barry, where the 
battery was remounted. October 25th it left Camp Barry for City 
Point, Va., reported to the headquarters of the army of the Potomac, 
and October 30th was assigned to the artillery reserve. 

January 3d, 1865, the battery left City Point and marched to War- 
ren Station, and joined the artillery brigade of the 6th Army Corps. 
Passing over the winter life of the battery, the next prominent feat- 
ure of its remaining history is the part it took in the final grand as- 
sault upon the rebel works before Petersburg, April 2d. At 4^ o'clock 
a.m.. on the 2d, the battery moved forward with the division, and 
after crossing the rifle-pits, opened upon a section of artillery, which 
had a Hank fire on the federal infantry. It was soon driven off, when 
the battery ceased firing, moved to the left, brought up the caissons. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 261 

and awaited orders. It then moved forward with the skirmish line, 
and engaged with a rebel battery, which soon had to leave its posi- 
tion. It was followed up until arriving- a t the Whitworth House, 
where Battery H went into position. The enemy placed a rifle bat- 
tery in position on the left, and obtained an enfilading fire at 1,700 
yards, being beyond the extreme range of Captain Allen's guns. He 
was then ordered by Major Cowan to withdraw his guns, which he 
did, and went into park in rear of the first division headquarters for 
the night. In this day's action four men and ten horses were killed, 
and six men were wounded. 

The battle of Sailor's Creek, though less severe than the assault 
in which the 6th Corps engaged on the 2d, was nevertheless a hard 
fought action, and resulted in the entire rout of the cnemv. On the 
7th, Battery H continued with the 6th Corps in pursuit of the flying- 
rebels to Farmsville, where a fight occurred, and from which place 
Lieutenant General Grant sent a note to General Lee suggesting that 
a surrender of his armies would prevent a further effusion of blood, 
and offering honorable terms. This proposition was held in abey- 
ance until April 9th, when it was accepted, and the war of the rebel- 
lion in Virginia practically ceased. 

Terminating its services in the cause of constitutional freedom in 
June, the battery set out for home, and arrived in Providence on the 
16th of that month. The battery was mustered out of service June 
28th, 1865. 

When the war ceased all hearts felt the relief, as of a burden 
rolled away, and the return of the people to the channels of peaceful 
occupation was as ready and as natural as the fall of an apple to the 
earth. The news of the surrender of Lee's army in April, 1865, awak- 
ened sounds of rejoicing, the excess of which were soon hushed by 
the sad news of the assassination of President Lincoln, and the city 
which was but just donning the robes of rejoicing, now assumed the 
habiliments of mourning, while she listened, with flags at half mast, 
to the tolling of her bells for the death of a nation's executive head. 
But even so great a cause of lamentation could not long depress the 
spirits which were rising in gladness at the prospect of returning 
peace and the return of friends who had for years been absent at the 
scenes of war. As one after another of the organizations came 
marching back again to their homes, the people met them with a 
shout of welcome and rejoicing. The energies which had become 
excited by the requirements of the war to unusual activity were not 
suppressed, but were turned into other channels and allowed to flow 
on. The city had suffered no depletion of its population or financial 
prosperity. From the year 1860 to 1865 it had grown in population 
from 50,066 to 54,595, and in assessed valuation from $58,131,800 to 
$80,564,300. The establishments which had been engaged in manu- 
facturing implements of war were now turned to the production of 



262 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

implements of peace. The " swords were beaten into plowshares and 
spears into pruning hooks," and popular education, instead of popu- 
lar destruction, received the benefactions of the most liberal appro- 
priations from the city treasury. 

In order to commemorate the sacrifice of the lives of the sons of 
Rhode Island in the war by an enduring monument, placed in a con- 
spicuous position, the general assembly, in January. 1867, appointed 
a committee of prominent citizens of the state, headed by General 
A. E. Burnside, to secure a site and superintend the erection of a 
monument in the city of Providence to the memory of the officers 
and men in the army and navy of the United .States from the state of 
Rhode Island who fell in battle, and who died of their wounds or 
from sickness, in the late rebellion. The monument was designed 
by Randolph Rogers, of Rome, Italy. The wisdom of the committee 
was shown in the selection of a site in Exchange Place, near the rail- 
road depot, one of the most conspicuous and public situations to be 
found in the city. It consists of a statue of America, 10 feet high, 
standing upon a pedestal 32 feet from the ground. The pedestal is 
of granite, the statue and tablets and other mountings of bronze, 
which were cast in Munich. The bronze figure holds in the left hand 
a sword depending at her side, while in her extended right hand she 
offers a wreath. Below, upon projecting abutments at each corner, 
stand bronze statues representing the infantry, cavalry, artillery and 
naval services. The names of 1 ,767 officers and men are engraved 
upon the bronze tablets and panels distributed upon the sides of the 
pedestal. Between the corner projections are bas-reliefs typifying 
War, Victory, Peace and History. The platform of the base is 
reached by a flight of five steps, which are broken at each corner by 
pedestals bearing mortars and balls. The whole stands in a small 
grass plat, enclosed by a handsome fence of granite and iron. The 
cost of the monument was $60,000. 

The monument having been completed and placed in position, 
the ceremonies of unveiling it took place, by order of the governor 
of the state, Saturday, September 16th. 1871. A platform with seats 
to accommodate 2,300 persons was raised on three sides of the monu- 
ment, and tickets admitting to this were issued to the families of de- 
ceased soldiers and sailors and to invited guests. The annual muster 
of the militia was suspended by order of the governor, and all the 
uniformed companies in the state were required to appear in Provi- 
dence to take part in the proceedings of dedication. To provide for 
the veterans of the war and the uniformed militia of the state, the 
whole of Exchange Place was enclosed and guarded by a large body 
of policemen. 

A large number of military organizations and other organizations, 
with bands of music interspersed, took up the line of march through 
Broadway, Knight, High, Broad, Dorrance, Westminster, South 



history of providencf/couxty. 263 

Main, Transit, Benefit, Meeting, North Main and Steeple streets, to 
Exchange Place. The whole line of streets through which it passed 
was alive with flags and waving handkerchiefs. Nearly 2,0C0 veter- 
ans were in the ranks. With the uniformed militia they formed at 
the east end of Exchange Place, and at a given signal the whole body, 
about 4,000 strong, in solid phalanx, the lines reaching clean across 
the open space, marched up to the monument. The solid host thus 
presented, with the many tattered battle flags which the veterans 
bore, their blue uniforms, the brilliant clothes of the citizen soldiers, 
the gleaming of the muskets with set bayonets, and the firm and 
regular marching to the music of 16 bands, was one of the grandest 
sights of the kind ever witnessed by 7 the city of Providence. The 
enthusiasm which it excited in the thousands of spectators, who 
occupied every available foot of standing room in the neighborhood, 
found expression in prolonged cheers and waving of handkerchiefs. 
The dedicatory ceremonies consisted of instrumental music, singing 
by a choir of 300 voices, introductory remarks by Governor Padel- 
ford, prayer by Doctor Thayer, of Newport, an oration by Reverend 
Augustus Woodbury, the singing of a memorial hymn, and benedic- 
tion by Reverend Doctor Caswell, president of Brown University. 
The memorial hymn, written for the occasion by Mrs. Sarah Ellen 
Whitman, is so rich in beautiful expression of inspiring thoughts 
that we cannot refrain from quoting it here. It is as follows: 

" Raise the proud pillar of granite on high. 

Graced with all honors that love can impart ; 
Lift its fair sculptures against the blue sky. 

Blazoned and crowned with the trophies of art, 

Crowned with the trmmphs of genius and art ! 
Long may its white columns soar to the sky, 

Like a lone lily that perfumes the mart. 
Lifting its coronal beauty on high. 

" Sons of Rhode Island, your record shall stand 

Graven on tablets of granite and bronze : 
Soldiers and sailors beloved of our land. 

Darlings and heroes, our brothers and sons,— 

Gray-bearded heroes and beautiful sons! 
Soldiers and sailors, the flower of our land, 

Deep, as on tablets of granite and bronze, 
Graved on our hearts shall your bright record stand. 

" Swell the loud psalm, let the war trumpets sound; 

Fling the old tlag to the wild autumn blast; 
High in Yalhallah our comrades are crowned. 

There may we meet when life's conflicts are past,- 

Meet in the great Hall of Heroes at last ! 
High in Yalhallah our comrades are crowned, 

Swell with hosannas the wild autumn blast ! 
Let the full chorus of voices resound ! " 



CHAPTER IX. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— TRADE AND COMMERCE. 



Favorable Site for Commerce. — Early Commercial Importance. — Growth and Decline 
of Foreign Commerce. — Prominent Commercial Houses. — Statistics and Reminis- 
cences. — Foreign Voyages. — Providence Business Establishments in 1814. — Shipping 
Statistics after the War of 1812. — Merchants of that Time. — Shipbuilding. — Early 
Bank Directors. — Packet Lines. — To Coastwise Cities. — To Points on the Bay. — 
Whale Fishing Enterprises. — Fish Barges.— Decline of the Shipping Interests. — 
First Steps toward Railroad Building. — Boston and Providence. — New York, Provi- 
dence and Boston. — Providence and Worcester. — Hartford, Providence and Fish- 
kill. — Providence and Bristol. — Seekonk Branch. — Providence and Springfield. — 
Union Horse Railroad. 



THE physical features in the situation of Providence have played 
a most important part in making the city what it is. Founded 
in a locality where the waters of rivers mingle with those of 
the sea, its business interests have been shaped and guided in turn by 
each of them. When the bay ceased to be the principal source of 
prosperity to the city and state, the streams were utilized for indus- 
trial purposes, and Providence, though its foreign commerce de- 
clined, grew in importance as the center of thriving manufacturing 
industries. Those, therefore, who are disposed to look lightly upon 
this city as a commercial port should notoverlook with what rapidity 
and wisdom its leading citizens retired from one sphere of subsist- 
ence to another. It was, in fact, the only thing left for the popula- 
tion of the state to do if it would keep in the march of business 
progress. Had it not done so, its fate would have been similar to 
tli at of many other seaport towns which have dwindled in population 
and importance. The commerce of Providence before the revolution, 
as compared with that of other cities, was large, and it was virtually a 
colony of sailors, seafaring men, shipbuilders and merchants. The 
revolutionary war, however, brougdit a serious check to the commercial 
prosperity of the state, and especially of Newport, the British block- 
ade of the coast and the occupation of the bay by the English scat- 
tering the population and placing a check on commercial enterprise. 
It is unfortunate that no official record of the early mercantile 
operations in Providence has been kept. A perfect record of arriv- 
als at this port and departures therefrom, the amount of goods bought 
here and where they were obtained, as well as the destination of our 
products, the amount of trade carried on from year to year, a record 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 265 

even of bank clearings, important changes in various lines of busi- 
ness and industries, the amount of capital invested in ordinary busi- 
ness enterprises, all of this would be invaluable to the business man 
and all interested in the welfare of the community. In the absence 
of any such records, any history of the trade and commerce of Provi- 
dence must necessarily be in some respects imperfect. Fortunately. 
however, there are those still living who have taken pains to pre- 
serve many facts of importance relating thereto, either gleaned from 
personal experience or obtained from those who have long since 
passed away. A business man's diary kept in a very intelligent 
manner at the time of the war of 1812 and shortly after, a few old 
newspaper articles written by men who have long since passed the 
age of three-score years, statistical articles, historical addresses, cen- 
sus reports and personal interviews with those whose memory is re- 
markably keen, and who have taken the pains to preserve many 
items of interest, are the sources from which the facts given in this 
article have been obtained. 

Although the latter part of the eighteenth century saw the birth 
and early struggles of many manufactures, yet the greater part of 
the wealth of the state was invested in commerce. In 1790 the state- 
ment was made in the United States congress that there was a 
greater number of vessels belonging in Providence than in New 
York, and that it was a place of more navigation than any of its size 
in the Union. Trade was carried on with the East and West Indies, 
and with Europe and China. A Providence ship, the " George Wash- 
ington," owned by John Brown, was one of the earliest to bear the 
national flag of the new American Union to the ports of China, and 
the wharves at India point and South Water street for a long time 
were crowded with ships trading to European and West Indian ports. 
Their decline in numbers may be dated after the first decade of the 
present century. Not, however, until 1841 was the last arrival and 
last clearance of Indiamen at this port. 

Among the early pioneers of Providence who were carrying on an 
active business in the early part of this century may be mentioned 
the houses of Brown & Ives, Samuel Butler & Sons, Edward Carring- 
tori and the Nightingales and Russells. The house of Brown & 
Ives, which made the nucleus of its wealth by the tea and silk trade 
with China, carried on trade with all parts of the world. Their ships 
entered every commercial port, they were well known for their 
business enterprise and integrity, and no house in the country pos- 
sessed a better credit. They owned seven or eight vessels, and when 
Providence was a town of only eight or ten thousand inhabitants 
they had successfully established themselves as shipping merchants 
and were doing a very remunerative trade. 

They built the " Ann and Hope " in 1798, an account of whose 
fortunes and misfortunes would prove to be very interesting read- 



266 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE county. 

ing. She was named after Ann, the wife of Nicholas Brown, and 
Hope, the wife of Thomas P. Ives. The dimensions of the craft 
were as follows: Keel 98 feet in length; beam 32 feet 1 inch; hold 13 
feet; between decks 6 feet 4 inches. She registered 550 tons. She 
was built altogether of white oak timber, cut in the winter of 1795, 
and thoroughly water-seasoned. All possible pains were taken in 
her construction to make her durable and perfect. The total cost 
of the ship was over $50,000. Her first voyage was to Canton, China. 
She took out hard dollars packed in five iron-bound kegs and 31 
boxes. A return cargo was procured and she sailed direct for Provi- 
dence in February, 1799, with 1,725 chests of Bohea tea and nearly 
1,500 chests of various other teas^ and gun-powder; 130 boxes of 
china ware, dinner and tea sets; 500 bales of nankins, containing 
50,000 pieces; eight boxes containing 392 pieces of assorted silks. 
vShe carried a crew of 56. In payment for the cargo, Mr. Samuel 
Snow, the supercargo, used the hard dollars and for the balance 
gave notes, in behalf of Brown & Ives, at 20 months, payable in Can- 
ton, to the security merchants, Consequa and others. The ship 
reached home June 15th, 1799. 

In her following voyages, she took out pickled and dried fur 
skins and kegs of hard dollars; hogsheads of West India rum, etc., 
tobacco, Havana sugars, barrels of flour, tons of logwood and fustic. 
At London she would take on board for Canton, broadcloths, long 
ells, Prussian blue, watches, glass ware, cutlery, porter, beer and ale. 
She would return with teas, sugar, cassia, silks, ribbons, fans, china 
ware, mats, window blinds, umbrellas and sweetmeats. Her fourth 
and fifth voyages were from Providence to Batavia, Cowes, Amster- 
dam, vSt. Petersburg and home via New York. The ship sailed from 
Warwick Neck, May 20th, 1802, arrived at Batavia, August 22d, after 
a passage of 94 days. Included in the cargo were spermaceti can- 
dles, Russia ducks and sheetings, camblets and cloths and crown 
glass. Her return cargo consisted of sugars and coffee. She came 
home by way of Cowes, Isle of Wight, Amsterdam, Cronstadt and 
New York, stopping at these places to trade and change cargoes. 

Her sixth and last voyage was from Providence to Batavia, via 
Lisbon and the Isle of France, and return via Cape of Good Hope 
( 'owes, for orders, or direct to Providence. She returned with 
coffee, sugar and pepper. She sprung a leak and put into the Isle 
of France for repairs, which cost about $20,000. Just off the island 
she was boarded by the English man-of-war. "Tremendous." Com- 
modore Osborn, and detained six hours while undergoing the 
strictest search. Finally the commodore refused the ship liberty to 
enter port, but subsequently, after close examination, revoked the 
order and allowed her to land. After leaving the Cape of Good 
Hope nothing of note occurred until January 10th, when the ship 
struck on Block Island. As soon as the island was sighted the ship's 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 2G7 

course was altered so as to pass it on the out or south side. The cap- 
tain, however, turned her course too quickly to pass around the 
island, and she ran aground. The ship beat on the rocks until she 
finally went ashore. The coffee bags were all broken and nearly all 
the coffee lost. The crew were saved except three, but the sugar 
was all melted and only about 60 bags of pepper were drifted on 
shore. Her entire cargo was worth about $300,000. The experience 
of this vessel is given somewhat in detail, for it shows the manner in 
which trade was carried on with foreign countries. 

The Carringtons owned ships which sailed to all countries, and 
their credit was also first-class. The same, indeed, may be said of the 
others. Some of the old-time merchants were very hazardous. Sam- 
uel Butler, it appears, made a fortune in revolutionary times by sail- 
ing his own sloop from this port to Alexandria, Va. He was en- 
gaged in the flour trade. His earliest business, however, was that of 
shoemaking. At one time he converted all the wealth that he had 
into French bills of exchange and invested them in Parisian broad- 
cloth at $4 per yard. An English fleet being all along the coast, it 
was a dangerous undertaking, but luckily his goods reached Boston, 
were carried overland to Providence, and sold for $12 a yard. 

Of course the war of 1812 drove Rhode Island vessels from the 
sea, and placed quite a serious check upon commerce. It was the 
cause of great activity in the manufacturing industries, however. 
The opening up of the fertile lands of the West, the cotton, woolen 
and other manufacturing interests, absorbed a good deal of Rhode 
Island capital. As before stated, however, it was not until 1841 that 
the last arrival and clearance, even of Indiamen, at this port occur- 
red; and in the period from about 1810 to 1850, Providence was promi- 
nent as a commercial port. 

In 1814 Providence was a town of about 12,000 inhabitants, con- 
taining about 1,500 houses, of which 125 were brick and stone. The 
public buildings were seven meeting houses, one market, one court 
house, one gaol, one poor house. There were 3 banks in town, 9 gold- 
smiths, 19 dry goods stores, 5 book stores, 6 taverns, 25 boarding 
houses, 20 cotton warehouses, 5 auction offices, 25 shoemakers' stores, 
8 blacksmiths, 10 tailors' stores, 10 cook and oyster cellars, 100 grog 
shops, 12 druggists' and surgeons' offices, 10 hat stores, 20 lawyers' 
and constables' offices, 1 confectioner's store, 4 crockery and glass 
stores, 4 paint stores, 1 portrait painter, 4 printing offices, 10 milli- 
ners' stores, 4 insurance offices, 2 brokers' offices, 1 exchange office, 
15 hairdressers, 5 hardware stores. The diary from which the fore- 
going information is obtained adds that " many poore men and women 
get their living by selling round the streets, cakes, apples, nuts, beer, 
oranges, pyes, &c." The importance of Providence as a commercial 
port may be seen from the fact that on March 4th, 1814, there were 
between 130 and 140 vessels in port. From the middle of February. 



268 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1815, when peace was declared between England and the United 
vStates, to March 3d, there were entered at the custom house 12 sloops, 2 
schooners, 2 ships and 1 brig. On March 13th there were cleared 4 
ships, 1 brig. "2 schooners and 3 sloops; on March 16th, 5 ships, 1 
schooner and 3 sloops. 

Looking over a list of entries and clearances at this port it is seen 
that in 1S15 there were vessels plying between here and Savannah, 
Wilmington, Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, the West Indies, 
Halifax. Canton, Matanzas, Amsterdam, New Orleans, Havana, Leg- 
horn, Alexandria, Liverpool, Copenhagen, Africa, Turk's Island, Lis- 
bon. Gaudalonpe, Gibraltar, St. Petersburg, Martinique, Bordeaux, 
East Indies, Stockholm, and many other places. 

From the declaration of peace, in February, up to May 16th, 1815, 
there had entered this port 1 barque, 38 ships, 23 brigs, 18 schooners 
and 111 sloops, or 191 vessels all told. The number of brick and 
stone buildings had then increased to 102; 67 being on the east side 
and 35 on the west. The increased building on the west side was 
then noted, and the handsomest thoroughfare was Westminster street. 
Two lines of wagon's were then running from this port to Boston, one 
arriving on Tuesdays and the other on Fridays. There was a regu- 
lar line of packets, twelve in number, plying between here and New 
York continuously: also regular lines from Philadelphia, Baltimore, 
Savannah, Nantucket and New Bedford. 

The most enterprising merchants in Providence then were 
Brown & Ives, who owned numerous vessels, among which may be 
mentioned the old ship " Ann and Hope," the ship " Isis " (which in 
1S03 made a voyage around the globe), the ship "Asia," the ship 
" Charlotte," the ship " John Jay," the " Pilgrim," the " Hector," the 
" Patterson," the " Hanover," the " Hope," the " Two Catharines." 
the brig " Packet," the ship " Washington " and others. Mr. Edward 
Carrington at this time owned the ship " Nancy," the ship " Trum- 
bull," the brig " Viper " and others. Sailing from this to foreign 
ports about that time may be mentioned the ship " Mentor," the ship 
"Arthur," the " General Hamilton," the schooner "Farmer's De- 
light," the ship " Tyre," the brig "Miles Standish," the brig " Eagle," 
the sloop " Rising Sun," the ship " Aldebaran," the brig "Brilliant," 
the " Mary Ann," the ship " George and William," the sloop " Rolla," 
the brig "Governor Hopkins," the ship " Nancy," the brig " Grand 
Turk." the ship " Hanover," the ship " Mercury," the brig " Venus," 
the ship "Hunter," the brig "Cyclops" (which was "kettle-bot- 
tomed"), the brig "Horizon," the ship "John Brown," the ship 
'• Atlas." the brig " Argus," the brig "James," and others. Locking- 
over the arrivals at this time we find these ships bringing silk, teas, 
etc., from China to Brown & Ives, molasses and sugar from the West 
Indies to William Richmond & Co., cotton from New Orleans to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 269 

manufacturers, cargoes of hides from Buenos Ayres to Cyrus Butler 
& Co., bar iron and steel from Guttenberg to Brown & Ives. 

Among the different kinds of business carried on and the names 
of old time business men, dating from about 1800 up to 1845 and 
1850, may be mentioned the following in addition to those already 
given: General commission merchants— Holder I nicer & Co., John 
B. Chace, Carlyle & Manton, Thomas Sessions, Thomas L. Halsey, 
Samuel Nightingale & Co.. Amasa Mason & Co., William Blodgett & 
Co., George S. Rathbone & Co., Martin Stoddard & Co. Several of 
these gentlemen did a large business as importers from foreign and 
domestic ports, dealing in all kinds of merchandise, such as flour, 
molasses, all kinds of grain and supplies, rum, gin, wines, cloths, etc. 
They were wealthy and responsible merchants of undoubted credit 
and business integrity. Among the early wholesale grocers may be 
named Seth Padelford & Co., Truesdale & Rhodes, Ebenezer Day 
& Sons, Randall H. Green & Co., Wheaton, Jackson & Anthony, 
Samuel and William Foster & Co. 

Wholesale and retail merchants in drugs, medicines, china, dye- 
woods and supplies for manufacturing purposes were: John H. 
Mason & Son, Earle P. Mason & Co., Alexander F. Adie, Manton & 
Hallett, Dyers & Manton, Benjamin and Charles Dyer, John A. 
Wordsworth, George H. Hoppin, B. & T. C. Hoppin; all of whom had 
more or less to do with the commercial business of Providence as im- 
porters from foreign and domestic ports. Wholesale and retail deal- 
ers in flour and grain: Seth Adams, Daniel Arnold, David Barton, 
George S. Rathbone & Co. (afterward Rathbone & Gardiner). Willard 
Joslin, Israel H. Day & Co., Jesse B. Sweet, Spellman & Metcalf, 
Hazard, Cook & Knight, B. B. & R. Knight. Quite a number of busi- 
ness men were located on Christian hill, among whom may be men- 
tioned Thomas Henry, I. G. Manchester & Co., Benjamin Whitman 
& Sons, Remington & Co. Some of these retailed grain, groceries 
and liquors. Wholesale and retail dealers in all kinds of lumber: 
Asa & Jonathan Pike, Austin Gurney & Co., John Oldrield & Co., 
Tyler & Ide, James Aborn. These last three firms hael their lumber 
yards all locateel above the Weybosset bridge, and their lumber was 
rafted up into the cove. The rest of these lumber dealers had their 
yards located at the south end, toward Fox Point, on the east side. 

The elealers in hardware and iron were Jonathan Congdon & 
Sons (whose house is still in existence on Steeple street i, Peter Grin- 
nell & .Sons, Olney Dyer & Co., Joseph Belcher & Co., Benjamin 
Allen, Aaron Man, Barker & Whitaker, Rufus Waterman & Co., 
Duty Evans & Co., Brown & Ives, Richmond Bullock, E. Carrington 
& Co. Among the cotton merchants may be named B. D. Weeden, 
Cook & Brown, Beckwith & Persons. Orray Taft & Co., Amos D. & 
James Y. Smith, Stafford & Lothrop, Hezekiah Anthony, William 
Viall, Daniel Howland and Thomas Aldrich, Stephen Waterman, 



270 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Truesdale & Rhpdes, Shubael Hntchins & Co., William P. Robinson 
& Co.. Burden & Bowen, Manton & Hallett, B. & T. C. Hoppin, Sam- 
uel Ames. Old salt merchants: Aborn & Jackson. Commission mer- 
chants in coffee, wines, Santa Cruz rum, teas, etc.: Greene & Carter. 

The Carringtons owned the ships " Lion," the " Franklin," the 
" Superior." the " Panther " and the " Providence." All of these 
would go out in ballast, taking kegs of specie, there being no bills of 
exchange, would buy tea and return to Providence. The ships would 
measure from 300 to 500 tons. After the arrival of the tea smaller 
vessels, of about 200 tons burthen, would be loaded with it and sent 
to Europe and the Mediterranean sea, where it would be sold at an 
immense profit. Colonel John Andrews did a large business between 
here and the west coast of Africa. He owned the brigs " Romp " and 
" Helen." These would be loaded with hogsheads of new rum, 
tobacco, powder, beef, pork, flour, beans, rice, corn, meal, cases of 
muskets and other Yankee notions, and sent to the west coast of 
Africa. Among the cargo would be' 150 to 200 five-gallon kegs 
painted in such a way as to attract the attention of the natives. 
These would be filled with rum from the puncheons on arriving 
there, and a brisk trade carried on with the natives for gold dust and 
ivory. There would also be brought back, besides the gold dust and 
ivory, palm oil, camwood, coffee, peanuts and other products of the 
const. The round voyage wo'ulcl occupy from seven to nine months. 
These vessels would land their cargoes at the Long Wharf (now Cus- 
tom House street), the dock being where Almy"s and Daniels' build- 
ings are now. Samuel Gladding & Co. were also engaged in the 
trade with the west coast of Africa. This firm owned the brigs 
" Smithfield," " Splendid " and ,l Roderick Dhu." The)' did a very 
large business in the same way. Cyrus Butler did an immense busi- 
ness in the Russian trade. He owned the famous bark " George and 
William " and other vessels, which would go South and load with 
cotton for Russia. They would bring back linen, saltpetre, iron, 
hemp and canvas duck. 

Fifty years ago and earlier, many of the large vessels, ships and 
barks, owned in Providence, would go South and load with cotton for 
all ports in Europe, and would return with various kinds of produce, 
and occasionally, on their return, would stop at Pictou or Sidney, 
Nova Scotia, and bring coal to Providence, as coal w T as in good de- 
mand here at that time, not many of the soft coal mines in this 
country being then in operation. Brigs and large schooners would 
also go to southern ports and load with lumber, cotton, tar, pitch, tur- 
pentine, peanuts, rice and other southern products, and some corn at 
New Orleans, and bring them here. Those trading to the West In- 
dies would bring molasses, coffee, oranges, logwood, pimento, lignum- 
vitse, honey and other products of the islands. This trade was kept 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 271 

up until lines of steamers began to be built to run to New York, 
whence it could be brought here cheaper. 

William Richmond & Co. did a large business in the West India 
trade. Their office was located where the custom house now is. They 
owned eight or ten brigs, which sailed to Cuba, among which maybe 
named the "Fame," "Sampson," "Busy," "Tom Cringle, " Sypax 
and Marcia," and others. They would send out onions raised in 
Bristol, potatoes, vegetables, beans, flour, corn-meal, hoop-poles, beef, 
pork, empty hogsheads and Yankee notions, and would return with 
molasses, coffee, sugar in boxes and oranges to make stowage. This 
molasses would often be converted into New England rum, as there 
were several distilleries here at that time. This would then be ship- 
ped to Africa and other places and exchanged for the products of the 
country. Several firms were extensively engaged in the West India 
trade, and among them may be named William Church & Co., Cady 
& Brown, Richmond Bullock, Pearce & Bullock, William Blodget ; t & 
Co., Wheaton, Jackson & Co., and Cady & Aldrich. The West India 
goods would be landed at the Long Wharf. 

Among those engaged in the East African trade were Rufus Green, 
Benjamin R. Arnold and William S. Arnold. Their vessels were of 
about 300 tons capacity, and were all owned here except the " Na- 
thaniel Coggeshall." Among the ships employed in this trade may 
be named the bark "Maryland," Captain Jell)'; the " Sea Ranger," 
Captain Hall; the " Parodi," Captain Jones, which was lost off Block 
Island; the " Montgomery," Captain Hall; the "Ariel," Captain Jelly; 
the brig " Hollander," Captain Lovett; and the " Nathaniel Cogges- 
hall," Captain Hamlin. Their cargoes out would be domestic goods 
in bales, bread, beans, powder, muskets, beef, pork, flour and a gen- 
eral assortment of Yankee notions. The return cargo would com- 
prise coffee, dates, palm oil in large quantities, ivory, pepper, spices, 
nutmegs, cloves, ginger, and the products of the country. After 
their arrival here they would be shipped to different ports. New 
York and Boston merchants being purchasers as well as others. 

Before leaving this portion of the subject it may be well to state 
that after the destruction of the first "Ann and Hope," owned by 
Brown & Ives, they built another ship, to which they gave the same 
name. She ran successfully between 1809 and 1835 in the East India 
and European trade. 

A half century ago shipbuilding was carried on very extensively 
here. A fine ship called the "American," of 600 tons, was built by 
Mr. Horse well, on Peck's wharf, now called Hopkin's pier, for S. & 
A.B.Arnold. This ship was sailed by Captain John T. Childs. of 
Warren, R. I. The ship " Eliza and Abbey," 200 tons, and the 
" Rhode Island," 400 tons, were built on Eddy's point, near Point 
street, by Edward Barstow & Son. Captain Cyrus B. Manchester 
commanded both of these ships. A large number were built on 



272 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

India street also by Frank Allen, where White's coal yard now is. 
The "Haidee," which was a fast sailer, was built there. She was 
commanded by Captain Tillinghast, who died in Canton, China, 
whence the ship was brought home by Captain Treadwell. Three 
schooners were built for the pine wood trade, also the "A. H. Man- 
chester," Captain J. R. Potter, the "Wonder," Captain F. French, the 
" D. W. Vaughn," Captain Edwards, and the " T. J. Hill," Captain 
Thomas Rich. The ship yard was afterward carried on by Salisbury 
& McLeod. The latter built in 1850 the ship " Island Queen," 400 
tons, and the "John Farnum," 200 tons, at the corner of Point and 
Eddy streets, the former being commanded by Captain Ruggles, and 
the latter by Captain Julius Baker. The steamboat "John W. Rich- 
mond " was built at Eddy's point, by Colonel J. S. Eddy. She was 
200 feet long, 24 feet beam and 12 feet deep. She ran from India 
point to New York, making the distance in from 10 to 12 hours. 
Colonel Eddy also built the steamer "Kingston," which was sold to 
New York parties. He also built the brigs " Smithfield " and " Orray 
Taft " and the bark " Roger Williams," at the foot of Elm street. 
Mr. Horsewell built the " Republic," 900 tons, commanded by Cap- 
tain Daniel Jackson. Isaac Ellis built the bark " Isaac Ellis," 250 
tons, the brig " Lackawanna," 200 tons, and the brig "Himalaya," 
190 tons, on the Pawtucket river, where Smith's coal yard now is. 

Of course the extensive commerce carried on at this port in the 
first part of the century and the varied enterprises in manufac- 
tures called for the use of a great deal of capital. Banks were early 
instituted here, as has been noted before. Among the wealthiest 
bank directors were the following-named gentlemen: Nicholas 
Brown, Thomas P. Ives, Thomas L. Halsey, Benjamin Hoppin, 
Samuel G. Arnold, Benjamin Aborn, William Valentine, S. Nightin- 
gale, Daniel Arnold, Zachariah Allen, William Jenkins, Samuel 
Wetmore, Earl D. Pierce, Dexter Thurber, Nehemiah R. Knight, 
Seth Adams, Matthew Watson, Joseph Manton, Benjamin Clifford, 
Elisha Dyer, Amasa Mason, Alexander Jones, Charles Dyer, Stephen 
Waterman. Isaac Brown, Richmond Bullock, Hezekiah Anthony, 
Truman Beckwith, S. N. Richmond, Randolph Chandler, Carlos 
Mauran, George S. Rathbone, Josiah Chapin, Henry Soule, Seth 
Adams, Sr., Benjamin D. Weeden, Thomas Howard, Peter Grinnell, 
John Larcher, Joseph Howard, Benjamin C. Harris, Amasa Manton, 
William Blodgett. 

As has been noted before, there was in the early part of this cen- 
tury a regular line of packets running between Providence and New 
York and other ports on the Atlantic coast. This coastwise trade, 
indeed, flourished for nearly the entire first half of this century. The 
regular line of vessels which plied between this port and New York 
were all sloops under 100 tons burthen, being of that size for the pur- 
pose of getting rid of the dockage and pilotage to New York which 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 273 

was charged for heavier vessels. In 1825 the following named ves- 
sels composed the line: The " Ann Marin." Captain E. C. Gardner; the 
"Empress," Captain Seth Thayer; the " Mary," Captain Gideon Hull; 
the "New York," Captain Gardner Willard; the "Venus," Captain J. 
Bliss; the "Providence," Captain George L. Brown; the "Amity." 
Captain Jeremiah Munroe; the " Almada," Captain Thomas Hull; the 
"James Lamphear," Captain John R. Kenney; the "Fame," Captain 
Folger; the " D. B. Jones," Captain West; the "Herald," Captain 
Whipple Brown; the " Superior," Captain S. H. Bennett; the " Splen- 
did," Captain John Willard; the "Ann," Captain George Childs (who. 
was lost in the Lexington); the "Huntress," Captain Read, Jr.; the 
" Gold," Captain Samuel Curry; the "Alonzo," Captain Justin. The 
Providence agents were S. B. Mumford, Stafford & Lothrop. The 
New York agents were Talcott& Lyman. Afterward Mason & Bailey 
were the Providence agents, and more recently William H. Bowen. 
The captains owned portions of the sloops, and the rest belonged 
mostly to Providence merchants in small interests. These sloops 
loaded altogether with domestic goods and articles manufactured 
here, cotton goods and satinets, and Smithfield lime, which they took 
to New York. Sometimes a great deal of foreign importations, such 
as teas, etc., would be reshipped from here to New York for a market. 
All these captains were responsible men, and afterward were placed 
in charge of steamboats. The return cargoes would consist of flour, 
cotton, iron, chemicals for manufacturing purposes and a great deal 
of madder. 

The regular line to Philadelphia consisted of small schooners of 
about the same size. This line comprised the " Messenger," Captain 
Abner Hall; the "Herald," Captain Edward Hall; the "Domestic," 
Captain Eldridge; the " James Barber," Captain Baxter; the " Rich- 
ard Rush," Captain Kelly; the " Dove," Captain Ahirah Hall; and 
later the schooner " Worcester," Captain E. H.Rhodes. Later the 
business increased so that larger vessels, of 115 to 120 tons burthen, 
were built, among which may be named the "Abner Hall," Captain 
S. O. Nickerson; the " Henry Clay," Captain Crowell. The "Abner 
Hall " was lost at sea with all on board. Orray Taft & Co. were the 
agents; afterward Captain Abner Hall assumed the agency, and later 
Captain Ahirah Hall. The business continued to increase to such an 
extent that still later the large schooners " George Fales." Captain 
Hardon Nickerson, and the " James Martin," Captain Joshua Hardon, 
were built; and also the " Harvey Payton," Captain Asa Niekerson; 
the " Holder Burden," Captain C. C. Baker, and the " 1 )elaware," Cap- 
tain Crowell. These vessels were owned by merchants here and 
their captains. They would take out full cargoes of domestie g< ods 
and return with starch, iron, flour, corn and general merchandise. 

The Boston line comprised schooners of about 75 or 80 tons 
capacity. Among these are noticed the " Sally Hope," Captain 
18 



274 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Small; the "Darius," Captain Baker; the " Lydia," Captain Nicker- 
son; the "Crown," Captain Lincoln Baker; the "Maria." Captain Cro- 
well. The agents were Manton & Hallett. These vessels would 
bring from Boston molasses, salt, iron and chemicals. 

The Union Line to Baltimore was established soon after 1825. 
Peleg Rhodes & Sons were the agents, and afterward David Barton 
& Co. Among these vessels may be named the " Ida," Captain Jo- 
seph Smith; the "Edward," Captain Robert Smith; the "Union," 
Captain Bangs; the "President," Captain Wood; the "Queen," Cap- 
tain Crowell; the brig " Mt. Hope," Captain Ed. Sheldon; the 
" Mary," Captain Joshua Howland. They carried out domestic goods 
and products, and returned mostly with corn and flour. These ves- 
sels were generally under 100 tons capacity. The "Mary" was lost 
off Montauk point, but all the crew were saved except Captain Bangs, 
who did not happen to have on an oil suit. This line ran until Seth 
Adams and Israel H. Day formed another, which was called Adams' 
Line, between 1835 and 1840. This line consisted of larger schoon- 
ers, of 180 or 200 tons burthen. They included the "White Foam," 
Captain Arnold Milliken; the "Israel H. Day," Captain Davis Chace, 
which was lost on Whale Rock with all the crew and every living 
thing on board except a dog, which swam ashore; the " Sarah N. 
Sherman," Captain Samuel N. Sherman; the "Wild Pigeon," Captain 
Martin Milliken; the "Sea Gull," Captain Joshua Howland; the 
"Joseph Turner," Captain Gardner C. Gibbs (who afterward built the 
schooner "Ocean Bird"); the "Anna Jenkins," Captain James R. 
Potter; the " Eliza Gibbs," Captain Benjamin Gibbs. Israel H. Day 
took the agency of this line after Mr. Adams had resigned it. These 
vessels ran until the railroads and steamboats took the most of their 
business away, between 1850 and 1860. They were then sold off. 
The " Wild Pigeon " went to San Francisco. 

There was also the Despatch Line of packets from here to Balti- 
more. This was started about 1830, and comprised vessels of less 
than 100 tons. There was considerable competition between these 
two lines. In the Despatch Line may be mentioned the schooner 
" Savannah," Captain David Oliphant; the "General Marion," Captain 
Leander S. Franklin; the brig "Victory." Captain Israel L. Joslin; 
the schooner " Eliza," Captain John Richmond; the schooner "Clar- 
issa," Captain Benjamin Hill. The agents were Willard Joslin and 
Jesse B. Sweet, whose office was at No. 3 West Water street (now 
I )yer street i. 

There was also a line started about 1825 between here and 
Albany. Israel 11. Day and Spellman & Metcalf were the agents. 
The line was eomposed of sloops, among which was the "Avon," 
Captain John Gibbs; the "General Battey," Captain Gardner; the 
" John," Captain E. S. Burrough; the " Fly," Captain Spellman; the 
"Hero," Captain E. S. Burrough; the "Lafayette," Captain J. E. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 275 

Spellman; the "Oregon," Captain Samuel B. Joslin. These vessels 
carried out very little, but brought back rye, corn, barley, oats, flour, 
shorts, and in the fall of the year, apples. They were owned by the 
agents and the captains. These sloops, as well as a large number 
that belonged on the Connecticut river, would go to Albanv, come 
here and lie at the Weybosset bridge, where they would peddle 
out their grain to any one who wanted to buy. It would be sold 
by the bushel on board the craft. This line ran until the railroad 
companies conveyed the grain here — about 40 years ago. 

A line of sloops also ran to Hartford, of CO to 75 tons capacity. 
In this line were the "Commodore Perry," Captain Aborn; the 
"Rising Sun," Captain Thomas Farmer; the schooner "Two 
Brothers," Captain Henry Farmer; the " William H. Bunn," Captain 
Arnold Irons; the " Emily," Captain Alfred Smith; the " Fair Haven," 
Captain Sidney Smith. These vessels would bring here hay and 
flagging stone. 

In the bay there were also regular packets running to Bristol, 
Wickford and Newport. These were of about 30 tons capacity. The 
cargo from Bristol would comprise onions, which had then attained 
quite a reputation, potatoes, carrots, beets and all kinds of vegeta- 
bles. The cargo to Bristol would be groceries, molasses, sugar, coffee, 
tea, etc. From Wickford the cargoes would consist of wood, eggs, 
farmers' produce, and the cargo from here, groceries and supplies. 
In the Bristol line may be named the " Emeline," Captain William 
Miller; the schooner " Chief ," Captain Williston; the sloop "William 
H. Allen," Captain Allen Usher. The onions from Bristol would 
be sent to the West Indies, where they would be sold at an im- 
mense profit. In the Wickford line w r ere the "John Curtain,' 4 Cap- 
tain Gardner, the "Resolution," Captain Holloway. 

There was also the Fall River line, comprising sloops of 25 to 
30 tons capacity, among which were the "Minnie Chace," Captain 
C. Rickerson; the "Argonaut," Captain Borden; the "Caroline," 
Captain Dyer. They would take from here groceries and bring 
back nails, scrap iron, cotton waste, etc. One or two sloops also 
ran to East Greenwich, from which they would bring produce and 
take back groceries and supplies. 

All of the wharves for the vessels before mentioned were above 
Adams' elevator, on both sides of the river, and the docks then 
presented busy scenes, as the sloops, schooners and ships from near 
and far brought in their valuable cargoes. The lumber, as before 
stated, would be rafted up into the Cove to the yards bordering on 
that sheet of water, which was then clear and pure. The unload- 
ing of the goods brought from abroad, and the loading of large ships 
which were to convey domestic products to every clime, gave em- 
ployment to a large number of men and boys, while citizens of every 
class crowded to the docks and remarked on the value of this or that 



276 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

commodity, and when goods were sold off the ship, as they frequently 
were, were not slow to see a good bargain and make the most of it. 

Forty or forty-five years ago quite a whaling business was carried 
on here, the ships engaged therein being of 400 to 600 tons capacity. 
Among the whaling agents were Amos Everett, who had the ship 
" Envoy," Captain Clark; Pierce & Bullock, who were agents for the 
ship "Ocean," Captain Swift, the "Richmond" and the "Hope;" 
Thomas and William Fletcher, agents for the " Bowditch," Captain 
Sowle, and the " South America," Captain Sowle; N. F. Potter, agent 
for the "Cassandra," Captain Nichols; William Earle and Lloyd 
Bower, agents for the ship " Lion," Captain Howland; Israel L. Joslm, 
agent for the bark " Lexington," Captain Jayne; Walker Humphrey, 
agent for the " Brunswick " and the "Balance." Nearly a half million 
dollars was invested in these ships and the traffic was for a long time 
a remunerative one. A voyage would consume from two to four 
years. 

The fish trade, which is now almost wholly carried on in stores, was 
formerly conducted in an altogether different manner. The schooner 
"Caroline," which w T as built in 1832, was made into a barge in 184(>, 
for the sale of all kinds of fish, having been bought by Captain John 
P. Merriam and located on the west side, at the first wharf below r the 
Weybosset bridge, called Carpenter's wharf. Fish w T ould arrive in 
vessels from Boston, Cape Cod, Block Island and other fishing ports, 
and be unloaded into this barge which remained there until it be- 
came rotten and worm eaten, and was then taken away and broken 
up. After the " Caroline " was removed, a large schooner of 180 
tons, called the brig "Confidence," purchased in Newport by Cap- 
tain Samuel Bailey, was devoted to the fish trade. She was 100 feet 
long, and had to be sawed in two so as to be accommodated to the 
length of the wharf, which was SO feet. This craft remained there 
until the comparatively recent improvements were made at the Craw- 
ford street bridge, when she was removed below the Point street 
bridge. She is now utilized as an oyster receiver at Bullock's point. 
( )n the east side of the first wharf below the bridge was located the 
old brig " New England," which had made nearly 60 voyages from 
the isle of Cuba to Providence, bringing over 20,000 hogsheads of 
molasses, honey and sugar. She was occupied by John S. Parkhurst 
as a wholesale and retail market for beef, pork and all kinds of meat 
and vegetables. She remained there as long as she could float and 
was then replaced by another dismantled schooner, the " Aliza A. 
Endicott," occupied by E. A. Andrews, dealer in produce of all kinds. 
A large and prosperous business was done in all of these vessels. 

From LS49 to 1851, when the California gold fever broke out, com- 
merce decreased rapidly. Some of our largest and best ships, barks 
and brigs were fitted out for San Francisco and never returned; and 
when the Southern troubles came on, our ships were captured, burnt 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 277 

or sunk, and many sold to British account to prevent seizure: and by 
this time all of our commercial capital had been transferred to manu- 
factures. Other causes that have operated in the decline of our com- 
merce have been the introduction of railroads, the sending of the 
products of the West to the seaboard, especially to New York and 
Boston, where rail connection with the rapidly developing territory 
of this country has been more direct and speedy. As those cities in- 
creased, the foreign commerce of intervening and neighboring ports 
necessarily decreased. The foreign commerce of the country has 
necessarily become concentrated at a few great ports and its early 
New England centers have been wholly abandoned. To-day there 
is not one ship that is wholly owned in Providence. Many of her cap- 
tains, however, did noble service elsewhere, and a number of Provi- 
dence vessels for a long time took part in the commerce of New York. 
Among these may be named the clipper ship " Comet," Captain E. C. 
Gardner; the "Valparaiso," Captain Benoni Lockwood; the "Can- 
dace," Captain Nathaniel Abbott; the ship " Haidee," Captain Joseph 
Tillinghast. 

In May, 1828, the " Board of Directors of Internal Improvements " 
of the commonwealth of Massachusetts applied to the general as- 
sembly of Rhode Island for leave to make surveys in this state for 
the purpose of constructing a railroad between Boston and Provi- 
dence, and for authority to construct such a railroad. Feimissicn to 
make the surveys was given, and the following month the general 
assembly passed an act authorizing the commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts, or any corporation in that state, to lay out and construct a 
railroad from Boston to Providence. The following year this board 
made a report to the general court of Massachusetts describing the 
surveys made and the plan of the railroad. This was to consist of 
two continuous rails of granite, suimcunted by straps of iron their 
whole length, over which cars were to be drawn by horses. The 
steepest declivities were to be surmounted by inclined planes and 
stationary power. The commission add that on the railroads recently 
built and then building in England and France, "it is proposed to 
make use almost exclusively of locomotive engines or carriages 
moved by steam placed within them." This was the year that 
Stephenson's " Rocket" was built in England, and made its appear- 
ance on the Liverpool & Manchester railway, and was just before the 
first locomotive was put into use in this country. Nothing ever came 
directly of this survey, and the authority given by the Rhcde Island 
legislature was soon after repealed. 

In 1S31 the Boston & Providence Railroad Corporation was incor- 
porated by the general court of Massachusetts to construct a lino < t 
railroad beginning at or near the city of Boston to the state line in 
Pawtucket or Seekonk. Surveys were made by Captain William 
Gibbs McNeill, assisted by General William Raymond Lee, and the 



278 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

work was begun under this authority in Massachusetts. It was not 
until 1834 that the general assembly of Rhode Island passed the act 
to authorize the entrance of the road into this state. The corporation 
was here entitled the " Boston & Providence Railroad and Trans- 
portation Company," to build a railroad to intersect at the state line 
with the road of the Boston & Providence Railroad Corporation, 
and extend to tide-water in the city of Providence. In the meantime 
the franchise of the Massachusetts corporation had been sold out at 
auction, in 1832, the assessments levied upon the original subscribers 
to furnish the money for the building of the road not being paid. 
The parties upon whom the task of completing the road then 
devolved pushed forward the work. The line entered this state by 
the drawbridge at India Point, the town of East Providence, then 
Seekonk, being at that time in the state of Massachusetts, and the 
terminus of the road was at India Point. In June, 1835, the line was 
completed, with the exception of the Canton viaduct, and the first 
train passed over it from Providence to Boston on the 2d of that 
month, being drawn as far as the viaduct by horses, on account of the 
non-arrival of one of the locomotives, built in Philadelphia. 

On the 11th of June the road w r as opened for traffic; it was the sec- 
ond of the New England roads completed, the Boston & Lowell being 
the first by about one month. Mr. T. B. Wales, of Boston, was the 
first president of the Boston & Providence, General William Ray- 
mond Lee its first superintendent. In accordance with the require- 
ments of the Rhode Island charter, a ferryboat was established in 
1838 between the India Point station and the terminus- of the New 
York, Providence & Boston railroad, at Hill's wharf, on the other 
side of the harbor; this was maintained until the removal of the roads 
to the Union depot. A line of steamboats was also provided to run 
in connection with the Boston & Providence to New York, of which 
the ill-fated " Lexington " was the first. In 1848 the " branch route," 
entering Providence by the way of Pawtucket and over the track of 
the Providence & Worcester railroad, was constructed and opened 
for travel May 1st. The obvious advantage of this "branch" in pro- 
viding for an uninterrupted connection with New York, and avoiding 
the inconvenient ferry at India point, was immediately recognized, 
and all trains were run to the new passenger station, which was com- 
pleted during the summer of 1848. In June, 18,13, the clumsy and in- 
convenient organization of the company as two separate concerns was 
done away with by an act of the Rhode Island legislature, providing 
that the Providence c\: Boston Railroad and Transportation Company 
should be named the Boston & Providence Railroad Corporation, and 
that it should unite with the Massachusetts corporation, the stock- 
holders in one becoming stockholders in the other. In 1872 the con- 
trolling interest in the Providence, Warren & Bristol railroad was 
purchased, and the following vear in the Fall River, Warren & 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 279 

Providence railroad. This latter was subsequently transferred to 
the ( )ld Colony railroad. 

The history of the Boston & Providence railroad is a record of 
almost unvarying prosperity. The road was first built in a very 
thorough manner — the last of the original iron rails, made after the 
design of General Lee, were not taken up till 1860 — and this excel- 
lence has always been kept up. Financially its record has been the 
purest and soundest. Its capital has been increased under authority 
of the two legislatures from one million dollars to four millions. 

An act of the general assembly of Rhode Island passed at the 
June session, 1832, incorporated the New York, Providence & Boston 
Railroad Company, with power to construct a road from the city of 
Providence to the Connecticut line at Westerly. The capital stock 
in this original act was fixed at $1,200,000 and the control of the road 
vested in nine directors. Messrs. Charles Dyer, Daniel Jackson, 
John S. Crary, Frederic A. Norton, Courtlandt Palmer, Samuel F. 
Denison, Charles H. Phelps, Gurdon Trumbull, and Robert N. Fos- 
ter were named in the charter to occupy this position for the first 
year. Their first meeting was held in New York in January, 1833, 
and books were ordered to be opened on March 4th, in Providence, 
for subscription to stock. John S. Crary was chosen as the first 
president. By an act of the Connecticut legislature in May, 1832, the 
New York & Stonington Railroad Company had been incorporated, 
to run from Stonington to the Rhode Island line. By the union of 
these two, as provided by both legislatures, the New York, Provi- 
dence & Boston railroad was thus formed to run from Providence to 
Stonington. This provision was accepted at a meeting of the stock- 
holders held in Providence, September 24th, 1833. The road was 
opened for travel November 10th, 1837, A. S. Matthews being the 
first superintendent. Its Providence terminus was situated at Hill's 
wharf, on the west side of the harbor, and the roadbed extended up 
the shore from where' the company's coal wharf is now situated, 
near Sassafras point. 

Previous to the commencement of traffic, arrangements had been 
made With the Boston & New York Transportation Company for a 
line of boats to ply between Stonington and New York, thus afford- 
ing continuous connection between Providence and the latter city. 
The charter of the Boston & Providence Railroad Ccmpany also re- 
quired that regular communication should be kept up between their 
depot, then at India point, and that of the New York, Providence & 
Boston railroad; and a steam ferry boat was run to furnish this con- 
nection. The business of the road began favorably, though the com- 
pany labored under more or less financial difficulty from the outset. 
In March, 183'.), the trustees, under the second and third mortgage s, 
took possession of the road in consequence of the failure to pay prin- 
cipal or interest on large amounts of its bonds which had fallen due. 



280 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

It remained in their hands for nearly five years, during which time 
the embarrassments of the company continued, and the interest on 
the bonds could not be paid. Suits were brought and judgments ob- 
tained in the Connecticut courts, and at one time there was danger 
that the operations of the railroad might be suspended altogether. 
In 1843 an arrangement was made whereby new bonds were issued 
to the holders of the defaulted bonds and the debt reduced one-half. 
The directors in the same year took possession again of the road 
and property of the company. 

A few years later the question of joining with the Boston & 
Providence and the then unfinished Providence & Worcester roads in 
a union passenger station was proposed. The necessary extension 
of the New York, Providence & Boston from Hill's wharf was com- 
pleted in May, 1848, and regular trains passed over it on the first of 
that month, forming an uninterrupted connection with the Boston & 
Providence road, avoiding the transfer by ferry across the harbor. 
The union passenger station was not occupied till later. In January, 
1858, the connections of the road were further increased by the com- 
pletion of the New London & Stonington railroad, and by the exten- 
sion of its own tracks to Groton. Thus, by means of the ferry at this 
point, the all-rail connection to New York was formed over the 
" Shore Line." In 1860 the steamboat terminus of the road was like- 
wise removed from Stonington to Groton. It was changed back in 
1S65. In 1865, also, the line of the road was extended by the pur- 
chase of the railroad from Stonington to New London. In this and 
the following year two of the sound steamboats which had been run 
by the Merchants' Navigation and Transportation Company, form- 
ing the Stonington line to New York, were lost. This practically re- 
sulted in the failure of that company and the suspension of the boat 
line for over a year. In January, 1868, the new boats of the Stoning- 
ton Steamboat Company began their trips. Of this company the 
Mew York. Providence & Boston Railroad Company owned more* 
than a five-sixths interest, and thus a constant connection with the 
rail V' tad was insured. 

Ever since the compromise was made in 1843 the financial condi- 
tion of the railroad has been good, and its operations uninterrupted. 
[ts important connections have been of great service in furthering 
the trade and prosperity of Providence. Its capital has been in- 
creased by legislative authority from $1,200,000 to $3,000,000. 

The Providence & Worcester Railroad Company was incorporated 
by the general assembly of Rhode Island at its May session, 1844, 
with a capital of $1,000,000. The two preceding railroads had been 
several years completed and in successful operation, and their value 
thoroughly tried. The stock of the proposed road was soon taken 
and organization effected, Mr. Alexander Duncan being chosen first 
president. The first meeting of the directors was held in Providence, 



HISTORY 01 PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 281 

May 20th, 1844. By 184? the road was far advanced toward comple- 
tion, and on September 27th of that year it was opened for travel as 
far as Millville, a distance of 20 miles. October 23d the entire line 
was opened. The occasion was celebrated by an excursion of the 
stockholders over the road on a special train and by the ringing of 
bells and firing of cannon all along the route. Trains were there- 
after run " with great regularity ."according to the directors' reports. 

The Worcester road was the first one to run to the center of the 
city at Market square, and through their initiative the Union passen- 
ger station was built and the other roads brought to the same point. 
This involved questions of filling in the Cove, enclosing it with a 
wall, etc., conditions which were imposed by the city council and 
which soon became somewhat complicated, and in regard to which 
there was considerable dispute. It was not till 1850 that a final agree- 
ment with the railroad company was arrived at and the question 
finally settled. In 1856, the city council authorized the Worcester 
road to extend its tracks down South Water street to the Boston & 
Providence road at India point, and an arrangement made with the 
Providence, Warren &. Bristol for the use of its tracks. The later 
history of this railroad has been an uneventful record of prosperity; 
it has always kept a high financial standing, and has developed a 
large volume of local traffic. Its capital stock has been increased 
from $1,000,000 to $2,500,000. 

No other of the railroads centering in Providence have experi- 
enced such vicissitudes and undergone so many transformations as 
has the Providence, Hartford & Fishkill road. Its charter was origi- 
nally granted by the Rhode Island legislature under the name of the 
Providence & Plainfield railroad, in June, 1S4G, with a capital of 
$1,000,000. The initiative in this step was taken by several promi- 
nent manufacturers of Providence, to afford communication with the 
large manufacturing interests scattered through the western portion 
of this state and eastern Connecticut; and likewise with a view to a 
junction with a road to be constructed in the latter state. Steps were 
taken in the Connecticut legislature looking to this end by the revival 
in 1847, by the legislature, of the old charter of the Manchester rail- 
road, granted in 1833, authorizing- the construction of a railroad to 
the town of Willimantic, to be called the Hartford & Providence rail- 
road, to unite with other railroad companies, if so desired; with 
special reference to a junction at Plainfield with the Providence & 
Plainfield road. In 1849 the Hartford & Providence road was united 
with the New York & Hartford railroad, with authority to construct 
a r<>ad to the state line, the destined terminus being Fishkill, N. Y., 
on the Hudson river. At this time the name was changed to that of 
Hartford, Providence & Fishkill. and the capital fixed at $3,000,1 00. 

In 1851 the union of this road with the Rhode Island portion of 
the line was effected, and the same name retained. William Sprague 



282 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

was first president and S. Asbnrner first superintendent. The rais- 
ing of funds to carry on the work was found rather more difficult in 
the case of this railroad than of any other of those connected with 
Providence; and in 1850 and 1851 the cities of Hartford and -Provi- 
dence were authorized by the legislatures of Connecticut and Rhode 
Island to exchange their bonds for those of the railroad to the amount 
of $500,00!) each. These were secured, the Providence loan by the first 
mortgage on the portion of the line in Rhode Island and a second 
mortgage on the portion in Connecticut, and the Hartford loan by 
the reverse. The construction of the line proceeded, and in October. 
1851, the first passenger trains were run between Providence and 
Hartford, and between Hartford and Waterbnry in January. 1855. 

During the panic which swept over the country in 1857 this inter- 
est, among others, was unable to meet its indebtedness, and the trus- 
tees under the two mortgages took possession of the property, the 
trustees under the Rhode Island mortgage granting their control to 
the Connecticut trustees to operate the road. It was conducted in 
this way until 1878. 

In August, 1862, the stockholders of the Hartford, Providence & 
Fishkill railroad had leased it for 99 years to the Boston, Hartford & 
Erie railroad. This latter company mortgaged their entire property 
for $20. 000, 000, which mortgage provided that any default in payment 
of principal or interest, the bondholders should foreclose and form a 
new corporation. This foreclosure was made in 1873, and the hold- 
ers of the Boston, Hartford & Erie mortgage bonds were organized 
as the New York & New England Railroad Company, and in 1878 
took possession of the old Hartford, Providence & Fishkill road, 
which, up to that time, had been operated by the trustees of its own 
mortgages. In 1881 the New York & New England finally carried 
out the idea of the original incorporators of the Hartford, Providence 
& Fishkill by completing the line to Fishkill on the Hudson river, 
and establishing a connection by ferry with the Erie railway, open- 
ing a through line to the West. 

In January, 1884, the property was placed in the hands of a re- 
ceiver by order of Judge Shipman, of the U. S. circuit court of Con- 
necticut. Under successful management the finances of the road 
were put in such shape that it was restored to the stockholders in 
January, L886. 

The Providence & Bristol Railroad Company was incorporated by 
the general assembly of Rhode Island at the ( )ctober session, 1850, 
with a capital of $300,000, and in Massachusetts in \^,~)l, with a capi- 
tal of $2,500,000, which two years later was reduced to $750,000. A 
committee of citizens of Providence, Warren and Bristol was organ- 
ized in 1852. and were active in causing surveys and estimates for the 
proposed railroad to be made by George S. Greene, engineer. The 
estimate was favorably received, and, with the understanding that 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 283 

connecting roads would be built from Warren to Fall River\,uid from 
Bristol to Newport, the Providence & Bristol railroad was begun; 
the same year, by legislative enactment, its name was changed to 
" Providence, Warren & Bristol." It was opened for travel in July, 
HVl. the first president being Thomas F. Burgess, and the first super- 
intendent, George S. Greene. The new road at first owned no rol- 
ling stock, but hired its equipments of the Boston & Providence 
railroad. Its trains were run to East Providence, and from there 
were hauled by horses up South Main and South Water streets to 
the Providence & Worcester depot. The company opened the pres- 
ent depot of their own at India point in 1857. The opportunities of 
the road were further increased in I860, when the Fall River, War- 
ren & Providence road was opened, giving a connection with Fall 
River and Newport. 

In 1872 the controlling interest in the Providence, Warren & 
Bristol railroad w r as purchased by the Boston & Providence railroad, 
and ever since it has been under their management, though the 
separate organization of the road has been maintained. In 1873 the 
Boston & Providence road also bought the Fall River, Warren & 
Providence road, but sold it the following year to the Old Colony 
railroad. 

A few hundred feet of the present roadbed of the Providence, 
Warren & Bristol railroad formerly constituted the Seekonk Branch 
railroad, which at the time of its erection aroused a great excitement 
among the railroad interests of this city. The man at the head of 
this enterprise was Tristam Burges. He obtained a charter in 1836 
from the Massachusetts legislature— the east side of the Seekonk 
river being then in Massachusetts — and constructed a railroad from 
"Old Wharf Point," about where the Marine railway now stands, to 
''some convenient point on the Boston & Providence railroad," which 
then ran to India point through the town of Seekonk. The intention 
was to establish a line of steamers to New York, with connection 
to Boston over the Boston & Providence road, by forcing the latter 
company under the law as it then existed to give the trains of the 
Seekonk branch road the right of way over their track. In the char- 
ter it was provided that no stockholder in the Boston & Providence 
road should ever own stock in the Seekonk branch. Completed after 
great opposition, the enterprise proved a failure, and in 1839 the 
road was sold to the Boston & Providence and was used as a siding. 

The general assembly passed an act at its January session, 1857, 
for the incorporation of the Woonasquatueket Railroad Company to 
join the track of the Stonington, or the Hartford road, near Olney- 
ville, and then to run up the valley of the Woonasquatueket river to 
the state line. The capital authorized was $1,000,000. The commer- 
cial crisis of that year and the years of war following practically put 
an end to the enterprise for the time being. The charter was contin- 



284 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ued by successive applications to the general assembly, until in 3811, 
an organization was finally effected and the building of the road be- 
gun'. At the January session, 1872, the general assembly changed 
the name to the Providence & Springfield railroad, extended the 
limit of time granted for locating and constructing the road, and 
authorized the town of Burrillville to subscribe for $50,000 of the 
company's stock, and the city of Providence to exchange its bonds 
for those of the railroad company, to the amount of $500,000, to be 
secured by a mortgage on the road. Both of these propositions were 
accepted. The construction of the railroad was pushed forward 
rapidly, and it was completed as far as Pascoag, its present terminus, 
a distance of nearly 23 miles. It was opened for traffic August 11th, 
1873. In 1881, as a part of a scheme to increase the connections of 
the Providence & Springfield railroad and thereby enlarge its possi- 
bilities, an extension was planned from Pascoag to the town of Web- 
ster. An act was passed by the general assembly in May, 1881, pro- 
viding for such extension as far as the boundary line of either 
Connecticut or Massachusetts, and incorporating it under the name of 
the Providence, Webster & Springfield Railroad Company. The limit 
of time for the location of the road and subscription to the stock was 
set at May 1st, 1886. Here the enterprise rests, awaiting further 
action to carry it to the point aimed at by its original projectors, that 
of forming a through connection with the West from Providence. 
The president and general manager of the company is William 
Tinkham. 

The Union railroad, which performs such efficient and widely ex- 
tended service in the local passenger traffic of Providence, was, as its 
name implies, formed by the union of several earlier companies, 
which were originally quite independent concerns. The first of these 
was the Providence, Pawtucket & Central Falls Railroad Company, 
incorporated at the January session of the general assembly, 1861 . 
It provided for a railway to be operated by horse power and with 
passenger cars only, from some points in Smithfield and North Provi- 
dence to some convenient terminus in Providence. The charter was 
accepted at a meeting of the corporation in May, 1863, at which H. 
II. Thomas was elected president; and in Septemberof the same year 
the city council of Providence granted the requisite permissk n f« r 
the laying of tracks in the highways. The line as constructed ran 
from its present terminus at the bridge, the same as it does today, to 
Pawtucket. In March, 1864, it was opened for travel. 

At the same session of the general assembly in 1861 an act was 
also passed to incorporate the Broadway & Providence Railroad Com- 
pany to run tracks under the same provisions to Olneyville, and the 
road was built and put in operation under authority of an ordinance 
<>f the city council, passed November 28th. 1864. The Cranston road 
was incorporated at the May session, 1864, in which Mr. Amasa 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 285 

Sprague was largely interested, on account of the desirability < f 
facilitating communication with the Cranston Print Works frcm the 
city. An ordinance of the city council, passed August 8th, J Mil, 
authorized the laying of tracks both on Cranston street to Cranston, 
and on High street to Olneyville. A " Providence and Olneyville 
Railroad Company " had been chartered to run ears on the latter 
route, but never took up its charter. The Cranston road at once 
began operations and ran its cars over both lines. The Elmwood, 
Pawtuxet and South Main Street Companies, all chartered at the 
May session, 1864, were empowered to begin work by ordinances of 
the city council, dated November 28th, 1864. 

The accommodations offered by the horse railroad lines were found 
to be a great convenience, but there were difficulties which arose 
from the fact that they were run independently of each other. They 
used each other's tracks to a large extent, and the time table inter- 
fered to a greater or less degree. A consolidation was so obviously 
to the advantage of all that a very short time was sufficient to bring 
it about. In January, 1865, the general assembly consolidated the 
Cranston, Broadway, Elmwood, South Main Street and Pawtuxet 
Railroad Companies into one corporation, under the name of the 
Union Railroad Company, with a capital of $700,000. This included 
all the original street railroads except the Providence, Pawtucket & 
Central Falls line, which continued to run independently. In 1872 
the Union Railroad Company purchased this line, and it then came 
under its control and was run in connection with the other lines. 
The company, when the consolidation was effected, possessed an 
equipment of 35 cars and 250 horses. Fares were established the 
same as they have ever since remained. In 1867 the present station 
was erected on the Great bridge. New lines and extensions have 
repeatedly been opened and the rolling stock of the company corre- 
spondingly increased till now there are 1,320 horses, 249 cars, oper- 
ated by about 600 employees.' 



CHAPTER X. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— PARKS, CEMETERIES, OLD BUILDINGS, TAV- 
ERNS AND HOTELS. 



Roger Williams Park.— The Cove Park.— Blackstone Park.— Tockwotten Park.— 
Washington Park.— Roger Williams Square.— Hay ward Park. — Franklin Square. — 
Prospect Terrace.— Abbott Park.— The Heater Piece.— Dexter Training Ground.— 
Field's Point Farm. — Arnold Square. — Elmwood Avenue Park.— Cemeteries. — 
North Burial Ground.— Grace Church Cemetery. — Swan Point Cemetery. — Locust 
Grove Cemetery. — Hebrew Cemetery. — St. Patrick's Cemetery.— St. John's Church- 
yard. — West Burial Ground.— Historic Buildings.— Old Business Houses. — Antique 
Churches.— Ancient Dwellings and Homesteads.— Old Public Buildings.— Old 
Buildings now Unknown.— Old Inns and Taverns.— Hotels of the Present Time. 



THE city of Providence, though not remarkable for the extent or 
liberal improvements of its public parks, yet has several breath- 
ing places that are worthy of notice. The largest of these is 
Roger Williams Park, situated in the southern part of the city, and 
containing 104 acres. This beautiful park was devised to the city by 
the will of Betsey Williams, who died in November, 1871. It is emi- 
nently adapted for park purposes, being beautifully diversified with 
hill, dale, woods, lawns and water. A mature forest covers a large 
portion, while an ample meadow remains for ornamentation, contain- 
ing an artificial lake of some ten or twelve acres in area. The water 
adds greatly to the attractions of the park, furnishing excellent ac- 
commodations for sea fowl, and facilities for boating in summer and 
skating in winter. The park contains an ideal statue in bronze of 
Roger Williams, mounted upon an appropriate pedestal of granite, 
beside which stands another figure in bronze, representing History, 
in the act of writing upon one of the tablets of the pedestal. The 
monument was erected in 1877, being dedicated October 16th of that 
year. It stands on a plateau in front of the old Williams house. Its 
total height is 21\ feet and its cost was $18,500. The park is situ- 
ated nearly three miles from the business center of the city, yet is 
conveniently accessible both by steam and horse cars. 

The Cove Park, once an attractive and much frequented prom- 
enade in the heart of the city, is now almost abandoned as a pleasure 
resort for the people. It contains something over 300,000 square feet 
of area, encircling the sheet of water formed by bridging the rivet- 
below, and lias a promenade about 80 feet wide, provided with trees 
for shade and seats for resting:. The effluvia rising- from the cove at 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 287 

low tide, however, together with its proximity to the railroads, are 
features of decided disadvantage, and the place is unpopular as a 
resort. 

Blackstone Park is a wooded ravine of much natural beauty, ex- 
tending from Butler avenue to the Seekonk river. A brook flows 
through the park, and in summer the place, though but little im- 
proved by art, is quite attractive. It contains about five acres, is 
wooded, picturesque and finely situated. It was presented to the 
city in 1860 by Messrs. William P. Vaughan and Moses B. Jenkins. 

Tockwotten Park fronts on Tockwotten street, contains an area of 
about two acres, and is admirably adapted for park purposes. It has 
an elevated position and a fine outlook upon the bay. from which it 
receives cooling breezes in summer. The park for many years be- 
longed to the city, beino^ the site of a reform school. The buildings 
have recently been removed and the grounds tastefully laid off for 
pleasure purposes. The main building of the old reform school was 
built by the Hon. James B. Mason, as a residence, and so occupied by 
him for many years. When the Boston <& Providence railroad was 
built the mansion was transformed into a hotel, and in 1S49 was 
bought by the city for a reform school, several adjoining lots being 
thereafter added to the hotel estate. 

Washington Park is bounded by Benefit, India, Traverse and 
Shamrock streets. It was given to the city in 1830, although it was 
thrown out for a public square by the Fox Point Association in 1810. 
It is a valuable little park of nearly an acre in extent. 

Roger Williams Square is supposed to be the spot where Roger 
Williams landed near Slate Rock, and embraces a portion of the old 
shore of Seekonk river. It is 200 feet square, and is situated at the 
lower end of Power street, between that and Williams. It was given 
as a public park by the heirs of Governor James Fenner. Slate Rock 
is the rock upon which Williams stepped when he first landed from 
his canoe on these shores. The rock is protected from relic hunters 
by an iron fence. The surroundings are not inviting, and the sandy 
hillsides are still a conspicuous feature. The spot, however, is one 
of the richest in its historical importance. 

Hay ward Park is an area of nearly two acres, bounded by Beacon, 
Friendship and Plane streets. It was formerly known as the Sixth 
Avenue Park, or the Proprietors' burying ground, having been used 
for burial purposes. The graves have been removed to other 
grounds, and the spot has been improved as a public park, the city 
council giving it the present name in honor of William S. Hay ward, 
a former mayor of the city. A formal opening of the park and dedi- 
cation of a handsome fountain, 25^- feet in height, took place on the 
evening of September 25th, 1889. 

Franklin Square is an attractive breathing place on Federal hill, 
fronting on Atwell's avenue, and containing an area of about half an 



288 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

acre. It is of considerable sanitary and pecuniary value to th^ neigh- 
borhood. It was conveyed to the town in 1808, by Amos M.^Atwell 
and others, for public uses. Its name was given to it in July, 18f>7. 

Prospect Terrace is an invaluable little park on account of its ele- 
vated and sightly position. No better view of the city can anywhere 
be had than from this park, and no cooler spot can be found so near 
the center of the city on a summer's evening. The ground was pre- 
sented to the city for a public park, by several citizens, in 1869. It 
fronts on Congdon street 120 feet, and extends back 100 feet. 

Abbott Park is a small park, fronting on Broad street, near Chest- 
nut, and contains a beautiful fountain. It was conveyed in 1746, by 
Daniel Abbott, to a committee of the Congregational society for pub- 
lic uses, but never to be encumbered with any building. 

The Heater Piece is a small triangular piece of ground containing, 
including old Governor street, 12,000 square feet of surface, and is 
located on the corner of Williams and Governor streets. It has been 
thrown open for public use more than 70 years. 

Dexter Training Ground, situated in the Eighth ward, on Dexter 
street, is nearly oblong in shape and contains an area of about nine 
acres. It was given to the city by Ebenezer Knight Dexter. It is 
hardly a park, but a grassy common, originally intended for training 
of military companies, but being no longer used for that purpose, it 
is practically of but little use except as a place for youthful recre- 
ations. 

Field's Point Farm contains an area of about o7 acres. It was pur- 
chased by the town, from George Field and John H. Clark, in 1825. 
It contains a promontory extending far out into the river. The view 
on the bay from this point is unrivalled. 

Arnold Square is located on elevated ground on River avenue, in 
the Tenth ward. It was platted as a public square in 1854. Its area 
is a little less than an acre. 

Elmwood Avenue Park is a small triangular piece of ground, meas- 
uring 200 feet on Elmwood avenue, 109 feet on Adelaide avenue, and 
227 feet on Greenwich street. It was dedicated to the town of Crans- 
ton by Joseph J. Cook, for a park or pleasure ground, and became the 
property of the city when the Ninth ward was annexed. 

The resting places of the dead are the conservators of history 
more emphatically than any other class of institutions of which this 
or any other city can boast, if perhaps we should except here and 
there an active historical society. But even those institutions must 
go to the cemeteries for much of their most valuable material. 

In the year 1700 the less than 1,500 inhabitants of the town voted 
to lay out grounds " for the use of military affairs, for the use of 
training soldiers, etc.," and also "a place to be for the use of receiv- 
ing the dead." It was provided in the resolution passed that the 
land should be taken out of the " common lands at the north part of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 289 

the town." Forty-three acres was the area of the spot. The training 
field was the tract of about seven acres which now lies at the south 
entrance to the ground, laid out as a very pleasant park. This 
"training ground," as it was called, was, until the appointment, in 
1847, of the first superintendent of the grounds, Mr. Philip W. Mar- 
tin, fenced off from the burial portion. It had not at this time been 
used as a training field in 50 years. Perhaps the burial of the French 
soldiers upon it shows its usage during the revolution, but it is cer- 
tain that it was never of the importance its original surveyors ex- 
pected it to be. At first the entire expanse laid out was unfenced 
and little cared for. The people of the town were only obliged to 
select a lot in the grounds when they wished to bury, and when it 
was staked out it was their claim. The rules and regulations were 
unwritten, if there were any at all. No one had any general man- 
agement until Mayor Bridgham's time. The first burial was that of 
John Whipple, who died March 12th, 1710-11 and from that time 
until 1848 the interests of the burial ground were enwrapped in the 
lives of the families burying there. Probably about the commence- 
ment of this century a fence was built about it, separating it from 
the training ground and from the roadway upon the east. During 
Mayor Bridgham's administration, the lot owners were compelled to 
keep this fence in repairs. It was removed when the first commis- 
sioners of the North Burial Ground were appointed in 1848. 

The physical history of the cemetery until this time was very 
matter of fact. The number of acres increased to nearly 70. To-day 
they have increased to 158. The new officers straightened out the 
boundary lines, finding them very irregular, and laid out the interior, 
which was also in confusion from the old manner of obtaining 
lots. The new era was really commenced by Mayor Bridgham in 
1833, it being one of the ideas of his public life to have an overseer 
appointed. In lieu of this officer, he himself was wont to see that 
lots were properly staked out. In 1845, commissioners to lay out roads 
and walks, and price lots, and draw up regulations, were appointed. 
They surveyed the grounds, and two years after the first superintend- 
ent was chosen. The control of the estate is now in the hands of the 
commission, which was created in 1848. It consists of three mem- 
bers, who are elected annually- The commissioners have complete 
control of things, even to the management of the grounds like a cor- 
poration. Up to their appointment it is estimated that 60,000 bodies 
were buried, but no record was kept. Since then fully 20,000 mounds 
have been raised. Mr. Joseph Warren Baker is now superintendent. 
A description of this great municipal property must commence 
with a word about its character as a cemetery. It is safe to say that 
here is memorialized all the city's past — rich and poor, high and low. 
There are the sections which constitute the " Potter's Field " (so far 
as the term should be used to-day in America), the free white and the 

1!) 



290 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

colored grounds, and 4,000 graves are beheld in it, most of them 
marked only by numbered slabs. The Colored Shelter, the Rhode 
Island Hospital, the Prescott Post, G. A. R., the French Memorial 
and the Fireman's lot show what stability is expected in the ground 
as a last resting place. There were a few Catholics interred here in 
the first days of the Catholic sect in the city. As to the appearance 
of the cemetery, it is now as generally artistic as good care can 
make it. In shape it is an irregular polygon. The stone house at 
the entrance was built in 1883. The superintendent's house was 
originally upon land added to the estate. The contour of the land 
is scenic, and affords an opportunity for the exercise of the finest 
landscape artistry. There are many noble examples of monumental 
art, and, on the other hand, there are noble names cut in memorials 
of the simplest kind. Emblems of memory apart from the relation 
of clay beneath a mound also are here, as the boulder dedicated to 
Canonicus, and standing upon its moccasin-shaped plat. Here are 
the graves of General Barton and Commodore Hopkins, the tomb of 
Tristam Burges, the grand monuments of Nicholas Brown and Presi- 
dent Wayland, the French Memorial, the Fireman's Monument and 
Ebenezer Knight Dexter's shaft, erected by the city to commemor- 
ate his munificence. 

The future of this cemetery is to be long. Perpetual cares for 
lots are now sold, and the sums, with donations of funds, are invested 
to yield a perpetual income. There is also a general improvement 
fund, and the North Burial Ground sinking fund affords the city an 
annual revenue from this estate. 

Probably Grace Church Cemetery is as prominent a one as any in 
the city. Situated in a central spot, the arched gateway and the 
house of the superintendent, with the triangular burying place be- 
yond, constitute a landmark. When first established it was imagined 
to be out of danger from any increase of the city's population, but it 
is now in a thickly inhabited center. It originally belonged to the 
corporation of Grace church, and was a sectarian ground. The land 
was purchased in 1834. Many bodies have been transferred to the 
more stable cemeteries within late years. 

There is nothing but simplicity in the layout of this ground. It 
was made a burial place, presumably without a thought of landscape 
beauty. Still it is a neat tract of land, and in later years has been 
very greatly improved in appearance. 

The ownership was in 1S40 transferred from the church society to 
the corporation of Grace Church Cemetery, which, however, com- 
prises the vestry of Grace church. These gentlemen act as directors, 
of the corporation and elect the superintendent. Mr. L. R. Stearns 
is now superintendent. Over 5,000 burials have taken place here, 
and since the formation of the Corporation of Grace Church Ceme- 
tery the burials have not been confined to the Episcopal sect. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 291 

The Swan Point Cemetery is the most beautiful and ccstly in the 
city. It was founded in 1846, with this idea, the late Thomas C. 
Hartshorn being its original projector. The land had been pur- 
chased (60 acres) in 1845, and the Swan Point Cemetery Company 
was incorporated in 1847. A board of management conducted the 
cemetery until 1858, when " The Proprietors of Swan Point Ceme- 
tery " were incorported, and they now manage the grounds thu ugh 
directors and a superintendent. Mr. Timothy McCarthy has held the 
latter office since 1876. 

The area of Swan Point Cemetery is now about 200 acres, lying 
next the Seekonk river, and about equally on each side of the Swan 
Point road. Only the river side of the estate, however, is yet used 
for burials. The beauty of the place is in its landscape, aid a gieat 
deal is the result of artistic landscape gardening. An old ;r.d l.cw 
part of the grounds exist, as well as a miscellaneous portion. There 
are the most and finest memorials here of any ground in the city, 
among them that of Senator Anthony, that of the Barnaby family, 
and that of the Nightingale family. Hundreds of others are the 
equals of any work which could be produced. Some of those who 
slumber here are Senator Anthony, General Euinsice, Colcnel Slc- 
cum, Major Ballou, Commander Ames and Pierre Uonville. 

The preparations for the existence of this cemetery have f rem the 
beginning- been on the noblest scale. President Wavland delivered 
the address at the dedication, and Mrs. Whitman contributed a poem. 
The wealthy modern people of the city have placed their loved ones 
here. Up to 1888 $130,000 was invested for the perpetual cares of 
individual lots. About 11,000 graves are here, in 2,500 lots. Without 
including the investment funds mentioned above, the corporate 
property, after deducting all liabilities, amounts to $482,000. 

Locust Grove Cemetery, when first opened, was situated in the 
town of Cranston. In 1848 Amos D. Smith, James Y. Smith, William 
V. Daboll, Benjamin B. Adams and Rollin Mathewson, all interested 
in real estate in Elmwood, in the midst of which suburb of Provi- 
dence the ground was, obtained a charter under the name of the 
Locust Grove Cemetery Corporation, to conduct a public burial 
ground. They purchased the tract, shaped like a parallelogram, 
opening from Greenwich street, Elmwood. The cemetery has very 
little history. Its best days were lived before the population of Elm- 
wood was swelled by the growth of the city. It has of late afforded 
interments at rare intervals. 

The character of it is that of a rustic graveyard. It is laid out 
simply, is surrounded by a hedge now very high and rather gloomy 
in aspect, and within the shrubbery is generally of an unrestrained 
growth. But there are several lots in which cmite costly memorials 
have been raised. There is no superintendent, but the corporate n 
•carries on the little work needed by means of one or more workmen. 



292 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Ere long this ground will doubtless yield its contents for interment 
in more sacred ground. Perhaps 800 graves are here. 

On Reservoir avenue, and formerly in the town of Cranston, is an 
enclosure, 15 by 150 feet, showing a few gravestones of a simple 
style. This is the holy ground of the Congregation of the Sons of 
Israel of this city. It is not so famous a spot as the Jewish Ceme- 
tery at Newport, but Longfellow's lines upon that, " How strange it 
'seems, these Hebrews in their graves," point out to the observer here 
the sweet faith the Hebrew race entertains. The white marble slabs 
are all so placed that the sleepers will behold their promised Im- 
manuel when the glorious day comes and appears in the east. 

About 60 bodies have been buried here. The grounds were pre- 
sented to the Congregation of the Sons of Israel in 1856 by Solomon 
Prairie, who was at that time president of the congregation. They 
were opened the same year, shortly before the Day of Atonement. 
From this time until 1882 the burying went on as the deaths bef el, 
without any event. September 10th, 1882, a ceremony of re-dedica- 
tion took place. Mr. Henry Green was then president of the congre- 
gation, and Mr. Meyer Noot acting rabbi. More than $1,000 was 
spent in putting the ground in order, so that to-day it is in a very 
neat condition. It does not contain any graves of the distinction of 
those at Newport. 

One of the largest cemeteries in the city is the St. Patrick's, on 
Douglas avenue, formerly in the Tenth ward in the town of North 
Providence. It includes ten or more acres of ground, and was for 
years the one consecrated burying place of the Roman Catholics in 
this vicinity. In 1847 St. Peter's and St. Paul's church opened the 
ground, and from that time until 1871, when the St. Francis Ceme- 
tery, in Pawtucket, was consecrated, the burials were very numerous. 
It is now estimated that 40,000 Catholics have found a resting place 
here. The first management is by the bishop of the diocese, but de- 
tails are carried out by workmen without a superintendent's media- 
tion. The burials are neatly done, but there is no advance of ar- 
rangement. A few good monuments are standing. At present no 
new lots are sold, the great majority of the dead being interred in 
St. Francis Cemetery, which is fast becoming a beautiful spot. 

The conception of churchyards as they exist in England had one 
adoption in this city in St. John's Churchyard on North Main street. 
This was founded for the " elect " of the Episcopal persuasion when 
King's church, as St. John's church was first named, was planned. 
This was in 1722, and it can be understood that a deal of historical 
fact clusters here. Nathaniel Brown of Rehoboth, Mass., presented 
to the Episcopal communion of the city the original tract of land to 
be used for a church, on the 18th of September, 1722. The land 
measured 40 feet on "the Town Street," and extended east 71 feet. 
Afterward additions were made to it, until to-day the entire area is 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 293 

fully an acre. When the first grave was filled in cannot be said. 
The church was built the same year of the donation of the land. Not 
till 1772 was the society incorporated. In 1794 the name of the 
church became St. John's. The first structure for worship has been 
rebuilt, and the later edifice altered and enlarged. 

The shape of this old cemetery is a parallelogram, and its location 
is hardly visible from the street. It was never labored upon for 
artistic landscape effects, and to-day it is deeply grown with shrubs 
and grass. It is upon the slope of the hill, and a few tombs are 
built against the rising eastern boundary line. The remaining space 
is interrupted by the old-fashioned, toppling, moss-grown stones, 
many of them having been brought to this country from England. 
The building of the transept and chapel of the church, in late years, 
has brought several graves under the nave. Amongst these is the 
grave of the famous French Huguenot, Gabriel Bernon. His body 
was re-entombed by Hon. Zachariah Allen in 1875. The presence of 
his grave suggests the distinguished historical character of the 
church. The first steeple and church bell in Providence were beside 
these graves. And Doctor McSparran has preached there, and, per- 
haps, Bishop Berkeley. Until 1755 no record of the burials was 
kept, but from that year until 1807 the city registrar copied every 
record kept by the church society. Thenceforth the church books 
contain the names. It is estimated that over 1,000 bodies rest here. 
The management has always been with the society, the grave-digger 
being the only workman on the grounds. 

The families which have committed their dead to the dust here 
are among the best known in the history of the town and city. 
But the more prosperous to-day have transferred the remains of their 
loved ones to other grounds. No one has been buried in the grounds 
in the last decade, and there may never be another. 

Thirty years ago there was a great cemetery in the southwestern 
part of this city known as the West Burial Ground. Its greatness 
was the result of conglomeration rather than the intention of any 
founders, and it has a long, if not a fruitful history. Its origin is re- 
lated to another quite important cemetery which was forgotten long 
ago by the people. "July 2d, 1722, John Hoyle, for twenty-four 
pounds of current money," gave to Samuel Danforth, of Taunton; 
David vSmith, John Greenwood and Deacon Samuel Newman, of Re- 
hoboth; Reverend Timoth}^ Woodbury and Reverend Samuel 
Whiting of Windham church, and both of Connecticut, a quit-claim 
deed to a tract of land near where " the two great country roads " 
meet, that is, lying some distance west of what is known as the new 
market; this land to be utilized for the erection of a Presbyterian 
church and parsonage and for burying purposes. Winslow place 
now divides the High street end into an east and west half. The 
land measured 170 feet on High street, 300 feet on the east side, 127 



294 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

feet on Broad street and 384 feet on the west side. It is now about 
midway between Fenner street and the junction of High and Broad 
streets. But a church was not to be built here. One which had been 
begun was torn down by dissatisfied churchmen. The land was, 
however, used as a burying place. The Presbyterians in the city 
continued without organization until the Benevolent Congregational 
church was organized, in 1728. In 1743 the Beneficent Congrega- 
tional church was organized. Meantime the Presbyterians or Con- 
gregationalists buried their dead in the old churchyard, but how 
numerously cannot be said. If the facts are as history offers them, 
it appears extraordinary that there should have been any burying 
there at all. One theory of the facts is that the church, for which 
the land was sold, and to build which money was collected all over 
Massachusetts Bay colony, w T as in fact built; that it was used for 
some years, and that then a secession of the faithful took place and 
the Beneficent Congregational church was founded; that soon after 
both societies built new churches, while they retained their interests 
in the old property. This theory is supported by the fact that in 
1785 the Benevolent, or what is now the First Congregational church 
and the Beneficent each owned a common half of the burying ground 
land. 

It was in this year that each society purchased of John Field two 
and one-half acres of land, each portion in an exact square, and com- 
menced the formation of the West Burial Ground. The two squares 
made a parallelogram, the Beneficent society's lying directly east of 
the Benevolent's. The ground was bounded by Plane street on the 
east, Point street on the south, Prince street on the west, and the 
north side as will be shown farther on. 

The price paid was for each portion " one hundred Spanish milled 
dollars." It can only be surmised whether the two societies removed 
any dead from the old ground. July 13th, 1791, John Field sold to 
an association of about 40 citizens the tract of land bounded by Bea- 
con, Friendship and Plane streets, and also by the land which com- 
prised the Beneficent society's cemetery. It cost the buyers 12<> Span - 
ish milled silver dollars, and was known as the Proprietors' Ground 
for Burial. They were never incorporated into a proper body for 
holding an estate. In 1809 Isaac Manchester laid out the large tract 
ol land, of a generally square shape, lying on Plane street and ap- 
proaching Lockwood, and this became the Manchester Burying 
Ground. In 1818 Thomas Sprague laid out for a burial ground a 
tract of land just north of the Manchester estate, at the corner of 
Plane and Point streets. It was known as the Sprague or Hope Ceme- 
tery. In 1842 Governor Seth Padelford and twelve associates were 
incorporated to conduct a cemetery immediately west of the Hope 
Cemetery on Point street. . Its shape was generally of a parallelo- 
gram. In 1818 Daniel Field laid out for burial purposes a triangular 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. -j".C 

lot of land at the corner of Friendship and Beacon streets. The apex 
of the triangle was at the corner of Prince and Friendship streets, and 
the third side was bounded by the Benevolent Congregational Ceme- 
tery. The area of land, comprising the Benevolent Congregational 
Cemetery, the Beneficent Congregational Cemetery, the Proprietors' 
Ground for Burial, the Manchester Burial Ground, theSprague Burial 
Ground or Hope Cemetery, the Field Burial Ground, and Union 
Cemetery, about 17 acres, was in its entire extent known as the West 
Burial Ground. 

It was in its prime about the year 1825. Even as late as 186S it 
was for the most part in a good condition. But there were no inter- 
ments after 1870. The Beneficent Congregational Cemetery estate 
was sold to Mr. Beriah Wall in 1877 for the sum of $50,000. The 
bodies had been in process of removal by friends for several years. 
and the last remaining were transferred to Swan Point at the expense 
of the society. About 1,000 dead were interred upon this ground in 
all. No records were kept, the conduct of the cemetery being left to 
the lot-owners who bought under the fee simple of the society, the 
lots being sub-sold for burying only. 

There are not as many old buildings in Providence as one might 
naturally look for in a city of the age and area of this. A quarter of 
a century ago one might find many old structures even on the prin- 
cipal business streets, but the ruthless hand of progress, which recog- 
nizes not the claims of the moss-covered roofs and leaning walls to 
an extended existence for the sake of " Auld Lang Syne," has swept 
them aside, and on their sites have been erected handsome and sub- 
stantial business blocks. A few of the old-time wooden buildings 
still remain, particularly on Westminster street, but they are insig- 
nificant from an historical standpoint and a constant reminder that 
valuable building sites are being neglected. There are some build- 
ings, too, which no doubt have very interesting histories, which 
would be read with great pleasure, but as the only tongues which 
could relate the facts have long since returned to dust, those histories 
will remain as sealed books, to be opened only when the secrets of 
all hearts and things are unfolded. 

The younger business men of to-day have no difficulty in recalling 
Westminster street when it was lined almost entirely with wooden 
structures from one end to the other; when brick buildings were 
rarities on that thoroughfare, and when the business done on that 
street was almost wholly confined between Washington row and 
Mathewson street, with a few small stores straggling as far as the 
Lyman estate, on the corner of Walker street. To these men come 
pleasant memories of the old First L T niversalist church, at the corner 
of Union street, the present site of the Boston store, where the two 
tall trees cast a cooling shade over the recessed sidewalk in the burn- 
ing summer days; of the old gambrel-roofed yellow building which 



296 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

stood on the next lot below, where Paul Wright, the grey-haired 
caterer, and his amiable wife, with her gold-bowed spectacles that 
awed the little ones, carried on business with much success for man3 T 
vears; of the low white building which was torn away when the 
Eddy street continuation from Westminster to Washington street 
was ordered, in which O. W. Prince kept a toy shop that would have 
delighted Dickens, Remington & Sessions ran a grocery store and 
Perrin's circulating library was kept. Prince afterward bloomed out 
as an aeronaut, Remington & Sessions took the store opposite Grace 
church, and Perrin dropped down a few doors to his present location. 

Where the Curry and Richards building now stands there was at 
that time a low, one-story brown building, occupied in its last days 
by Corey Brothers. On the corner above, and on the same side of 
the street, was a row of rickety structures, occupied by Read, the 
paper-hanger, a tailor, and other kinds of business. On the Dorrance 
street side of the same building was Bennett's gun shop, where the 
patriotic youths loaded up for Fourth of July, and the surgeon's of- 
fice at one and the same time. There was also started in the Middle 
street corner of the building the first liquor saloon with stalls and 
women waiters that Providence had seen, and it was copied from the 
since notorious New York saloons of the " Billy McGlory " type. The 
place was called the "Green Mountain," and lives in the police his- 
tory of the city as the place where the cowardly murder of a woman 
was attempted by shooting. David Heaton had a jewelry store at the 
same time, situated at the corner of Westminster and Exchange 
streets, in the building which was demolished to give place to the 
Atlantic Block. On festive occasions the interest of the younger 
people was evenly divided between Paul Wright's molasses candy 
and an automaton in Mr. Heaton's window, which consisted of a 
monkey figuring as a portrait painter. The Howard and Phoenix 
buildings had been reared from the ashes of the great fire, a few 
years before the time covered by these few reminiscences, and in the 
one the "swell " dances were held, and in the other was the Academy 
of Music, the only respectable theater Providence could then boast 
of. In the same building with the theater was quite a large-sized 
hall, in which Peck held his dancing school. 

At the corner of Union and Westminster streets, where the Bar- 
naby Block now stands, was a peaked-roof building, where Patrick 
Power carried on the tailoring business for many years and made 
nearly all the first jackets and pairs of pantaloons which the present 
business men of the city wore. The other store was a Catholic re- 
p >sitory and the headquarters for emigration tickets and drafts to be 
used in Ireland. ( )pposite the Arcade was a large building in which 
Perry & Barnard had a dry goods store, Taber a watch and jewelry 
store, and Barstow drove a thriving carpet trade. Overhead, Man- 
chester carried on the furniture business. Further down, on the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 297 

same side, and where the Wheaton Building now stands, was the low 
structure in which Martin & Symonds conducted the dry goods busi- 
ness and Mead had his dental parlors. 

The Hoppin homestead with its high brick wall surroundings and 
its stately columns, then recalled the colonial epoch, for every inch 
of the palatial residence spoke of the old-time grandeur. Like its 
occupant, the late Lord Hoppin, as he was then called, the structure 
had an air of refinement pleasant to contemplate. It was but a few 
years ago that the familiar residence was torn down to make way for 
the present Hoppin Homestead Building. Contemporaneous with the 
Hoppin was the Lyman homestead, on the next corner above, which 
lias since been remodelled and given over to business pursuits, but 
which still retains some of its old features. Another old residence, 
and one that used to attract much attention, was the Waterman 
house, at the corner of Broad and Union streets. One would hardly 
recognize in the present structure, which is used partly for business 
and partly for dancing purposes, any of the details of the old build- 
ing. At the corner of Weybosset and Peck streets stood the old 
Telegraph House, a noted resort for "crooks," plug-uglies, burglars 
and all the noted law-breakers. " Bristol Bill," one of the greatest 
criminals of his day, made that hotel his headquarters, and under its 
roof many bold pieces of lawlessness were concocted,, in which he 
figured. The hotel building stood until about 1885, having been 
used for several years for legitimate business pursuits, and at last 
being demolished to make room for a large and handsome brick 
block. 

The oldest dwelling in the city is the Whipple house on the north 
side of Abbott street, east of North Main street. It dates back more 
than two centuries, and its original owner, Samuel Whipple, was born 
in the year 1643. When the town was burned by the Indians, March 
80th, 1676, this building was spared the incendiary torch, and it is 
believed that the reason it was not destroyed was that the Indians, 
knowing that Roger Williams and his followers had worshipped 
there, revered the structure. Keeping pace with the times the old 
house has assumed several changes, until now the original plans are 
materially lost sight of. Samuel Whipple was the first person buried 
in the North Burial Ground. 

The Tillinghast house, on South Main street, north of Transit 
street, was erected by Philip Tillinghast about 1710. At that time 
there were but four dwelling houses in that part of Providence. 
The structure is of wood, two stories in height, with basements on 
the western end, a broad, hipped roof, dormer windows and a great 
chimney in its center which is five feet square at the top. 

St. John's Episcopal church, the oldest structure in Providence 
belonging to that denomination, was erected in 1722, at the corner 
of North Main and Church streets, and was known as King's chapel. 



29S IIJSTOKV OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The first church bell hung in the town was in the steeple of this 
church. In 1794 the name of the church was changed to St. John's. 

The Friends' meeting house at the corner of North Main and 
Meeting streets, was built about 1727. It is a wooden structure, de- 
void of any ornamentation. It was increased in size in 1784-5, and 
for several years the town meetings were held in the upper part of 
the building. The first meeting of the Friends in Providence of 
which there is record was held in a large barn, George Fox, the 
founder of the sect, being the leader. As early as 1704 the sect built 
a small meeting house, but it long ago went the way of all earthly 
things. 

The old brick dwelling house, No. 537 North Main street, was 
built in 1752-3 by Elisha Brown. It is three stories in height, has a 
gambrel roof, and was formerly one-third longer on its north side, a 
portion of the house having been demolished to make way for a 
modern cottage house. It is believed that the central window of the 
three now remaining on the north side was the center of the origi- 
nal structure. 

The state house, on Benefit street, was built in 1762, and occupies 
the site of the old colony house, which was destroyed by fire in 1758. 
The building is of brick, with stone facings, and capped by a belfry. 
The supreme court sat in the lower or representatives' hall as late as 
1877, when the new court house was dedicated. In 1881 the 
general assembly caused the interior of the building to be re- 
modelled, so that to-day very few traces are left of the quaint finish- 
ings which formerly interested the spectators during dull sessions 
of the court or prosy arguments of wearisome legislators. The 
greatest curiosities in the state house to-day are the Gilbert Stuart 
portrait of General Washington, the " Gaspee " commission, the 
famous state charter issued in 1603, and in force until 1842, and the 
original deed of the state house lot. 

The old city building on Market Square was built in 1773. It was 
erected for a public market by means of funds raised through a 
lottery. In 1797 St. John's Lodge of Masons built on the third story, 
and for many years used that floor for society purposes. Being cen- 
trally located the building came into favor for city offices, and in 
time it became the headquarters for nearly all the municipal busi- 
ness, taking and holding the name of city hall until 1878, when the 
present city hall was occupied. 

The First Baptist church, on North Main street, between Water- 
man and Steeple streets, was erected in 1775, and has a steeple 196 
feet high, that is considered to be as beautiful as any in this country. 
The society was founded in 1638 and was chartered in 1774, and is 
believed to be the oldest Baptist society in this country. The great 
crystal chandelier which is pendant from the center of the auditorium 
is remarkably handsome. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 299 

The Hopkins House, No. 9 Hopkins street, was owned by Stephen 
Hopkins, one of the signers of the declaration of independence, for 
nine years the governor of this state, a chief justice of the supreme 
court of the state, and elected to many other offices of public trust. 
The old house formerly stood at the foot of Hopkins street. The side 
originally facing South Main street is now turned toward Hopkins 
street. History says that in 1775 General Washington passed a night 
in this old house. 

The Mansion House, at the corner of Benefit and South Court 
streets, is the oldest public house now standing in this city. In 1784 
its front bore the sign of "Golden Ball Inn." Among the honored 
guests at the old inn in its palmy days were Presidents Washington 
and Monroe and General Lafayette. The interior of the old inn is 
dark and dingy with age, and from the busy hotel, where gay recep- 
tions were once held, it has drifted into an ordinary boarding house. 

Brown University is really the center of historic interest in Provi- 
dence. University Hall was built in 1770, and from December 7th, 
1776, until May 27th, 1782, was occupied for barracks and a hospital 
by the American and French soldiers. It is of brick and 150 feet 
long. Hope College is also of brick, and is four stories in height. It 
was erected in 1822 by the Hon. Nicholas Brown, and was named for 
his sister, Hope Ives. Manning Hall was built in 18^4; was also the 
gift of the Hon. Nicholas Brown. It is of stone, covered with ce- 
ment, and is modelled after a Grecian temple of the Doric order. 
Rhode Island Hall was built in 1840 by subscription. The president's 
residence, at the corner of College and Prospect streets, was built in 
1840. It is of wood, with an Ionic portico. All the other buildings 
are of recent construction. 

The Richmond Street Congregational church was begun in 1795 
and completed in 1807. Its roof gave it the title of the " Tin Top." 
The society later erected a brick edifice on the opposite corner of 
Pine street, and the old church became the abiding place for other 
religious societies, until it was purchased for a brewery. Later it was 
used as a junk shop, and now it has been turned into a livery stable. 

The First Congregational church was built on Benefit street, 
corner of Benevolent street, in 1810, on the site of another edifice 
belonging to the society, which was burned down in 1814. The 
church is noted for its massive and elegant pulpit of mahogany. 

The Chestnut Street Methodist Episcopal church, at the corner of 
Clifford street, was erected in 1822, and is the oldest of its denomina- 
tion in Providence. The building originally occupied by the society 
was erected at the corner of Washington and Aborn streets, and was 
dedicated in 1816. During the gale of September, 1869, the steeple 
on the present building was blown down. 

The new market, at the junction of High and Broad streets, was 
built in 1827. It was not the success that had been anticipated, and 
is now leased for various branches of business. 



300 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

One of the most prominent of the old business buildings is the 
Arcade. It extends through from Weybosset street on the south to 
Westminster on the north, being 216 feet in length and 74 feet wide 
fronting on either street. The building is three stories high and is 
lighted from a glass roof. Each floor is divided into 26 stores, which 
are mainly occupied by retail dealers in fancy goods, millinery and 
kindred lines. The building is of granite, in the Ionic style, and the 
portico at either end is supported by six massive granite pillars. It 
was erected in 1828, at a cost of about $145,000, and was then pro- 
nounced the handsomest building in Providence, and the most elab- 
orate one devoted to similar purposes in the United States. The pro- 
prietors were Cyrus Butler of the eastern half, and the Arcade Cor- 
poration of the western half. The architect was Russell Warren. 

The Westminster Congregational Unitarian church, on Mathew- 
son street, was erected in 1829. It is of stone and has a grand old 
portico of the Ionic type. The interior was remodelled about 1872. 

The building now known as Amateur Dramatic Hall, at the cor- 
ner of South Main and Power streets, was erected for church pur- 
poses in 1833, by the Power Street Methodist Episcopal society. They 
retained it until about 1873, when it was altered into a riding school, 
and in 1876 it was leased and revamped as a theater by the Amateur 
Dramatic Club. 

The Athenaeum, at the corner of Benefit and College streets, was 
completed in 1837. Nicholas Brown and the heirs of Thomas P.Ives 
gave the lot, $6,000 for the building and $4,000 for books. The char- 
ter for the Athenaeum was granted in 1831. The building is of gran- 
ite and contains 40,000 volumes. 

The old state prison, on Gaspee street and back of the Cove Basin, 
was built in 1838, at a cost of $51,500. It is of granite, and with the 
Providence county jail, which was built in 1839, was vacated in 1878, 
when the new state penal buildings at Cranston were read} 7 for occu- 
pancy. 

The old stone theater, on Dorrance street, east of Pine street, was 
built in 1839, but not proving a paying institution, it was soon given 
over to business pursuits. 

The Arsenal, on Benefit street, near Meeting street, was erected 
in 1840. It is of plastered stone, with two castellated towers. It is 
now used by the Marine Corps of Artillery and the Battery attached 
to the Brigade of Rhode Island Militia. 

The Bethel church on Benefit street, near the junction of Wicken- 
den street, was erected in 1841. The deed of the property was made 
by Joseph A. Chedel to George Earned, William P.Bullock, Seth 
Padelford, Daniel Fish. John C. Eee, Joseph W. Davis, Josiah Sim- 
mons, Jonathan Pike, Nathan Mason, Resolved Waterman and Daniel 
T. Goodhue for §1 in trust, for the purpose of holding free religious 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 301 

services for the spiritual benefit of mariners. The building was used 
for the purposes named in the deed until October 22d, 1884, when the 
property was formally transferred to the Christian Mission, and by 
that association opened on the evening- of January 25th as the Bethel 
Coffee House. 

The Butler Hospital was completed in 1847. The original bequest 
was made by the Hon. Nicholas Brown, who died in 1841 and left 
$30,000 for the hospital. Cyrus Butler gave $40,000 in 1841, and other 
citizens of Providence gave another $40,000. Since then there have 
been many bequests establishing permanent funds for the mainte- 
nance of special objects for the use and benefit of the patients. The 
building is of brick, and the grounds, which cover 140 acres, are beau- 
tifully laid out and rich with luxurious growths of shrubs, flowering 
plants and great shade trees. 

The Rhode Island Historical Society building, on Waterman 
street, opposite Brown University, was erected in 1844. The build- 
ing is of stone and contains, in addition to 9,000 volumes and 20,000 
pamphlets, a large collection of articles of historical value. A tran- 
sept in the rear was added in 1889. 

Grace church was consecrated in 1846. The parish was organized 
in 1829, and held its first services in the old Tin Top church. In 
1832 the Providence Theater, at the corner of Westminster and 
Mathewson streets, was purchased and altered over into a church. It 
was moved away, and on its site the present structure was built. 

The Union passenger station on Exchange Place was erected in 
1848. It is of brick and 625 feet in length. 

The " Shelter," at No. 20 Olive street, was erected in 1849, upon 
land donated by Mrs. Maria Jenkins. It is of wood and is managed 
by the Providence Association for the Benefit of Colored Children, 
organized in 1838. 

St. Francis Xavier Academy, at the corner of Broad and Claverick 
streets, was established in 1851, erected in part in 1854, and completed 
in 1865. 

The Mathewson Street Methodist Episcopal church was organized 
in 1848, as the Third Methodist Society, by members who drew away 
from the Power and Chestnut Street societies. The present edifice 
was dedicated May 28th, 1851, and prior to the erection the society 
worshipped in a hall on Westminster street. 

The Central Congregational church on Benefit street, near Col- 
lege street, was erected in 1852, and is of brick and freestone. 

The Central Baptist church was organized in 1805. The first edi- 
fice was erected on Pine street, in 1807, and destroyed by fire, Septem- 
ber 23d, 1815. A second building was erected at once, and used until 
the present brick structure on Broad street, near Burrill street, was 
built in 1857, at a cost of $65,000. In 1882 the interior was materially 
altered and beautified. 



302 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum, on Prairie avenue, in South Provi- 
dence, was erected in 1858. It is of brick, presents an imposing ap- 
pearance, is under the care of the Sisters of Mercy, and is supported 
by the Roman Catholic church in the diocese of Providence. Nearly 
225 orphans find a home there. 

In addition to the foregoing old buildings is the Tockwotten 
House, a description of which will be found further on, the long row 
of mercantile buildings on South Water street, the group of old build- 
ings next and adjoining the old custom house on South Water street, 
and the rickety structure next below the post office, on Weybosset 
street, facetiously designated as the " Grosvenor palace." There are 
two or three old structures on Christian hill, which formerly belonged 
to the late Major Dean. It is not known when they were built, but 
one of them is said to have been drawn up the hill by men, from the 
neighborhood of Dorrance street. Some of the old mills in the sub- 
urbs date back about three-quarters of a century, but the date of their 
erection is a matter beyond the range of reasonable possibilities to 
find out at the present time. 

History tells us that Roger Williams and his followers to these 
shores, first dwelt in the primitive tents of the Indians, then in log- 
huts with clay between the logs, and that finally Providence began 
to grow to what it now is from a straggling village of about two 
score houses, which were made of oak, the frames of which were 
hewn from the solid trees with the axes of their owners, architects 
and builders. The early colonists evidently had no glass to put in 
their windows. The foundations of these houses, and the huge 
chimneys, which were built at one end of the houses, were 
rough and unhewn, just as they came from the hillsides. From the 
meagre descriptions of these houses, which may be culled from 
the public records of the town, it is learned that they were one 
and one-half stories in height, with a lower room and chamber. 
John Whipple's house, which was at the foot of Constitution hill, was 
one of the first to be built after Philip's war. Thomas Olney, Sr., 
could boast of better accommodations than his neighbors, for he had 
a parlor, kitchen and chamber. Late in the seventeenth century the 
houses are found to have had four apartments, with a chimney in 
the center of the structures. There were also a number of narrow 
houses, two stories in height, and with a garret. The " Gaol house," 
on Constitution hill, was of the latter mentioned type, as was also 
Nathaniel Brown's house, which stood at the corner of Church street, 
and was removed in 1842. Nathaniel Brown was the earliest ship- 
builder in the town, was a man of wealth and one of the founders of 
St. John's church. His house had a large stone chimney at its north 
end. After these came the houses of two stories, with two 
chambers in the attic. All of these old houses have passed away, and 
not a vestige of them is standing. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE CpUXTV. 303 

Among the early houses in the eighteenth century, passing men- 
tion is made of that of Gabriel Bernon, erected in 1721, on the west 
side of " Towne " street, opposite St. John's church. Where Chad. 
Brown's homestead stood is now a portion of College street, and 
where Thomas street now cuts through was formerly the site of the 
Angell homestead. Next north of this last house was the dwelling 
of Thomas Olney, who succeeded Roger Williams after the disrup- 
tion of the religious society which he founded. At Howland street 
were the houses of Roger Williams and John Throckmorton, and at 
that point now known as Church street Joshua Verin's house stood. 
A little to the north and next to St. John's church lived Richard 
Scot, the first convert made by George Fox. Beyond Scot's house 
and up Constitution hill there were then no houses to speak of. At 
the opening of the eighteenth century Gregory Dexter resided in a 
house near Dexter lane, now Olney street. In the field east cf the 
North Burial Ground for many decades were the cellars and stone 
foundations of five of the old houses which formerly stood in a row 
and were destroyed in Philip's war. 

As early as 1784, and in January of that year, it is recorded that 
Providence experienced a severe freshet, during which many of the 
houses which stood near the town mill (Smith's grist mill) were swept 
away. In 1745 Daniel Rutenbridge erected a mill over the Wconas- 
quatucket river, which was the precurser of all the great manufac- 
turing enterprises and establishments of Rhode Island. He was a 
German, and died May 15th, 1754. The " County House " was voted 
to be built in 1729, was completed in October, 1731, and burned De- 
cember 24th, 1758. In 1720 Doctor Jabez Bowen's house was built on 
Bowen street. The first oyster house in the city was established by 
a colored slave named Emanuel Bernoon. It was located on Towne 
street, near the site of the first custom house, and proved so remun- 
erative a venture that when he died Bernoon left his wife a house 
and lot on Stampers street. 

The history of no single institution is connected more intimately 
with that of the town than the history of its hostelries. It is 
familiar that the judgment of the world is passed on a community 
by the kind of a hotel that it maintains, as much as it is by its busi- 
ness aspect or its educational facilities. Yet while this intimate con- 
nection with the town's history can be claimed for the hostelry, the 
nature of that connection has radically altered. Thus, while the 
hostelry has followed the progress of this town, in a material sense, 
moving in the years from its original site far out on the Pawtucket 
pike to the present heart of the city, and while it has followed its 
growth in its business and commercial aspect, at periods perhaps 
being "behind " or "ahead " of the town, its relationship to the com- 
munity has undergone a radical change. It is a change, however, 
that only emphasizes the fact of that relationship inasmuch as it 



304 IIISTOR.Y OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

marks the change wrought in the growing community itself, in its 
business and social aspects. 

The old inns, ordinaries or taverns, as they were variously styled, 
were originally strictly for the town; they were an important ele- 
ment in the internal life of the town, in which town meetings, gen- 
eral assemblies, even the courts were conducted, and the social and 
business life as well was intimately connected with them. They 
were the vital centers, in a word, of the town. The hotel of to-day, 
on the contrary, has little in common with the private life of the 
community; it has become the place set apart by the community for 
the welcome to strangers, and thousands are ignorant of even the 
proprietor's name. This change in its relationship has been a 
natural one; though perhaps it would be difficult to strictly dis- 
tinguish the cause from the effect — whether the town, finding the 
need of larger accommodation for the gathering of its representa- 
tives, drifted away from the tavern room to other more formal quar- 
ters, and so the public house opened its doors to the outside world 
for its business; or the development of the connections with other 
places, and the increasing demand for public accommodations, had 
the effect of separating the freemen and their inns, it might be hard 
to decide. 

Reminiscences of the inns and taverns of the town are retained 
by its veteran citizens, who not only have personal recollections of 
the famous hostelries of the early part of the present century, but 
possess also the traditions of still older and no less remarkable inns 
that were famous, and died out in the time of their fathers and grand- 
fathers. Pleasant as are these reminiscences, the stories and tradi- 
tions of the old tavern rooms, the gay balls and the sober town meet- 
ings, the swinging signs and rattling stage coaches, the histories of 
all but a few lack accurate data, and are neither recorded nor can be 
offered with desirable exactness by even the oldest inhabitants. 

For two generations after the settlement of the town all strangers 
coming to Providence were received in private houses. But the Pidge 
Tavern is believed to have been built in 1641 near the spot where 
the horse car barn now is on the Pawtucket road, near the " old Toll 
House." This was a favorable location, as the town was then laid 
out. One John Foster was the possible owner, and after him came 
John Morey and Philip Esten (1769) and Jeremiah Sayles. From the 
latter the estate passed to his daughter, who was the wife of Ira 
Pidge, from whom the tavern seems to have derived its permanent 
name, although it-is also known as the Jeremiah Sayles Tavern. 
James S. Pidge, a son, inherited it and conducted it. The tavern is 
particularly famed as having been the headquarters of Lafayette in 
Sayles' time, being situated hard by the " French camping grounds." 
The building still stands on its old site, and is in the possession of 
the Pidge family, of this city. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 305 

Benjamin Pidge kept a tavern on the north corner of Thnrber's 
lane and Branch avenue, just this side of the North Burial Ground. 
This was known as the Benjamin Pidge Tavern, to distinguish it, and 
it flourished in the early part of this century. 

The Bull's Head Tavern, or "old tavern house." as a later gener- 
ation came to call it, comes next in importance in date, and it had a 
long and honorable record. It was situated, of course, on the Paw- 
tucket turnpike on the east side, about a mile north of the Amasa 
Gray Tavern, which stands to-day at the junction of the turnpike and 
North Main street. Its signboard bore a bull's head that is remem- 
bered by not a few now living. It was built in 1072, and was used as 
a tavern down to 1837, after which, piece by piece, it was torn down 
and removed, and about 1875 the last of it disappeared. Major John 
Dexter, son of Gregory Dexter, owned it in the beginning of its 
career, and it remained in the Dexter family for more than a cen- 
tury. In the latter part of this period it was rented to parties out- 
side by Joseph and Moses, great-grandsons of Major John, who were 
unmarried and boarded with their tenants. At one time the old tav- 
ern was used as a slaughter house. Benjamin Gould was the landlord 
after Moses died (1825), and Ezekiel Emerson succeeded him in 1828, 
when the property became involved in a lawsuit; the property passed 
out of the hands of the family, and soon after ceased to be a tavern 
and suffered a gradual decline. 

Half way up Constitution hill stood Whipple's Tavern. It was 
licensed to John Whipple in 1680 and stood, one of the most con- 
spicuous of the old taverns, to the middle of the eighteenth century 
-not a long life, but a notable one. " From its staid and sober char- 
acter, as well as its central position, Whipple's was the favorite place 
of meeting of the Council and Probate Court for two generations." 

The Turpin House— the "Old Turpin House "—was situated in 
the rear of the house now No. 626 North Main street, the " town 
street," the site occupied by the late William G. Angell. directly 
opposite the Fourth Baptist church. William Turpin. who, it is 
recorded, was a schoolmaster, turned innkeeper, and seems to have 
proved himself a most agreeable and successful host. The house 
which bore his name was built in 1695, and it soon became the state 
house of the colony, where, too, the probate court, as well as the gen- 
eral assembly, were wont to meet. Turpin's son, also William, suc- 
ceeded him at his death, July 18th, 1709, until his own death in 1744; 
and the house seems to have gained and maintained a constantly 
widening influence, and became the largest in the town, and ol a 
political importance which only ended when the present state house 
was built in 1762. And it still retained its popularity until the t< v n 
drifted away from it and its fellows in the North End. 

Olney's Tavern, which shared with Whipple's and Turpin's a 
celebrity that endured well into the last century, stood at the corner 
20 



306 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of North Main and Olney streets, and was run by Epenetus Olney. 
Olney street was then known as Dexter's lane. The house enjoyed a 
longer life and greater celebrity than either of the other two. It was 
near the highway from Boston, and had the best traveling patronage; 
the town mill was hard by, and the site was eminently the commer- 
cial center of these Plantations. Its neighborhood, as the most public 
location, was made the scene of penal discipline, and the town stocks 
were set up there. The property passed to the descendants of Epe- 
netus Olney through several generations, and saw its rivals die while 
it continued its successful career as a hostelry well into the last years 
of the last century, being still a popular resort at the time of the 
revolutionary war, when Joseph Olney dedicated his big elm on the 
green in front of it as a " liberty tree." But in 1803, when the city 
was drifting away from it and it had seen its best days, Colonel Jere 
Olney built a house on the green before it, and it was a matter of a 
few years only before it passed away. 

About the middle of the last century the numberof taverns began 
to increase with the growth of the town, while the establishment of 
the state house and the increase of travellers tended to change their 
character and to give them a different sort of popularity and celeb- 
rity. In 1757 the "Sign of the White Horse" was kept by genial Cap- 
tain Adams and his son, on North Main street, just opposite the First 
Baptist church, and it was a great resort for mariners and merchants. 
Here all the marine news was learned and discussed, and its popu- 
larity kept pace with the times. It remained a tavern until 1825 or 
1830; then was used as a dwelling; a portion for a museum was later 
annexed to the Earl House, and finally was absorbed by the Gorham 
Manufacturing Company. In 1760, too, flourished the Widow Kel- 
ton's, a two-story house of wood, that was located just above the 
■• Sign of the White Horse," next north from the corner of Haymar- 
ket street, on North Main. The site of this, with that of the house 
that stood on the corner, are now occupied by the present brick block 
belonging to Mrs. Gammell; but the old tavern house was not taken 
down until 1879. The "Widow Kelton's," as well as the "White 
Horse," have an enduring fame as being the places of holding the 
first meetings of the venerable St. John's Lodge of Masons. 

In the latter part of the last century a tavern, the "Two Crowns," 
flourished. Its name seems to have been handed down, and some- 
thing of its fame; also that Captain John Waterman was one of its 
early landlords— at which time it took the name of its host— and then 
Xoah Mason. But the exact location of the " Two Crowns " is in- 
volved in considerable obscurity. It was doubtless somewhere in the 
lower part of North Main street, where all the prominent inns of the 
period flourished; but the site of the old Providence Hotel, of the 
Whatcheer Building, or on Market Square itself, are variously 
claimed. Its name is left behind with but little of its history. The 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 307 

"" Bunch of Grapes" was another inn whose picturesque name sur- 
vives all other reliable information of it or its location. 

The Montgomery Hotel stood on the triangular lot at the head of 
Constitution hill, where the fire alarm tower now stands, and was 
built in 1781 by General Simeon Thayer. (The date of building is 
also given as 1708 by Staples's annals, but the less ancient date is one 
more generally received and possibly on more reliable authority.) It 
was kept at one time by James Hidden, and was the headquarters of 
the Boston coach, which used to depart from its doors every Monday. 
The tavern was torn down about 1808. 

There are two inns now standing in the city and still adapted 
more or less strictly to their original function, which date back into 
.the eighteenth century: The Hoyle Tavern, the familiar house at' the 
junction of High and Cranston streets, which is believed to have been 
established in 1782 (the legend on a picture of the house hanging in 
the sitting room claims its erection in 1724), and the Mansion House, 
more generally cited as the oldest hotel in Providence, which was 
opened in 1784 under the name of the Golden Ball Inn, and which 
stands at the corner of Benefit and South Court streets, nearly oppo- 
site the state house. Its sign in the old days was adorned by a golden 
globe in keeping with its name. Here in the Golden Ball Inn were 
■entertained Washington, Monroe and Lafayette, and it seems to have 
been a famous and richly honored hotel in the old days. The Hoyle 
'was named after its builder, who also ran a Hoyle Hotel out in Trip- 
town. It was in its early days more of a dancing house and place of 
entertainment, that was in wide favor with the young people. Situ- 
ated as it was far out in the country, with no bridge to cross the river 
from the east side, the jovial parties of young men and women had 
to go far around in the country in their excursions to wind up in a 
dance and a good time at the Hoyle. It was the earliest tavern on 
the west side. 

Probably prior to 1800, perhaps in 1798 or 1799, the famous, later 
notorious, Bull Dog Tavern, was built. Its history is that of a house 
and locality of the highest repute that descended through the years 
to bear only a hard name and unenviable notoriety. Still it has left 
a good legacy as the fruit of its early staidness, virtue and piety in 
no less a form than the society and building of the Fourth Baptist 
•church. Bull Dog square, the name by which its location, Randall 
square, is known, has now only a sinister meaning. The tavern 
stands on the west side of Charles street and was contemporaneous 
in its glory with two other famous hostelries, the Manufacturers' and 
the Washington Hotels. Although there appears to be opportunity 
for discussion as to who built it, reliable authority credits Doctor 
Thomas Green with being its founder. The lot was originally owned 
by Job Smith, a landlord of later repute, and in 1797 was conveyed to 
Joseph Snow and then in 1800 lot and buildings were transferred to 



308 HISTORY OF PROVIDENi I. COUNTY. 

Fenner Angell, of the Fenner Angell Tavern at the corner of Orms 
and Davis streets. Calvin Dean, who was a mortgagee, took possession 
in 1808; Richard Smith came into possession in 1820; Joseph Tierney 
in 1840; Mary Ann Madden, 1842; John N.Smith was another proprie- 
tor; and a man by the name of Godfrey ran it about I860. Doctor Green, 
its original owner, was a staid old gentleman described in Quaker garb,, 
and the Bull Dog doubtless preserved the staidness and repute of its 
proprietor for some years. But its chief repute, perhaps, should be 
connected with the period of Richard Smith's landlordship. Smith, 
who afterward became the popular landlord of the Franklin House 
and Eagle House, appears to have earned the staid inn-keeper's 
traits of Doctor Green to the extreme. He was from Glocester, and 
a young man when he took possession of the Bull Dog, and in his 
time the hall of the tavern was devoted, on Sundays, to religious 
meetings. On alternate Sundays, the Reverend Henry Tatem and 
the Reverend Benjamin Porter held services there with constantly 
increasing congregations. Baptisms were conducted in the (then) 
pure and undefiled Moshassuck, whose waters flowed conveniently 
near. The meetings in the old Bull Dog gathered many into the 
Christian fold, and their efforts and results formed the nucleus of the 
Fourth Baptist Church Society. 

The Fenner Angell Tavern was contemporaneous with the Bull 
Dog, and the old two-story gamble roofed building still stands at the 
corner of Orms and Davis streets. It was subsequently known as the 
Commodore Perry Tavern and later still as the Tinker Tavern, 
when Henry Tinker kept it. It has a notoriety in common with the 
Bull Dog for a hard character and dog fights, cock fights and prize 
fights are .said to be among the memories of its Sunday pastimes. It 
was, however, chiefly famed as the headquarters for horse racing, a 
sport that had a splendid field for development in that vicinity in the 
days of its career. 

To mention the Old Manufacturers' Hotel and the Washington 
Hotel is to call names familiar to those of even the present genera- 
tion whose ancestry were resident Rhode Islanders, in the period 
when they flourished. These contemporaneous hostelries rival each 
other in their enduring fame and in the wealth of reminiscences 
which fire the heart and bring a glow to the cheek. 

The Manufacturers' Hotel was originally the private residence of 
Deputy Governor Jabez Bowen. As a hotel it belonged to Governor 
Arthur Fenner, and at his death in 1805, it passed to his son James 
Fenner. From the platform erected in front of it were read the pub- 
lic proclamations of the time— in 1776 of the declaration of inde- 
pendence, tin- announcement of peace, and the adoption of the con- 
st it ution of Rhode Island. A great horse-chestnut tree stood before 
its entrance on the square. It was the headquarters of stage lines in 
all directions and was altogether a public house of eminent importance 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENC1 '"l NTY. 309 

and preference, and reminiscences of its days are familial , numerous 
and inspiring. 

The Washington Hotel will be ever famous as the scene of the 
grand balls and festivities of the elite of the town and city half a cen- 
tury ago. It was built about the year 1800 by Esek Aldrich, who had 
many successors and the hotel as many proprietors. John Andrews 
and wife took possession about the year 1859 and held it for a period 
of 15 years, when it was sold to Christopher Johnson. During 
Andrews' proprietorship the hotel was the headquarters for George 
Scott's stage to Warwick and John Babcock's to South Kingstown; 
and during this time, although in the decade 1820-30, it reached the 
summit of its social glory. It was a great " society " resort, the scene 
of the most fashionable of the fashionable balls and grand parties, 
and the place of holding the far-famed "Washington Assemblies;" 
and the name of Hannah Andrews, the hostess, will be treasured in 
memory in connection with the pleasant reminiscences associated 
with the famous old tavern. The annual Washington ball of the 
First Light Infantry, which continues a leading social event, may 
claim to be the existing descendant from the select old "assemblies" 
of Mrs. Andrews' time. 

About 1818 or 1820 Nicholas R. Gardiner, her father, kept a tavern 
in the homestead where stands the Jones building on Westminster 
street, and his tavern in its day was a great rendezvous of the nota- 
bles of the state for ten or twelve years. This, the Gardiner Tavern, 
was kept after Mr. Gardiner died by the Messrs. Waite, who, after its 
removal, kept tavern in the building now occupied by the Rhode 
Island News Company. The Gardiner Tavern, when removed in 
1837 to give place to the Jones Building, was taken to 105 Clifford 
street, where it now stands recuperated by a new roof and front. 

At the other end of the city, out on High street, from the Olney- 
ville district to the Hoyle Tavern, a number of inns and taverns of 
more or less repute flourished from the early part of the present cen- 
tury until recent years. Out by the old Tar bridge, now replaced by 
a neat iron structure, stood the Samuel Randall Tavern. The Par- 
don and John Angell and Fox taverns were located farther down, the 
latter down to Knight street. The Farmer's Home was kept by Doc- 
ton Gideon Spencer in 1822 and removed by Perry Davis, Esq., for 
the " Pain Killer " building. All of these were on the south side of 
the highway. On the north side were Field's, Round's and Hopkins's 
taverns, and at the corner of High and Battey streets stood that of 
Nehemiah Angell, built in 1830. Of these old inns the Fox Tavern, 
which stood at the corner of Knight street, on the site of the Roger 
Williams Free Baptist church, was built about 1820, and kept by Cap- 
tain Fox. It was notable as the headquarters of the farmers from 
the district about and from Connecticut; they came from Windham 
county and Killingly, as well as from Scituate and the Rhode Island 



310 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

farms with their droves of cattle and produce for Providence. The 
tavern was removed about 1855, when the new Roger Williams 
church was built. On the north side of Westminster street, just 
above Orange street, the tavern of Andrew Williams and the large 
boarding house of Captain Charles Stewart are memorable houses of 
the period. The Muddy Dock Tavern was situated in the locality of 
that name, near the foot of Peck street, and was quite a notable old 
French tavern at that period. 

Of that striking edifice, the Tockwotten House, on East street, the 
hotel history is brief and uneventful, save as it is connected with the 
introduction of railroads into the town, which gives it an importance 
as the most eminent example of the change in the character of the 
demands made upon the town's hostelries by its fuller connection 
with the outside world. The building was the private residence of 
the family of James B. Mason. After the Boston & Providence rail- 
road came into the city in 1835, at its original terminus in the district 
by the mouth of theSeekonk, the railroad company bought the house 
and established a hotel there for its travelling patrons who were 
either remaining here or in transit to New York. It had a number 
of landlords. In 1843-4, Willard Whitcomb, who later was in charge 
of the City Hotel, in connection with the Franklin House, ran it: in 
1845, Mrs. Mary Esten; 1846, D. V. Ross, 2d. The location was only 
desirable for a hotel on account of the patronage afforded it by the 
railroad, and when the road changed its terminus to Exchange place, 
the Tockwotten House was practically killed. Charles Potter, Doctor 
Grosvenor's father-in-law, bought the whole of the estate for a nomi- 
nal amount,- some $13,000, and made a boarding house of the lately 
thriving hotel. In 1850 the property was sold to the city, and from 
November of that year until the establishment of the school at Crans- 
ton, the Tockwotten House was used for the reform school, for which 
purpose it readily adapted itself with but few alterations. 

The Weybosset House, which stood where the Mechanics' Bank 
building now is on Weybosset street, was a flourishing hotel. The 
building was erected by Amos Atwell for his family mansion, and it 
was known as the Atwell House before becoming the Weybosset. It 
was moved back and two wings put on when transformed into a 
hotel, and from its wings became popularly known as the "Angels." 
Hezekiah Allen was its proprietor, and it was a flourishing hostelry 
down to about 1850 or ls.V>. 

The Franklin House, the familiar tall brick building, with lower 
story of stone, that stands at the foot of North Main street, was built 
in 1823, and during its career as a hostelry was honored by the best 
patronage in the city; indeed, a large proportion of the old business 
and professional men of prominence in the community to-day have 
occupied rooms within its walls for a greater or lesser length of time. 
Its old sign, " Franklin House," still hangs high up on its facade. 



HISTORY Of PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 311 

In 1846, Robert Earl, of the City Hotel, established the Earl House, 
at 69 North Main street, which was absorbed by the Gorham Manu- 
facturing Company with the old White Horse Tavern. 

There are now in Providence some 25 hotels of more or less credit- 
able standing, aside from boarding houses of all grades. First in 
prominence is the Narragansett Hotel, conducted by L. H. Hum- 
phreys. This house needs no description to make it outwardly and 
by reputation, at least, familiar It is owned by the Wheaton Hotel 
Company, a corporation of distinguished and wealthy citizens of the 
state, with ex-Governor Lippitt at their head. The work of building 
was begun in 1874 and ended in 1878; it was formally opened April 
loth of that year. The first cost was about $1,000,000. William R. 
Walker was the architect. The hotel had its inception in the Narra- 
gansett Hotel Company, which was chartered in 1854, the date to 
which the charter of the present company was put back, and which 
went to pieces after a considerable investment. The building is eight 
stories high* on the inner court and presents seven stories to the 
street. Its frontages are 181 feet on Dorrance street, 134 on Broad 
street, and 184 on Eddy street, and it is built of Trenton pressed 
brick, with lower story and trimmings of iron. The grand dining- 
hall is 40 by 90 feet and 27 feet high, and there are 225 rooms for 
guests in the hotel. 

The Hotel Dorrance, which ranks second only to the Narragan- 
sett, and by a good proportion of the traveling public is an equal 
favorite, was built and is owned by H. T. and A. M. Beckwith, trus- 
tees. The old wooden building which occupied the site, and was 
itself the home of cafes, Dorman's, and that kept years ago by L. H. 
Humphreys, being familiar, was torn down, this work beginning in 
the fall of 1878. The hotel was opened in the spring of 1880, and the 
veteran host, Captain L. M. Thayer, was its proprietor. Mr. George 
W. Cross is its present manager. 

The City Hotel was originally the magnificent mansion built and 
occupied by Mr. Charles Dyer, whose brother, Mr. Benjamin Dyer, 
built " Dyer's Block," on the opposite side of Broad street. In 1831 
Mr. Charles Dyer started the subscription list for what became the 
City Hotel Corporation, with a view to transforming his palatial resi- 
dence into a hotel in accordance with the following sentiments, ex- 
pressed in writing to those to whom the scheme was presented: 
" The growth and prosperity of the town of Providence, the rapid in- 
crease of business and the consequent extension of commercial inter- 
course with the principal cities of the Union, require proper accom- 
modations for the public convenience and the personal comfort of 
those whom pleasure or business may call to sojourn among us." The 
building was enlarged and the hotel opened a year or so later, all the 
stock having been subscribed by public-spirited citizens, as well as 
by those who thought it a good speculation. The corporation con- 



312 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tinues to control it, and one of the original members is still living 
and holding stock. Until the Narragansett was built the City was 
the leading hotel of Providence, although it saw its palmiest days in 
" war times." Mr. Humphreys was one of its later lessees. 

The Aldrich House, on Washington street, was opened January 
2d, 1860. It was built and owned by Anson W. Aldrich. It was a 
house popular with the dramatic profession. It was destroyed by 
fire in February, 1888, and has not been rebuilt. 

Other hotels of the city are the Perrin House on Washington 
street, one of the newest and neatest of the hotels; the Central Hotel 
on Canal street, a large and popular hostelry that is notable as being 
of strict temperance principles; the Roger Williams and Providence, 
two of the very old hotel buildings; Brucker's, formerly the West- 
minster, a hostelry of some years standing; the Freeman, the Ameri- 
can, kept by Ray Greene, at 92 North Main; Baldwin and Fisher's 
Hotel at 314 North Main; the Hotel Bristol, by N. F. Barrows, 7 Mar- 
ket square; the Clarendon, by P. McGough, at 118 & 120 North Main; 
College Street Hotel, by C. J. Read, at 22 College street; Commercial 
House, by W. D. Smith, at 322 Prairie avenue; Dresden Hotel, by J. 
Scheninger, at 18 Snow street; the Franklin Street House, by W. F. 
Weeks, at 5 Franklin street; the German Oak Hotel, by William 
Rothfuchs, at 30 South Main; Girard House, by E. W. Tinker, 51 to 
55 Eddy street; Halfway House, by F. W. Harris, on Pawtucket ave- 
nue; the Holly Tree Inn, by J. E. Pieczentkowsky, at 156 Westmin- 
ster; the Hopkins Hotel, by T. A. Cunliff, at 421 High; Hotel Bijou, 
by Matthew Barry, at 50 Union street; Hotel Broadway, by Mrs. W. 
S. Hall, at 106 Fountain; Hotel D'Alsace, by J. B. Schmidt, at 8 & 10 
Potter street; Hotel Elmwood, by J. N. Manwaring, at 1093 Broad 
street; Hotel Glendon, by Mary J. Greene, at 96 Pond street; Hotel 
St. George, by T. Miller, at Washington and Matthewson streets; the 
Mansion House, by George R. Earl, at 159 Benefit street; Market 
Hotel, by J. J. Haley & Co., at 35 Dyer street; the Musee Hotel, by 
Joseph vS. Wheeler, at 1 Aborn street; Olneyville Hotel, Olneyville 
square; Rialto Hotel, by W. A. Barron, at 195 & 197 Broad street; the 
Rochester Hotel, by George Finck, at 138 Pine street; the Royal Oak, 
by Fred. Smith, at 286 Washington; the Daniel H.Sullivan House, 
at 168 Pine street; Sweetland's Hotel, 9 & 11 Crawford street, and the 
Teutonia House, by Mrs. K. L. Hock, at 174 Broad street. 



CHAPTER XI. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— STATISTICS AND OFFICIAL LISTS. 



Statistics. — Growth in Property Valuation. — Taxation, — Population. — Division of the 
City into Wards. — Later Wards Created or Annexed. — Present Ward Boundaries. — 
List of Aldermen.— The Common Council. — Successive Mayors. — Clerks of Town 
and City.— Presidents of Boards of Aldermen and Common Council. — Treasurers of 
Town and City.— City Marshals and Chiefs of Police.— Supervision of Public 
Works.— Tudges and Clerks of Municipal and Police Courts.— Other City Officers.— 
Representatives in General Assembly from 1648 to 1889.— Senators from the City. 

A GOOD idea of the growth of the city in material value may be 
obtained from the following- figures showing the assessed valu- 
ation of real and personal property in total for each year from 
1832 to 1888, inclusive. It has been as follows: 1832, $12,121,200; 
1833, $12,618,200; 1834, $12,944,900; 1835, $13,333,333; 1836, $14,195,583; 
1837, $14,516,130; 1838, $15,384,616; 1839, $15,942,290; 1840, $17,195,- 
•700; 1841, $18,518,500; 1842, $18,918,919; 1843, $21,739,200; 1844, $22,- 
495,500; 1845, $23,729,100; 1846, $25,593,200; 1847, $27,239,900; 1848, 
$28,516,000; 1849, $30,780,300; 1850, $31,959,600; 1851. $32,779,300; 
1852, $33,701,300; 1853, $37,279,300; 1854, $48,928,700; 1855, $56,296,- 
297; 1856, $58,064,516; 1857, $57,741,800; 1858, $55,833,200; 1859, 
§50. 526,200; 1860, $58,131,800; 1861, $56,863,200; 1862, $61,118,300; 
1863. $66,415,800; 1864, $79,999,800; 1865, $80,564,300; 1866, $83,448,- 
8(H); 1867, $85,044,400; 1868, $92,726,000; 1869, $93,088,900; 1870, $93,- 
076,900; 1871, $104,561,500; 1872, $110,087,100; 1873, $112,481,400; 
1874, $123,682,800; 1875, $121,954,700; 1876, $121,065,200; 1877, $117,- 
874,800; 1878, $117,040,500; 1879, $115,581,700; 1880, $115,921,000; 
1881, $116,201,800; 1882, $119,196,200; 1883, $121,865,400; 1884, $122,- 
496,500; 1885, $124,202,000; 1880, $130,257,400: 1S87, $134,021 ,720; 1S88, 
$136,753,700. 

A considerable increase in the figures in 1868 was caused by the 
annexation of the Ninth ward, and in 1871 by a re-valuation of the real 
estate, and again in 1874 by the annexation of the Tenth ward. The 
personal property, valued in 1832 at $5,282,900 increased gradually, 
fairly keeping pace with the real estate valuation for nearly 20 years, 
when it began to fall behind. It maintained a proportion of about one 
half the amount of real estate for several years, when in the years fol- 
lowing 1861 it made rapid advances. The real estate assessments for 
several years stood nearly the same from one-year to another, until 



314 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1866, when the personal estate exceeded the real by some three 
millions. The scale soon turned, however, and ten years later the 
real estate was more than double the personal. The valuation of 
personal estate reached its highest figure in 1868, when it amounted 
to $48,618,100. From that year to 1880 it declined by a fluctuating 
scale, in the latter year being only $27,908,900, while the real estate 
valuation was more than three times as much. Since 1880 the per- 
sonal valuation has slowly increased, amounting in 1868 to $35,887,- 
840. The amount annually raised by tax has increased, with more or 
less fluctuations but a general and gradual tendency upward, from 
$40,000 in 1832, to $2,051,305.50 in 1888. The tax rate has also grad- 
ually increased, as will be seen from the following figures showing 
the rate of tax on a thousand dollars for the years mentioned: 18S2, 
$3.30; 1835, $3.00; 1840, $3.78; 1845, $3.80; 1850, $5.30; 1855, $6.75; 
1860, $5.60; 1865, $9.80; 1870, $13.50; 1875, $14.50; 1880, $13.50; 1885, 
$14.50; 1888, $15. 

The population of the town and city of Providence at different 
times, from its settlement to the present, has been as follows: 1645, 
about 150; 1655, about 200; 1675, about 300; 1687. about 400; 1708, 
1.446; 1730, 3,916; 1748, 3,452; 1755, 3,159; 1774, 4,321; 1776, 4.355; 
1782, 4,310; 1790, 6,380; 1800, 7,614; 1810, 10,071; 1820, 11,767; 1830, 
16,836; 1840, 23,172; 1850, 41,513; 1860, 50,666; 1865, 54,595; 1870, 
68,904; 1875, 100,675; 1878, 99,682; 1880, 104,852; 1883, 116,755; 1886,. 
118,070; 1890, 132,043. 

The city was at first divided into six wards. In 1854 the seventh 
ward was created. The boundaries of the different wards in 1858 
were as follows: The First ward included all that portion of the 
city north of a line commencing at the North Providence line on the 
Woonasquatucket river, and running thence through that river to the 
Moshassuck river, thence through the latter river to Church street;: 
thence, through Church street to Benefit street; thence in a straight 
line to the west end of Lloyd street, at its junction with Congden 
street: thence through Lloyd street to Hope street; thence in a 
straight line to the continuation of Lloyd street to the Seekonk river. 
The Second ward included all that portion of the city on the east side 
of the river south of the above line, to a line commencing at the foot 
of Power, on South Water street, and running thence through Power 
to Brown street; thence through Brown to Charles Field street; 
thence through that street to Hope street; thence through Hope to 
Benevolent street; thence through the latter to Governor street, and 
through that to Pitman street; thence through that street to Central 
bridge on Seekonk river. The Third ward included all that part of 
the city on the east side of the river south of the above named line. 
The Fourth ward included that part of the city bounded by a line 
commencing at Weybosset bridge and running through Westmins- 
ter, Weybosset, Broad and High streets, to the junction of the latter 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 315 

with Westminster; thence through Jackson to Fountain street; 
through that to Dean; thence through Dean and Acorn streets to the 
Woonasquatucket river; thence down said river and through the cove 
to the harbor at Weybosset bridge. The Fifth ward contained all 
that part of the city on the west side of the river south and east of a 
-line commencing at Weybosset bridge and running through West- 
minster, Weybosset and Broad streets to Claverack street; through 
that to Pine and through Pine to Plane; thence through that street 
to the line of the town of Cranston. The Sixth ward included all 
that portion of the city south of High street and west of the line 
above described. The Seventh ward included that part of the city 
north of High street and west of a line commencing at the junction of 
High and Jackson streets and running thence through Jackson to 
Fountain street; thence through Fountain to Dean street, thence 
through Dean and Acorn streets to the Woonasquatucket river. 

The Eighth ward was created in 1866. It occupied the western 
part of the city, including parts of the Sixth and Seventh wards. It 
occupied the limits of the city west of a line running from the Woon- 
asquatucket river through Atwell's avenue, Ridge, Gesler, Almy, 
High, Codding, B, Central, Major, Linden. West Clifford and Dudley 
streets to the Cranston line. 

The Ninth ward was annexed to the city in 1868. It occupied the 
southern part, being bounded on the north by the Fifth, Sixth and 
Seventh wards. Its territory formerly belonged to the town of 
Cranston. The ward line commenced at the dividing line of the town 
of Johnston and the Eighth ward, thence running southerly to the 
westerly line of the N. Y. & Prov. railroad; thence along that line to 
Cranston street and Fenner avenue and along the west line of the 
latter to Greenwich street, thence in a straight line easterly to the 
southwesterly corner of Jonas Manton's farm, so called, on the east- 
erly side of Eddy street; thence on the southerly side of said farm to 
Providence river, and thence in a straight line easterly, passing 
through the most southerly portion of Starve Goat island, at low 
water mark, to the channel of the river. 

The Tenth ward was annexed to the city, from the town of North 
Providence, in 1874. Its boundaries were as follows: Commencing 
at the interseption of the boundary line of Ward 1, with the Woonas 
quatucket river, up said river to a point on the easterly bank of the 
pond north of the village of Manton, being a large elm tree marked; 
running thence northeasterly in a straight line to a chestnut tree 
marked, on Wilbur hill, on the easterly side of, and on the Wood- 
ward road, so called; thence on a straight line to and across the 
Smithfield turnpike near the slaughter houses, thence southerly on 
the easterly side of the turnpike and the Power road to the northeast 
corner of the railroad bridge crossing the Providence & Worcester 
railroad; thence easterlv on a straight line to the northwest corner 



316 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of Swan Point Cemetery, and along its northern boundary to the See- 
konk river; thence southerly to the boundary line of Ward 1, and so 
along' the line of that ward to the point of beginning. 

The wards of the city were re-divided and numbered m 1887. The 
boundaries then given, which also describe them at the present time, 
are as follows: First ward — Beginning at the center of the Cove, 
thence in a straight line to Steeple street, through Steeple, Thomas 
and Angell streets to the Seekonk river, thence south with the See- 
konk river to Providence river, and with that river to the center of 
the Cove. Second ward — Beginning at the center of the Cove and 
following the north line of the First ward to the Seekonk river, 
thence north with the Seekonk river to the city line; thence along 
the city line to Moshassuck river and down that river to the center 
of the Cove. Third ward — Beginning at the junction of the Moshas- 
suck river with the city line, thence with said river to Smith street, 
thence through Smith and Candace streets, Douglass avenue and 
Admiral street to the city line, thence on the city line to Moshassuck 
river. Fourth ward — Beginning at the center of the Cove, thence in 
a straight line to Moshassuck river, through said river to Smith 
street, through Smith and Holden streets to Woonasquatucket river, 
through that river to Acorn street, through Acorn street, Harris ave- 
nue, Dean, High, Summer, Broad, Beacon and Friendship streets to 
Providence river, up that river to the center of the Cove. Fifth 
ward — Beginning at Providence river on Friendship street and run- 
ning through Friendship, Beacon, Broad, Greenwich, West Friend- 
ship, Friendship and Blackstone streets to Providence river, and 
with said river north to Friendship street. Sixth ward — Beginning 
at Providence river on Blackstone street, through Blackstone, Friend- 
ship, West Friendship and Greenwich streets, Princeton avenue and 
Broad street to the city line; on said line to Providence river, thence 
around Starve Goat island, up said river to Blackstone street. Sev- 
enth ward — Beginning at the citv line on Broad street, running 
through Broad street, Princeton avenue, Greenwich, Bridgham and 
Cranston streets to the city line, then south and east on said line to 
Broad street. Eighth ward — Beginning at the city line on Cranston 
street, running through Cranston, Bridgham, Broad, Summer, High, 
Knight, Carpenter and Marshall streets, Broadway and High streets 
to the city line, thence south on the city line to Cranston street. 
Ninth ward Beginning at the city line on High street, through High 
street. Broadway, Marshall, Carpenter, Knight, High and Dean streets, 
Harris avenue and Acorn street to Woonasquatucket river; thence 
westerly through said river to the city line, and on said line to High 
street. Tenth ward- Beginning at the city line on Admiral street, 
through Admiral street. I )<>uglass avenue, Candace, Smith and Holden 
streets to Woonasquatucket river, ill rough said river to the city line 
and on said line to Admiral street. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 317 

The different wards of the city have been represented in the 
legislative and executive councils of the municipal government by 
the following aldermen: First ward — Dexter Thnrber, 1832-4; Stan- 
ford Newell, 1833-5; Sylvanus G. Martin, 1835 ?: Thomas R. Holden, 
1837-41; Edward P. Knowles, 1841-54; Isaac Thurber, 1854 6; William 
H. Waterman, 1856-61; Henry J. Angell. 1861 3; 1865 9, 1871 3; died 
in office August 21st. 1873; John H. Taylor, 1863 5; Alexander Bur- 
gess, 1869-70; David Ballou, 1870-71; George L. Clarke, September 
3d, 1873-5; Alfred Metcalf, 1875 8, 1880 83; ElishaC. Mowry, 1878 9; 
William T. Nicholson, 1884; Stillman White. 1885 6; Charles D. 
Rogers, 1887; Henry C. Armstrong, 1888-9. Second Ward— Charles 
Holden, 1832-6; Joseph Cady, 1836-42; Thomas B. Fenner, 1842-5; 
Matthew Watson, 1845-7; Thomas Whitaker, 1847-52; Yarnum J. 
Bates, 1852-5; William H. Bowen, 1855 66; James H. Coggeshall, 
1866-72; Lucian Sharpe, 1872-3; Addison Q. Fisher, 1873 8, 1887; 
George I. Chace, 1878-80; Samuel W. Peckham, 1880-82; George E. 
Martin, 1882-7; Charles D. Rogers, 1888-9. Third ward— John H. 
Ormsbee, 1832-6; Benjamin Clifford, 1836-7; William C. Barker. 
1837-8; James Wheaton, 1838-42; Richmond Bullock, 1842-3; Am- 
herst Everett, 1843-5; Samuel W. Peckham, 1845-6; William Viall, 
1846-7; Hiram Hill, 1847-51; George W. Hall, 1851-5: Billings Bar- 
stow, 1855-9; William Earle, 1859-62; John D. Jones, 1862-8; George 
B. Earle, 1868-May 25th, 1875; John B." Anthony. 1875; Benjamin N. 
Lapham, 1876; Benjamin W. Persons. 1877-9; John F. Tobey, 1879; 
S. P. Carpenter, 1880-June, 1884, died in office; Thomas B. Ross, 1885- 
8; Fergus J. McOsker, 1888-9. Fourth ward— William T. Grinnell, 
1832-5; Thomas C. Hoppin, 1835-48; William W. Hoppin, 1848 52; 
George S. Rathbone, 1852-8; Walter Paine, Jr., 1858-9; James B. 
Ames, 1859-61; Stephen Waterman, 1861-2; Daniel Paine, 1862-4; 
Philip Case, 1864-5; Samuel G. Curry, 1865-8; Henry H. Burrington. 
1868-70; George T. Spicer, 1870-August 17th, 1879, died in office; 
Charles F. Sampson, 1880-89. Fifth ward— Henry R. Greene, 1832-3; 
John Dunwell, 1833-5; Hezekiah Anthony, 1835-8; Phinehas Potter, 
1838-46; Bradford Hodges. 1840 8; James S. Ham, 1848-9, 1861-4; 
Samuel James, 1849-55: Cyrus B. Manchester, 1855-8; Charles 
Anthony, 1858-60; Henry A. Hidden, 1800 01; Joseph A. Barker. 
1864-6; William H. Hopkins, 1866-71; William Spencer, 1871-3: 
Albert H. Manchester, 1873-7; William Spencer, 1877-80; John W. 
Briggs, 1880-88; Edward G. Burrows, 1888-9. Sixth ward— Asa Mes- 
ser, 1832-4; Caleb Williams, 1834-9; John F. Philips. 1839 42: Robert 
Knight, 1842-52; Joseph F. Gilmore, 1852-4, 1858-9; Jabez C. Knight. 
1854-8; John K. Lester, 1859-62, 1804 5, 1866-S; Henry T. Grant, 
1862-4; Charles T. Robbins, 1865-6; Benjamin B. Knight. 1868 71; 
Samuel S. Sprague, 1871-3: Nathaniel F. Potter, 1873-6; William S. 
Hayward, 1876-81; George H. Burnham, 1881 8; Robert E. Smith, 
1888-9. Seventh ward— Zelotes W. Holden, 1854-60; Palmer Lewis. 



318 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1860 61; John B. Pierce, 1861-4, resigned in April; Thomas R. Rath- 
bun, from April (3th, 1864; Frederick Burgess, ] 864-6; Amos W. 
Snow. L866 73: John H. Joslin, 1873, died in office July 24th; Abner 
H. Angell, August 6th, 1873-8; Robert E. Smith, 1878-82; Gilbert F. 
Robbins, 1882-7; Joseph H. Fanning, 1887; Henry T. Root, 1888-9. 
Eighth ward — Frederick Burgess, 1866-8; Lodowick Bray ton, 1868- 
7(i. 1871-2; Henry W. Gardner, 1870-71; Silas A. Sweet, 1872-5; J. 
Lippitt Snow. 1875; Henry C. Clark, 1876; Edwin A. Smith, 1877; 
Nicholas A. Fenner, 1878-80; William B. Greene, 1880-86, Franklin 
A. Chase, 1886; William W. Batchelder, 1887; Edwin Lowe, 1888-9. 
Ninth ward— George P. Tew, 1868-71; William V. Daboll, 1871-2; 
1873-6; Henry T. Root. 1872-3; George P. Tew, 1876; January to 
June, 1883; Dutee Wilcox, 1877-80; Henry R. Barker, 1880-83; John 
M< Williams. June 21st, 1883-85; Henry T. Root, 1885-7; Robert E. 
Smith, 1887; Benjamin E. Kinsley, 1888-9. Tenth ward— Edmund 
W. Raynsford, 1874-5: Amasa M. Eaton, 1875; Edmund W. Rayns- 
ford, 1876, 187S. 1883. died in office, January 5th; Henry S. Smith, 
1877; Charles E. Gorman, 1879-82; Joseph F. Brown, 1882; John M. 
Brennan, 1883-8; John Casey, 1888; Ambrose E. West, 1889. 

The following have been members of the common council from 
the wards indicated by figures following each name, and at the dates 
indicated: Benjamin B. Adams, 3, 1864-6; Charles Akerman, 5, 1847-8; 
Elisha M. Aldrich, 9, 1868-9; Elisha S. Aldrich, 1, 1877-9; Eseck Al- 
drich, 5, 1843- 5: Nelson W. Aldrich, 5, 1869-71; 6,1872-5; John B. 
Allen, 3, 1883-5; April 1st, 1885, to January, 1886; Mnason Allen, 6, 
1833-9: 1841-November 25th, 1S43,~ died in office; Samuel Allen, 3, 
1852 5; Edward C. Ames, 3, 1875-6; Samuel Ames, 3,1840-2; William 
Ames, 3, June, 1872, to June 29th, 1873, resigned; also in 1882; David 
Andrews, 5. 1836-9; William Andrews, Jr., 6, 1848-9; Daniel Angell, 
1. 1838 9, 1855 9; Daniel Angell. Jr., 7,1859-61; Dexter Angell,!. 
is:::! -41; Henry J. Angell, 1, 1860-1; John W. Angell, 5, 1872-3, 1881- 
6; January. 1886, to 1889; Charles Anthony, 5, 1854-5; November 
2d, L880— February 27th, 1882, resigned; Frederick E. Anthony, 4, 
INT 1 .) February 26th, 1883: 1885-8; Henry Anthony, 2, 1836-41, 1848- 
L849, L859 62; Hezckiah Anthony, 5. 1S32-5; James G. Anthony. 4, 
1836 S. 1849 54: John B. Anthony, 3, 1869-70; Lewis W. Anthony. 6, 
1871 2: James Ardern, 9, February 19th, 1872— January. 1876; James 
H. Armington, 2, I860 71; Henry C. Armstrong, 3, 1886-8; Frank S. 
Arnold.'), 1884; Stephen C. Arnold, 6, 1877-9; William B. Avery, 1, 
L883 8; Edward M. Babbitt, 10, January, 1884— September 25th, 1885, 
resigned; George W. Babcock,7, 1875 0; Allen Baker, 1, 1846-9; Almon 
S. Baker, 7, 1857 9; George Baker, 4, 1832-4; Nathan Baker, 1 , 1882; 
Sterry Baker. (1, 1832 4; Joseph Baleh, Jr.. 2, 1851-2; Daniel R. Bal- 
lou, 7, 1887; Frederick M. Ballon, 7, 1877-80; Henry R. Barker, 9, June, 
1S73 January. 1880; Joseph A. Barker. 5, 1862-3; William C. Barker, 
3,1832-6; William Cyrus Barker, 5, 1878-80; Abner J. Barnaby, 4, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 319 

June, 1866-January, 1878; Jerothmul 15. Barnaby, 7, June, 1870- Jan- 
uary, 1879; David W. Barney, 3, 1863-5; Amos C. Barstow, 4, 1S54-6; 
Charles H„ Bartlett, 1, 1877-9; Burrill Bartlett, 6, 1865-8; Heniy S. 
Bartlett, 3, 1857-61: Edward D. Bassett, 9, 1886; William W. Batchel- 
•der, 8, 1885-6; 7, 1888-9; Amos N. Beckwith, 2, 1855-6, 1857-8, 1871 
2; Henry T. Beckwith, 2, 1880; John Behan, 10, 1876-8; Cornelius W. 
B. Bennett, 5, 1857-9; William Binney, 2, June, 1857, to January 26th, 
1874; William B. Blanding, 4, 1885-8; Samuel C. Blodgett, 4, 1851-4; 
William P. Blodgett, 2,1857-8; George W. Bowen, 1, 1836-7; Jesse 
Boynton, 6, June to July, 1870; Gideon Bradford, 9, June, 1869, to 
February 7th, 1872; Henry C. Bradford, 6, June, 1873, to January, 
1876; William B. Bradford, 1, 1843-6; William W. Brayton, 9, 1878, 
1880,1884; John M. Brennan, 10, 1877-9; Albert Briggs, 1, 1862-4; 
John W. Briggs, 5, 1875-80; Allen J. Brown, 1, June, 1871, to January, 
1875: D. Russell Brown, 4, 1881-5; Isaac Brown, 2, 1832-5; James 
Brown, 5, 1840-1; John D. Brown, 1, 1839-42; Joseph F. Brown, 10, 
1877-80; Joshua R.* Brown, 5, 1862-9, 1871-2; Richmond Brownell, 4, 
1845-8; Stephen Brownell, 7, 1856-7; James C. Bucklin, 5, 1839-41, 
1842-3; William P. Bullock, 2, 1841-3; ~ Frederick Burgess, 7, 1863-4, 
8, 1870-1; Charles Burnett, Jr., 5, 1847-8; George H. Burnham. 6, 
1876-81; Edward Burr, 7, February 15th to June, 1869; Henry H. Bur- 
rington, 4, 1864-8; Edward G. Burrows, 6, 1887; John R. Burrows, 6, 
1837-S: Joseph Burrows, Jr., 6, 1844-6; Consider W. Burt, 1, 1856-7; 
David Burton, 5, 1886; Richard W. Bush, 2, 1847-55; James H. Butler, 
5, 1877; James E. Butts, 6, 1837-8, 1840-4; James C. Butterworth, 3, 
June, 1872, to January, 1875; David Cady, 6, 1871-2; Joseph Cady, 2. 
1832-6; Albert L. Calder, 4, 1862-70; Albert G. Carpenter, 9, 1884-7; 
Charles E. Carpenter, 5. 1857-60, 1866-9, 1878-81; Daniel E. Carpen- 
ter, 5, 1843-55; Earl Carpenter, 5, 1841-2; Ebenezer Carpenter, 5, 
1S3S-9, 1841-2; Sturgis P. Carpenter, 3, June, 1872, to January, 1876; 
George M. Carr, 7, 1864-5; John A. Carty, 9, 1883, 1885, 1887; 6, 1888: 
Ervin T. Case, 8, 1871-3; 9,*1879; Philip Case, 4, 1849-51 ,1860-4; John 
Casey, 10, 1886-7; John Cassidy, 10, 1879-81, 1882; Nelson Cb ace, 1, 
1859-61; Franklin A. Chase, 8, 1881-6; Zechariah Chafee, 3, 1869 70: 
Rhodes B. Chapman, 2, 1856-8; John Church, 3, 1832-6; George L. 
Clanin. 1, 1870-71, 1881-3; Henry C. Clark, 8, 1882-5; John H. Clark, 
1, 1865-6, 1867-8; Pardon Clarke, 5, 1832-6; William E. Clarke, 3, 
1886-7; 1, 1888; Joseph S. G. Cobb, 6, 1882 to January 4th, 1886; James 
H. Coggeshall, 2, 1860-6; Francis Colwell, Jr., 4, 1870-1, 1875; Wil- 
liam Conneely, 9, July 12th, 1883, to January, 1884: Stephen Cook, 1, 
1868-70; Benoni Cook, 2, 1832-7; Joseph S. Cooke, 3, 1832-3: John P. 
Cooney, 1, 1875, 1876, 1878; Stephen Cornell, 4, 1854-6, 1859-60; Henry 
A. Cory, 5, 1863-8, 1869-72, April 1st, 1874, to January, 1876; John 
•Cosgrove, 10, 1887; William H. Covell, 10, 1883-8; Martin K. Cowin. 
1,1837-9; Henry Cram, 5, 1886-8; Barzillai Cranston, 4, November 
19th, 1838-June, 1842; Stephen Crary, 7, February 28th,lS54-5; Josiah 



320 HIS TORN" OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

F. Crooker, 1, 1844-6; Josiah W. Crooker, 1,1879-81; William J. Cross, 
2, L862 3; William J. Crossley, 9, February 23d, 1876, to January, 1878, 
1879; Samuel G. Curry, 4, 1802-5; George Curtis, 2, 1833-8; William 
V. Daboll, 9, 1868-71, 1883; Albert Dailey, 2, 1860-6; George P. Dan- 
iels, 1, 1834-5, 1846 to March 30th, 1848— died in office: Peter Dan- 
iels, 1, 1832-6; George H. Darling, 5, 1888; William O. Darling, 
6, 1852-3; Edwin N. Davis, 7, 1856-7; Henry F. Davis, 7, 1861-3; 
Thomas Davis, 2d, 1, 1848-51; Daniel Day, 2, 1856-7; Daniel E. 
Day, 6, 1875-80; Richard H. Deming, 7, 1889; Thomas D. Deming, 1 
1883-5; Russell A. Denison, 8, 1875; Arthur W. Dennis, 7, 1887; 9, 
1888-9; John J. Devenish, 10, September 23d, 1885-January, 1888; 3, 
January to July, 1888; Arthur F. Dexter, 3,1876-79; January to March 
9th, 1885: Lewis Dexter, 3, 1870-72; Francis M. Dimond, 9, 1880; 
Hoffman S. Dorchester, 9, 1885-87; 6, 1889; James R. Dorrance, 3, 
1857-9; Samuel T. Douglas, 1, 1887; 2, 1888-9; William W. Douglas, 

2, June, 1873, to January, 1876; Thomas A. Doyle, 5, 1852-5, 1856-7; 
John L. Draper, 4, 1869-70; Charles Dudley, 6. 1864-6; Patrick A. 
Dunn, 18, 1888; Joseph Durfee, Jr., 1, 1850-51; Philip B. Durfee, 1, 
1888-9; Samuel B. Durfee, 6, 1849-51, 1868-70; Sanford Durfee,!, 
1864-5; Oliver F. Dutcher, 5, 1869-70; George B. Earle, 3, 1866-8; 
James M. Earle, 2, 1841-3; William Earle, 3, 1847-52; Amasa M. 
Eaton, 10, May 7th, 1874, to January, 1875; Cyrus T. Eddy, 8, 1868-9; 
Henry B. Eddy, 5, 1880; John Eddy, 7, 1857-9; John S. Eddy, 5, 
1837-9; Lyman H. Eddy, 8, 1880-2; George C. Elliott, 6; Amherst 
Everett, 3, 1833-9; Willard W. Fairbanks, 3, 1840-46; Joseph H. 
Fanning, 7, 1882-7; Preston M. Farrington, 4, 1859-61; Nicholas A. 
Fenner, 8, 1875-7; Thomas B. Fenner. 4, 1832-6, 1838-42; William H. 
Fenner, 6, 1862-4; 4, June, lS69-January, 1875; Daniel Field, 5, 
L833-6; Green Burroughs Field, 7, 1862-4; Addison Q. Fisher, 2, 1871-3; 
Cyrus Fisher, 2, 1831-5; Alfred W. Fisk, 7, 1866-7of Thomas Fletcher, 
1, 1839-41, 1844-5; William Foster, 5,1840-41; James B. Foyer, 10, 
L881 4; John N. Francis, 6, 1854-63; Henry B. Franklin, 4, 1878-80; 
Alberts. Gallup, 1868-9; Peleg W. Gardiner, 5, 1839-40; Henry W. 
Gardner, 8, 1869-70; Rathbone Gardner, 2, 1884-7; Edward T.George, 
8, 1885; John Gibbons, 10, 1889; Joseph F. Gilmore,0, 1841-2, 1848-51; 
Benjamin C. Gladding, 3, 1863-9; Samuel Gladding, 4, 1845-8; William 
Goddard, 2, 1852 5: Christopher C. Godfrey, 3, 1836-7; James C. Goff, 

3. is?? 82; Mark A Golrick, i), 1888; Daniel T. Goodhue, 4, 1838-41. 
IS 12 5; Jabez Gorham, 1, 1842-4; Charles E. Gorman, 10, May 7th, 
1874, to January, L875; Dexter Gorton, 5, 1886-8; John Gould, 
6,1833 4, 1836 ?, 1838-40; Joseph Grant, 6,1834 6; Michael Greeley, 
:;. ISSS 1); Allen Greene, l" L863-4, 1865-6, June 1 873 -January 1875, 
L880; Arnold Green, 3, March 5th, 1877-January. 1880, 1882; David 
C. Greene, 1. L848-9; Dutee Greene, 6, L836-7, L842-7; Edward A. 
Greene, 2, L855 ?; Godfrey Greene, 5, 1864-6; Luke Green, 4, 1854-7; 
Rufus Greene, 4, 1855-7; Russell Greene. 5, 1846-7; Simon H. Greene, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 321 

4, 1835-9; Thomas C. Greene, 3, 1861-2; William T. Grin n ell, 2, 
1849-55; Ellis Grundy, 1, 1866-7; Reuben A. Guild, 1, 1857-60, 1861-4, 
1872-3; Austin Gurney, 3, 1838-41; William M. Hale, 3, 1862-4; 
George W. Hall, 3, 1850-54; Henry J. Hall, 10, January to September 
10th, 1882, resigned; James S. Ham, 5, 1860-61; William Ham, 5, 
1833-7; Hugh Hamill, 10, May 7th, 1874-January. 1877, 1879-82; John H. 
Hamlin, 2, 1848-51; Richard Harding, 3, 1837 8; Alfred A. Harring- 
ton, 8, 1868-70, 1880-5; Charles N. Harrington. 4, 1861-2, 1866-7; 
Josiah B. Harrington, 6, 1864-5; Charles E. Harris, 8,1880-82,1887-9; 
Lemuel S. Harris, 7, June, 1865-January, 1875; William A. Harris, 1, 
1883; Isaac Hartshorn, 5, 1845-6; Joseph C. Hartshorn, 7, L856 0: 
Mortimer H. Hartwell, 7, 1888-9; Watson D. Hatch, 6, 1846-9; Arnold 
C. Hawes, 5, 1856-7; Wingate Hayes, January 2, 1851-5; George W. 
Hayward, 6, 1863-4; Richard Hayward, 9, 1871-2; William S. Hay- 
ward, 6, June, 1872-November 9th, 1876; Henry S. Hazard, 5, 1842-3; 
Timothy Heffernan, 10, 1880-82; Stephen P. Henry, 8, 1866-7; James 
C. Hidden, 5, 1843-7, 1868-9; George Hill, 6, 1834-6; Thomas J. Hill, 

5, 1848-52,1855-6, 1878; William D. Hilton, 7, 1875; Bradford Hodges, 
5, 1841-3; Charles W. Holbrook, 1,1853-5; Isaac H. Holden, 6,1852-3; 
Thomas R. Holden, 1. 1832-5; Zelotes W. Holden, 6, 1849-51; Ed- 
mund S. Hopkins, 8, 1877-81; Israel M. Hopkins, 8, June, 1872-Janu- 
ary, 1875; James N. Hopkins, 6, 1851-2, 1853-5; William H. Hopkins, 
5, 1856-64; George H. Hoppin, 4, 1847-8; William W. Hoppin, 4, 
1838-42; Henry A. Howland, 5, 1849-50; John A. Howland, 3, 1861-2; 
Horatio G. Hudson, 6, 1837-8, 1839-41; John L. Hughes, 4, 1834-42; 
Charles F. Hull, 1, 1879-82; Benjamin Hunt, Jr., 8, 1870-72, June, 
1873-January, 1877; David Hunt, 7, 1866-8; George Hunt, 1, 1851-4, 
1861-3; Henry S. Hutchins, 5, 1861-2; Shubael Hutchins, 4, 1842-5; 
George W. Jackson, 2, 1835-41; Samuel Jackson, 2d, 5, 1832-3; Sam- 
uel James, 5, 1842-4; George H. Jencks, 3, 1866-9; Freeborn Johnson, 
5, 1868-9, June, 1873-January, 1875; George A. Johnson, 9, June, 
1872-January,1875; Oliver Johnson, 4, 1841-2, 1852-5, 1856-7; William 

5. Johnson/7, 1875-6; John D. Jones, 3, 1841-8, 1859-62; John H. 
Joslin, 7, 1869-73; Leonard F. Joslin, 8, 1878-80; Frederick E. Keep, 

6, 1870-72; John Kendrick, 6, 1865-8; Joseph H. Kendrick, 4, 1888-9; 
William F. Kenney, 3,1885; Patrick King, 10, 1888-9; Benjamin E. 
Kinsley, 7, 1882-7; John H. Kinyon, 7, 1861-2; Jabez C. Knight, 4, 
1849-52; Edward P. Knowles, 1, 1835-41; Erastus F. Knowlton, 6, 
1833-4,1836-7,1838-40; George D. Lansing. 2,1888-9; Benjamin X. 
Lapham, 3, 1869-70; John Larcher, 2, 1837-9; Russel M. Earned 3, 
1865-6; John K. Lester, 6, 1851-2, 1853-9; James C. Lester, 6, January, 
1884-August 20th, 1884, died in office; John Erastus Lester, 6, August 
1st, 1870 June, 1871; Dexter B. Lewis, 1, l£51-3; 2, 1875; Thomas Lin- 
coln, 6, 1855-62; Peleg W. Lippitt, 9, 1881; Moses B. Lockwood,3, 1845 7; 
Edwin Lowe, 8, 1885-8; Merrick Lyon, 3, 1855-6; Harrison G. Ma- 
comber, 10, 1878; Edward J. Mallett, 3, 1839-40; Cyrus B. Manchester, 

21 



322 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

5, 1850-2, 1S53-4; Israel G. Manchester, 6, 1838-9, 1840-1, 1842-4; 
Jacob Manchester, 5, 1848-52; Silas H. Manchester, 7, 1886-8; 9, 
18S8-9; Fred. I. Marcy, 6, 1879-87; Daniel Martin, 5, 1846-9; George E. 
Martin, 2, 1879-82; Jacob H. Martin, 4, 1848-51; Joseph Martin, 4, 
1849-50; Stephen Martin, 1, 1835-6; Amasa Mason, 5, 1835-7; Nathan 
Mason, 3, 1837-40; Stephen G. Mason, 3, 1852-8; Allen C. Mathewson, 
3, 1846-8; Joseph B. Mathewson, 4, 1861-2, 1880; Nathan F. Mathew- 
son, 4, 1857-9; Parley M. Mathewson, 1, 1847-51; 2, November 20th, 
1871-January, 1875; Rollin Mathewson, 3, 1849-51; Frank Mauran, 2, 
1863-71; John McAuslan, 9, 1882; 7, 1888; Alexander A. McCaughin, 
10.1889; Charles G. McKnight, 4, 1855-6, 1861-2: James McNally, 4, 
1878-88; Fergus J. McOsker, 10, 1881, 1886-8; John McWilliams, 9, 
1882-June 21st, 1883; John P. Merriam, 7, 1858-9; Alfred Metcalf, 1, 
1863-6, 1867-72; Jesse Metcalf, 1, 1832-5; Jesse H. Metcalf, 3, 1888-9; 
Joel Metcalf, 1, 1845-7; Joseph G. Metcalf, 1, 1841-4; Augustus S. 
Miller, 1,1885 and 1886; 9,1887; Frederick Miller, 1, 1855-66; 2,1876-8;- 
William Miller, 6, 1838-9; William H. Miller, 9, 1880-2; Thomas A. 
Millett. 3, 1865-6, January, 1875-88; Francis W. Miner, 9, 1886; James 
C. Monaghan, 10, January, 1884-September 23d, 1885, resigned; Jacob 

F. Monroe, 7, 1860-3; Edwin Montgomery, 9, 1883-6; John Morris, 10, 
January, 1875-January, 1878, 1879-81 , 1882-4; Ephraim B. Moulton, 6, 
October 2d, 1884-8; Charles C. Mowry, 2, 1844-8; Elisha C. Mowry, 1, 
June, 1871-January, 1877; James H. Mumford, 3, 1848-52; James T. 
Murray, 7, June, 1871-January, 1875; Charles A. Nichols, 1, 
June, 1873-January, 1875; William J. Nichols, 3, August, 1888-9; 
William T." Nicholson, 1, 1882; James J. Nolan, 10, May 7th, 1874- 
January, 1876; John L. Noyes, 3, 1856-7; Ezekiel Owen, 2, 1858- 
60; Stephen T. Olney, 1, 1837-8, 1841-4; William Olney, 6, 1832-3; 
Dennis O'Reilly, 10, September 23d, 1885-January, 1886; Benjamin 

G. Pabodie, 1, 1851-4; William Pabodie, 6, 1834-6, 1844-8; Seth Padel- 
ford, 5, 1837-41; 2, 1851-2; Walter Paine, Jr., 4, 1850-5, 1857-8, 
1865-6; William W. Paine, 4, June, 1870-January, 1876; 2, 1880; Jere- 
miah S. Parish, 2. 1878-80; Jonathan G. Parkhurst, 5, 1864-68; 7,1870- 
1; Henry L. Parsons, 2, March 3d, 1873-January 18th, 1877; William 
S. Patten, 2, 1842-8; Abraham Payne, 2, 1852-5; George W. Payton,0. 
1862-4; Fitz Herbert Peabody, 3, 1880-8; Samuel Pearson, 2, 1832-3; 
George B. Peck, 1, 1844-6; Leander R. Peck, 9, 1889; John C. Pegram, 
2, February 4th, 1874-January, 1876; James Lewis Peirce, 2, 1876-80; 
Charles H. Perkins, 8, 1866-7, 1871-2; Stillman Perkins, 8, 1866-8; 
Daniel Perrin, 8, 1882-5, 1886-9; Benjamin W. Persons, 3, 1868-9, 
1870-2; George H. Pettis, 9, June, 1872 January, 1876; Charles F. 
Phillips, 4, 1868-9, June, 1871 January, 1875; George R. Phillips, 4, 
1876-7, 1880-8; John F. Phillips, 0, 1835-6; Charles H. Pierce, 7, 1862- 
4; 8, 1867-8; Elisha W. Pierce, 7, 1880-2; George L. Pierce, 5, 1886-8; 
4,1888-9; Asa Pike, 3, 1832-3; Charles F.Pike. 5. 1855-6; Raymond 
G. Place, 8, 1867 70, June. 1871 January, 1875. 1876-80; Gorham P. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. -V2'-'> 

Pomroy, 5, June, 1872-March 23d, 1874— resigned; Alfred Potter, 1, 
1856-60, 1872-3; Alfred S. Potter, 6, 1880-7; Charles B. Potter, 9, 1887; 
6, 1888-9; Christopher C. Potter, 6, 1846-51: Nathaniel F. Potter, 6, 
1844-6; Nathaniel F. Potter, Jr., 6, 1870-3; Phineas Potter, 5, 1837-S; 
Roger Williams Potter. 3, 1833-7; William Y. Potter, 9, 1871-3, 1875- 
8; Chester Pratt. 4, 1848-9; William H. Pratt, 7, 1859-61, 1864-5; John 
Prentice, 4, 1860-1; James Provan, 10, 1877; James Randall, 1, 1884-8; 

4, 1SS8-9; Spencer P. Read, 8,1888-9; William B. Remington, 6, 1865- 
8; William K. Reynolds, 6, 1887; 5, 1888-9; Edward S. Rhodes, 5, 
LS55-6; James T. Rhodes, 3, 1844-5; Archibald B. Rice, 6, 1859-63, 
1866-7, June, 1873-January, 1877; Fitz James Rice, 6, 1868-70; Henry 
F. Richards, 5, April 6th, 1882-January, 1886; George A. Rickard, 9, 
1878; William W. Rickard, 5, 1872-January, 1877; William B. Rider, 

5, November 7th, 1854-June, 1856, 1859-62; Charles T. Robbins, 1, 
L855-6; 6, 1864-5; Gilbert F. Robbins, 7, 1879-82; Charles P. Robin- 
son, January, 1876-January, 1879; William M. Rodman, 5, 1852-3; 
Elisha H. Rockwell 7, 1889; Charles D. Rogers, 1,1885-7; Horatio 
Rogers, 3, 1866-8, February Sth, 1873-January, 1875; Henry T. Root, 
9,1869-72; Thomas B. Ross' 3, 1883-5; John M. Rounds, 2, 1881; Thomas 
M. Rounds, 4, 1867-9, 1876; 6, 1877-S2, January 13th, 1886-8; Stephen S. 
Salisbury, 3, 1855-9, 1862-5; Charles F. Sampson, 4, 1S75-80; Arnold 
Saunders, 6, 1853-4; Josiah Seagrave, Jr., 1, 1846-7; Thomas Seekell, 

6, 1832-3; Clinton D. Sellew, 3, June, 1871-February 10th, 1877, re- 
signed; William H. Shattuck, 9, 1876-82; Allen Shaw, 5, 1877; James 
Shaw, Jr., 3, 1868-70; Dennis H. Sheahan, 3, 1888-9; Thomas P. 
Shepard, 2, 1848-51; Hiram A. Short, 10. 1875; Eben Simmons, 5, 
1852-64; Henry M. Simmons, 3, 1855-7; Isaac C. Sisson, 1,1860-63, 
1864-5; June, 1866-June. 1867, died in office; George H. Sl'ade, 9, 
1881-3, Obadiah Slade. 7, 1863-January 25th, 1869; Albert W. Smith. 
1, 1887; Amos D. Smith, 4, 1842-7; Charles Sidney Smith, 6, 1868-71, 
1872-3; 7, 1888; Edwin A. Smith, 8, June, 1872-January, 1877; Ferdi- 
nand Smith, 7, 1880-82; Francis M. Smith, 9, 1868-71; Henry S. 
Smith, 10, 1876; Robert E. Smith, 7, 1877; Samuel N. Smith, 1, 1883-5; 
William A. Smith, 1, 1833-4; Edwin M. Snow, 2, 1855-6; J. Lippitt 
Snow, 8, 1866-9, 1870-71; Joseph T. Snow, 7, 1868-70; Isaac H. South-, 
wick, Jr., 2, 1887-9; Christopher V. Spencer, 6, 1834-5; Jonathan L. 
Spencer. 8, 1869-71; William Spencer 5, 1856-62, 1869-71; August 
19th, 1874-Jannary, 1877; George T. Spicer, 7, 1855-6; William A. 
Spicer, 7, 1882-5; Albert G. Sprague, 4, 1856-9; Samuel S. Sprague, 6, 
1868-70; Thomas W. Sprague, 7, 1859-61; William R. Staples, 1, 
1S32-3; Enoch Steere, 3, 1846-50; George A. Steere, 4, 1877-9; Thomas 
E. Steere, 2, June, 1872-February 22d, 1873, died in office; Nicholas 
Stillwell, 3, July 17th, 1837-June, 1838; John J. Stimson, 4, March, 
1834-June, 1836; 2, 1843-8. 1858-9; Walter R. Stiness, 10, 1883; Martin 
C. Stokes, 7. February 28th, 1854-June, 1855; William L. Stokes, 10, 
1884-5; Alfred Stone, 2, 1885-8; Charles M. Stone, 7, 1854-5, 1856-7, 



324 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1865-6; Pardon M. Stone, 6, 1851-3; 7, 1865-6; Thomas E. Studley, 3, 
1879-82; Michael Sweeney, 6, 1888-9; Jesse B. Sweet, 1, 1835-7; Silas 
A. Sweet, 8, 1876-80; Smith S. Sweet, 1, 1864-71; Cyrus Taft, 3, 1848-9; 
Royal C. Taft, 2, 1855-7; William Tallman, 5, 1832-3; John H. Tay- 
lor, Charles L. Thomas, 7, 1864-6; William L. Thornton, 6, 1839-42; 
Edmund Thurber, 1, 1849-51; Isaac Thurber, 1 , 1839-44; Charles E. 
Tillinghast, 3, 1851-5; John W. Tillinghast, 7, 1879-86; Edmund 
W. Tingley, 3, 1855-7; Samuel Tingley, Jr., 2, 1843-7; John 
F. Tobey, 2, 1866-9; James H. Tower, 5, 1876-8, 1879-86; 
James K. Trask, 9, 1882-7; 6. 1888-9; Henry Trumbull, 6, 1837-8; 
James Tucker, Jr., 6, 1855-62; Zachariah R.Tucker, 3, 1857-60, 1870-2; 
Solomon Tyler,~7, 1861-2; Cassar A. Updike, 1, 1859-62; Nicholas Van 
Slyck, :>, June, 1870-August 10th, 1S74; William P. Vaughan. 1, 
1888-9; Joseph Veazie, 1, 1841-2; William Viall, 3, 1842-<>; Eben 
Wade, 4, 1840-November 27th, 1843, resigned; Edward Walcott, 
1848-9; Ebenezer Walker, <;, 1853-4; 7, 1859-60; James M. Warner. 4, 
1832 4; James G. Warren, 8, 1889; Oliver A. Washburn, Jr., 3, 1859 63; 
John O. Waterman, ;>, 1847-8; Stephen Waterman, 4, 1855-60; 2. ism 
November 3d, 1870; William H. Waterman, 1, 1847-50; Arthur H. 
Watson, 2,1883-8; 1, 1888-9; Lucius Weaver, 7, February 28th to June, 
1854; Henry L. Webster, 1, 1854-5; Benjamin D. Weeden,4, 1S32 July 
loth, 1S34, resigned; William B. Weeden, 2, 1SS2-4; Ambrose E. West, 
L0, 1888; Amasa S. Westcott, 1, 1854-5; Oren Westcott, 1, ls75-janu- 
ary, 1878; Samuel B. Wheaton, 2, ls.V.i-October 8th, L860, resigned; 
Bennett W. Wheeler, 3, L862-3; Edward R. Wheeler, ('», 1881 4; Joseph 
Whelden, 1, 1878-82; W T illiam L. Whipple, 10, 1SS4-7; William Whit- 
aker, 4, L862 »'•; Bainbridge A. Whitcomb, June, ls73-January, 1875; 
Stillman White, 1, June, lsr.C-72, January, ls75-January, 1879, 1882; 
James G. Whitehouse, 5, 1881-6; Pardon Wilbur, 2, 1881-3; Hezekiah 
Willard, 5, 1839-40, 1841-2; Caleb Williams, ti, 1832-4; Edward S. Wil- 
liams, 4, 1842-9; N. Bangs Williams, 6, 1867-8; William A. Williams, 
.'), 1852 September, 1854, died in office; Charles A. Wilson, 4, 1888- !»; 
Andrew Winsor, 7, t876-80; Edwin Winsor, s, 1886-9; Ira Winsor, 7, 
lss;, 8; 9, 1888- !»; James B. Winsor, 7, 1878; James W. Winsor, 6, 
1852 :'.; 7, 1857 8; Samuel A. Winsor, 7, February 28th, lxf>4-June, 
1856; William H. Wood, 4, April 5th, lxx3-January, 1885; John Carter 
Brown Woods, 2, February 1st, ls77 January, lss;); Allen P. Young, 
1, 1881; Edward R. Young, 3, 1838- 40. 

The office of mayor has successively been held by the following 
persons, the term of office beginning in June, until 1873, when it was 
extended to January, and since that time the official year has begun 
with that month: Samuel W. Bridgham, June, 1832, to December 
31st, 1840, died in office: Thomas M. Burgess, February 2d, 1841, to 
June, 1852; Amos C. Barstow, 1852-3; Walter R. Danforth, 1853 4; 
Edward P. Knowles, is.vi :>; James Y. Smith, 1855 to June 29th, 1857; 
William M. Rodman, June 29th, 1857 -1859; Jabez C. Knight, 1859-64; 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 325 

Thomas A. Doyle, 1864-9; George L. Clarke, 1869-70; Thomas A. 
Doyle, 1870-January, 1881; William S. Hayward, lssi-4; Thomas A. 
Doyle, 1884 to June 9th, 1886, died in office; Gilbert F. Robbins, 
1887-9; Henry R. Barker, 1889. 

The office of clerk of the town and city has successively been held 
by the following: Thomas Olney, Jr.. 1664-7; Shadrach Manton, 
1667-70; John Whipple, 1670-2; John Smith, 1672-5; Roger Williams, 
1675-6; John Whipple, 1676-?; Daniel Abbott, 1677-81; John Whip- 
ple, 1681-3; Thomas Olney, 1683-1715; Richard Waterman, 1715-55; 
Nicholas Tillinghast, 1755-8; James Angell, 1758-75; Theodore Fos- 
ter, 1775-87; Daniel Cooke, 1787 to November, 1793; George Tilling- 
hast. 1793-9; Nathan W. Jackson, 1799-1829; Richard M. Field, 1829 
to December 1st, 1843— died in office; Albert Pabodie, December 7th, 
1843, to January 2d, i860— died in office; Samuel W. Brown, January 
5th. 1860, to January 6th, 1879; Henry V. A. Joslin, January 6th, 1879, 
to 1889. 

The office of president of the board of aldermen, which office was 
created February 25th, 1863, has been held successively by the fol- 
lowing: James S. Ham, March, 1863-June, 1864; John D. Jones, 1864- 
8: Henry J. Angell, 1868-9; George P. Tew, 1869-71; Amos W. Snow, 
1871-3; Addison 0. Fisher, 1873 to January, 1878; William S. Hay- 
ward, 1878-81; Robert E. Smith, 1881-2; Henry R. Barker, 1882-3; 
Gilbert F. Robbins, 1883-7; Charles F. Sampson, 1887-9. 

The office of president of the common council, from the beginning 
of the city government, has been held successively by the following: 
George Baker, 1832-4; George Curtis, 1834-7; George W. Jackson, 
1837-9; Thomas B. Fenner, 1839-42; Stephen T. Olney, 1842-4; Wil- 
liam S. Patten, 1844-5; James C. Hidden, 1845-7; John J. Stimpson, 
1847-8; Edward S. Williams, 1848-9; Christopher C. Potter, 1849-50; 
Thomas P. Shepard, 1850-1; Walter Paine, Jr., 1851-2; Wingate 
Hayes, 1852-4; Thomas A. Doyle, 1854-5; Charles T. Robbins, 1855-0; 
Stephen Waterman, 1856-60; John N. Francis, 1860-3; William Bin- 
ney, 1863-71; Nelson W. Aldrich, 1871-3; Nicholas Van Slyck, 1873- 
August 10th, 1874; Horatio Rogers, August 10th, 1874-January, 1875; 
Francis Colwell, Jr., 1875-6; Abner J. Barnaby, 1876-7; Charles P. 
Robinson, 1877-9; Henry R. Barker, 1879-80; George H. Burnham, 
1880-1; J. Carter Brown Woods, 1881-5; Rathbone Gardner, 1885-7; 
Augustus S. Miller, 1887-8; Arthur W. Dennis, 1888-9. 

The treasurers of the town and city have succeeded each other as 
follows, the date given indicating when each left the office, and gen- 
erally the term of the succeeding one began the same date: Henry 
Brown, 1664; Zachary Rhodes, 1665; Henry Brown, 1666; Thomas 
Clemence, 1667; John Whipple, 1668; Thomas Olney, 1669; Arthur 
Fenner, 1672; Thomas Field, 1674; John Throckmorton, 1677; William 
Hopkins, 1682; John Whipple, 1683; Henry Brown, 1687; Pardon 
Tillinghast, 1707; James Dexter, 1711; James Brown, 1714; William 



326 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Harris, 1717; James Brown, 1718; William Harris, 1720; Thomas 
Olney, 1722; William Turpin, 1737; Charles Tillinghast, 1743; William 
Turpin, to April, 1744; Joseph Sheldon, 1771 ; James Arnold, August, 
1797; Samuel Nightengale, August, 1814; George Olney, 1818; John 
Howland, 1832; Stephen Tillinghast, 1840; Robert Knight, June to 
July, 1840; Benjamin Clifford, November 22d, 1843; Stephen Tripp. 
February 14th, 1849: George W. Hall, March 11th, 1850; Eseck 
Aldrich, June, 1855; Marinus W. Gardner, December 1st. 1802; 
Joseph C. Peckham, August 20th, 1808, died in office; Benjamin Tripp, 
from August 24th, 1808, to the present time. 

The office of city marshall was abolished in 1800, and the duties 
formerly devolving upon that official were transferred to the chief 
of police. Those who have held these offices successively have been 
as follows: Henry G. Mumford, 1S33-5; Jabez J. Potter, 1845-8; 
Daniel K. Chaffee, 1848-54; William H. Hudson, 1854-9; Thomas W. 
Hart, 1859-66; (Chiefs of Police) Nelson Viall, 1860-7; Albert San- 
ford, 1867-9; William Knowles, 1869-70; Thomas J. A. Gross, 1870- 
August 2d, 1871, died in office; John M. Knowles, August 14th, 1871- 
September 13th, 1877, resigned; William H. Ayer, September 30th, 
1878-May 4th, 1879, died in office; Charles H. Hunt, May 22d, 1879- 
November 1st, 1880, resigned; Benjamin H. Child, January, 1881-9. 

The overseers of the poor have succeeded each other in the office 
as follows: Joshua Rathbun, 1832-6; William F. Greene, 1836-Oc- 
tober 16th, 1854; Stephen A. Phillips, October 16th, 1854-June, 1858; 
George W. Wightman, 1858-1889. 

The superintendence of public internal improvements has been 
in charge of offices of different title at different periods, beginning 
with surveyors of highways. The following persons filled that office: 
William T. Grinnell and Dexter Thurber, June to August 27th, 1832; 
Pardon Mason, for the west side, and Warren Bachellor, for the east 
side, August 27th, 1832, to June, 1833. The duties of the office were 
then entrusted to a single official, and he succeeded as follows: 
Henry G. Mumford, 1833-56; William Bachelder, 1856-8; Samuel B. 
Durfee, 1858-66; Thomas W. Hart, 1866-April 10th, 1872. At that 
date the office was abolished, and its powers and duties'were trans- 
ferred to the highway commissioners, of whom there were three, 
and that office was held by the following: Samuel L. Blaisdell, Feb- 
ruary 7th, ls72-May 26th, 1S76; Charles Anthony, February 7th. 
1n7-_> May 24th, L878; Gideon Bradford, February 7th, ls72 Novem- 
ber 6th, 1*74, died in office; Lemuel S. Harris, January, 1875-Janu- 
ary, L879; Thomas W. Hart, February 5th, L877-November 5th, 1880; 
Obadiah Brown, May 24th, L878 -November 5th, 1880; George E. 
Thompson, January, 1879 November :>th, L880. The office was abol- 
ished April L5th, L880, and succeeded by the board of public works, 
which has been filled by the following: Samuel B. Swan, November 
5th, L880 March, 1883; Obadiah Brown, November 5th, 1880-March, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 327 

1882; Charles Anthony, March, 1882-March, 1884; Frederick E. An- 
thony, March, 1883-March 24th, 1884; Clinton D. Sellew, March, 
1884-February 11th, 1889; Charles E. Carpenter, May 15th, 1SS4- 
February 11th, 1889; Charles H.Hunt, February 15th, lss6-February 
11th, 1889. At the date last mentioned the office was abolished, and 
its powers and duties transferred to a single commissioner of public 
works. John A. Coleman has held the office since that date — 1889. 
The board of public works, at the time of its formation, also absorbed 
the powers and duties of the former water commissioners. That 
office, created September 20th, 1869, was filled as follows: Joseph J. 
Cooke, September 27th, lsG!)-November 1st, 1876; Charles E. Carpen- 
ter, September 27th. 1869-November 1st, ls76; Moses B. Lockwood, 
September 27th, 1869-May 13th, 1872, died in office; William Corliss, 
May 23d, ls72-November 1st, 1876; Lodowick Brayton, November 
1st, 1876-November 1st, 1880; Nathaniel F. Potter, Jr., November 1st, 
1^7t')-November 5th, 1880; Henry L. Parsons, January 18th, 1877- 
November 5th, 1880. 

The judges of the municipal court have been: Thomas Burgess, 
L832-53; Francis E. Hoppin, 1853-June 14th, 1858; Albert G. Greene, 
June 14th, 1858-April 8th, 1867; Amasa S. Westcott, April 8th, 1867- 
July 3d, 1884; Joseph E. Spink, July 18th, 1884-9. 

Clerks of the municipal court have been: Allen O. Peck, 1832-4; 
Albert G. Greene, 1834-July 21st, 1857; Samuel W. Peckham, July 
24th, 1857-August loth, 1857; Levi Salisbury, August loth, 1857-June, 
1868; George B. Nichols, 1868-July 18th, 1884; Charles C. Mumford, 
July 18th, 1884-July 9th, 1885; Clifford A. Harrington, July 9th, 1885- 
1889. 

Justices of the police court have been as follows, the date indi- 
cating the beginning of the term of service of each: Robert Knight, 
Charles F. Tillinghast, Albert G. Greene, 1832; William R. Staples, 
Alpheus Billings, 1833; William R. Staples, Thomas White, 1834; 
Robert Knight, Albert G. Greene, Henry L. Bowen, 1835; Thomas 
White, William P. Olney, George F. Mann, 1836; Henry L. Bowen, 
Walter S. Burges, 1838; Robert Knight, Henry L. Bowen, Walter S. 
Burges, 1839;j Henry L. Bowen, Walter S. Burges, Edward H. Haz- 
ard, 1840; Henry L. Bowen, Edward H. Hazard, Walter Paine, Jr., 
1842; Henry L. Bowen, Charles Holden, Jr., Charles Hart, ls44; Henry 
L. Bowen, Samuel Brown, Joseph S. Pitman, 1845; Samuel W. Peck- 
ham, Henry L. Bowen, Francis E. Hoppin, 1846; Samuel W. Peckham, 
Francis E. Hoppin, James M. Clarke, 1847; Samuel W. Peckham, 
Fra-ncis E. Hoppin, Charles Hart, 1849; Samuel W. Peckham, Charles 
Hart, 1853; Henry L. Bowen, William Knowles, 1855; Henry L. 
Bowen, Samuel W. Peckham, 1857; Samuel W. Peckham, Horatio 
Rogers, Jr., 1861; Samuel W. Peckham, Lucius C. Ashley, 1862; Lu- 
cius C. Ashley, William H. Greene, 1867; Francis A. Daniels, Stephen 
Essex, 1S0S; Stephen Essex, Elias M. Jenckes, 1872; EliasM. Jenckes, 



32S HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Lorin M. Cook, 1873; Elias M. Jenckes, Joseph S. G. Cobb, 1886; Jo- 
seph S. G. Gobb, 1889. 

Clerks of the common council have been: Thomas B. Fenner, 
June 4th, 1832, during organization; Allen O. Peck, June, 1832-June, 
1834; Albert G. Greene, June, 1834-February 11th, 1867; Joshua M. 
Addeman, February 25th, 1867-Jantiary 2d, 1882; Daniel F. Hayden, 
January 2d, 1882-9. 

The office of city auditor was created August 9th, 1847. It has 
been filled since that time by the following: Stephen T. Olney, 
August 9th, 1847-June, 1850; George B. Jastram, 1850-4; John J. 
Paine, 1854-63; Henry A. Webb, 1863-June 8th, 1803; James M. 
Cross, June 8th, 1863-February 10th, 1887, died in office; Edward 
Field, 2d, (pro tem,) February 14th, 1887-March 24th, 1887; William 
D. Nisbet, March 24th, 1887-9. 

The office of city solicitor was created June 15th, 1853. Since 
that time the following persons have held it: James M. Clarke, 
June 22d, 1853-August 23d, 1854; Willard Sayles, January 29th, 1855- 
June, 1855; James M. Clarke, 1855-63; Benjamin N. Lapham, 1863-5; 
Francis Colwell, Jr., 1865-6; John P. Knowles, 1866-7; Charles H. 
Parkhurst, 1808-74; Nicholas Van Slyck, August 10th, 1874-89. 

The office of city sergeant has been held as follows: Edward 
Harwood June 1832-April 10th, 1848; James C. Sheridan, June, 1848- 
61; Edward S. Rhodes, June, 16C.1-S9. The office of city messenger, 
created September 1st, 1854. has been held by James C. Sheridan 
from September 18th, 1854, to June, 1861; and Edward S. Rhodes, 
from June, 1861, to the present time. 

The office of city engineer was created May 29th, 1809. It has 
been held by Charles E. Paine, from June, 1869, to February 5th, 
1877; and Samuel M. Gray, from February 5th, 1877 to the present 
time. The office of collector of taxes, was held by the following, 
until it was abolished and its duties transferred to the city treasurer: 
John Hill, from June, 1832 to June, 1837; Robert Knight, 1837-9; 
James Mum ford, 1839-59; Nehemiah S. Draper, 1859-October, 1868, 
when the office was abolished. 

The office of city registrar was created in July, 1855. It was held 
by Edwin M. Snow, from that time till December 22d, 1888, when 
his term was closed by death. He was succeeded by Charles V. 
Chapin, who still holds the office, in 1889. 

The office of superintendent of health was created in Jul} - , 1856. 
It was held by Edwin M. Snow, from that time till January, 1884. 
Charles V. Chapin succeeded, and still retains the office, in 1889. 

In the Fire Department the office of chief engineer was created 
July 1 1th, L853. It has since then been occupied as follows: Joseph 
W. Taylor, July 11th, is;,:; June, 1859; Thomas Aldrich, L859-62; 
Charles 11. Dunham, 1862 July loth, L865; Dexter Gorton, July 10th, 
L865 June, L869; Oliver E. Greene, L869 July 2d, 1884; George A. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 329 

Steere, July 2d, 1884-9. The office of deputy chief was created March 
10th, 1883, and has been held by George A. Steere, March 12th, 1883, 
to July 2d, 1884, and Holden O. Hill, March 19th, 1885, to the present 
time. 

The office of recorder of deeds, since its creation in 1866, has been 
held by Gustavus A. Williamson, his term beginning in June, 1866. 

The office of harbor master was created August 15th, 1853. The 
following have since held it: Nathaniel S. Mauran, August 15, 1853- 
June, 1854; Nathaniel Church, June, 1854-June, 1858; Daniel Joslin, 
June, 1858-Jamiary, 1884; Thomas W. Waterman, January, 1884-Janu- 
ary, 1885; James T. P. Bucklin, January, 1885-9. 

The office of superintendent of public buildings was created De- 
cember 28th, 1868. It has been filled by the following: Obadiah 
Slade, January 25th, 1869-October 1st, 1886, died in office; John H. 
Cottrell, January 3d, 1887-9. 

The office of superintendent of lights was created August 12th, 
1864, and filled by appointment of a police constable until October 
5th, 1874, when it was made elective by the city council. The follow- 
ing have held it: John M. Clarke, December 1st, 1864-March 12th, 
1867; Joseph C. Whiting, Jr., March 12th, 1867-October, 1867; Charles 
M. Smith, October, 1867-April 14th. 1879; Samuel B. Swan, April 14th, 
1879-89. 

The office of inspector of buildings has been filled, since its crea- 
tion, April 12th, 1878, as follows: Oliver E. Greene, April 12th, 1878 
January, 1884; Spencer B. Hopkins, January, 1884-9. The office 
of fire marshal, created May 27th, 1880, has been held by Elias M. 
Jenckes, January 20th, lsSl-March 19th, 1888, and Ira Wilson, from 
the last mentioned date to the present time. The office of public ad- 
ministrator, created June 2d, 1876, has been held by Daniel Burrows, 
February 5th, 1877-February 6th', 1882, and Jonathan G. Parkhurst, 
February 16th, 1882-9. 

The town and city of Providence has been represented in the gen- 
eral assembly by her citizens as follows: 

1648 — May: Thomas Olney, Thomas Harris, William Withenden, 
Hugh Benett, Robert Williams, Gregory Dexter. 

1651 — November: Robert Williams, Thomas Harris, Hugh Bewit, 
William Wickenden, Thomas Olney, Gregorie Dexter. 

1652 — February: William Wickenden, Gregorie Dexter, Hugh 
Bewit, Thomas Harris, Thomas Angell, Henry Browne. May: Rob- 
ert Williams, Gregorie Dexter, Richard Waterman, Thomas Harris, 
William Wickenden, Hugh Bewit. October: Robert Williams, Rich- 
ard Waterman, Gregorie Dexter, Thomas Hopkins, James Ashton, 
Thomas Harris. December: Thomas Angell, Henry Browne, Wil- 
liam Wickenden, Gregorie Dexter, Hugh Bewitt, James Ashton. 

1653— May: Thomas Angell, Henry Browne, William W 7 ickenden, 
Gregorie Dexter, Hugh Bewitt, Thomas Harris. June: Gregorie 



330 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Dexter, John Sayles, Arthur Fenner, William Wickenden, Thomas 
Angell, James Ashton. August: The same. 

1654 — August: Thomas Harris, Gregorie Dexter, John Taylor, 
William Wickenden, John Browne, Henrie Browne. September: 
Thomas Harris, Gregorie Dexter, Henry Redick, William Wicken- 
den, John Browne, Henrie Browne. 

1655 — May: Roger Williams, William Wickenden, Thomas Har- 
ris, Arthur Fenner, Richard Waterman, John Sailes. June: Roger 
Williams, Thomas Olney, William Feild, William Dyre, James Barker, 
Mathew West. 

1656— March 11th: Roger Williams, Thomas Olney, William Feild, 
Richard Waterman, Thomas Harris, Thomas Roberts. March 17th: 
Same except Benedict Arnold in place of Thomas Roberts. May: 
Same as March 11th. October: Roger Williams, Thomas Olney, 
Richard Waterman, Thomas Harris, Hugh Benett, John Tripp. 

1657 — May: Thomas Harris, John Sayles, Henry Bull, Thomas 
Walwin, Samuel Bennet, Hugh Bewitt. 

1658— March: John Smyth, Thomas 01ney,William Feild, William 
Carpenter, James Sweete, Edward Enman. November: Roger Wil- 
liams, William Feild, Thomas Olney, Richard Waterman, Roger 
Morry, James Ashton. 

1659— May: William Feild, 'Thomas Olney, John Sayles, Arthur 
Fenner, Thomas Hopkins, James Ashton. August: William Field, 
Roger Williams, William Carpenter, Zachary Rhodes, John Smyth, 
John Sayles. 

1660 — May: William Brenton, William Feild, Benedict Arnold, 
Arthur Fenner, William Carpenter, Thomas Hopkins. October: 
William Feild, William Harris, Arthur Fenner, John Fenner, Joseph 
Torrey, Thomas Hopkins. 

1661 — May: William Feild, William Arnold, Thomas Harris, Sr., 
Thomas Roberts, Zachary Rhoades, James Barker. August: Roger 
Williams, William Feild, Thomas Olney, Joseph Torrey, Philip Ta- 
bor, John Anthony. 

1662— May: William Feild, Arthur Fenner, Thomas Olneye, 
Thomas Harris, Sen'r, William Harris, William Carpenter. May: 
The same. October: Same, except Zachary Roads instead of Thomas 
Olneye. 

1663 — May: William Feild, Thomas Olneye, William Carpenter, 
Thomas Harris, Arthur Fenner, James Ashton. October: William 
Feild, William Carpenter, Zachary Roades, William Harris, Edward 
Thirston, Joseph Torrey. November: Same, except Richard Tew 
instead of Thirston. 

L664 — First session: Arthur Fenner, Zachary Rhodes, Thomas 
Harris, Sr., John Brown. May: William Carpenter, William Wick- 
enden, Arthur Fenner, Stephen Arnold. October: Gregory Dexter, 
John Throckmorton, William Carpenter, Zachary Rhodes. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDE^ T CE COUNTY. 331 

1665 — February: William Harris, Thomas Arnold, Thomas Hop- 
kins, Stephen Arnold. May: William Carpenter, Zachary Rhodes, 
James Ashton, Henry Brown. October: Thomas Olney, Sr., John 
Throckmorton, Thomas Hopkins, Edward Smith. 

1666— March: Richard Scott, Thomas Borden, John Smith (miller), 
Thomas Clemence. May: John Throckmorton, William Harris, 
Thomas Harris, Edward Inman. September: Same as May, except 
John Whipple in place of William Harris. October: Thomas Arnold, 
William Wickenden, Gregory Dexter, Epenetus Olney. 

1667 — May: Roger Williams, Thomas Olney, John Throckmorton, 
Stephen Arnold. July: Two sets returned — Thomas Harris, Thomas 
Olney, Thomas Field, Thomas Olney, Jr.. John Throckmorton, An- 
thony Everden, Thomas Hopkins, Shadrach Man ton. October: John 
Throckmorton, Edward Inman, Lawrence Wilkinson, Resolved Wa- 
terman. 

1668 — -John Throckmorton, Edward Inman, Samuel Bennett, Na- 
thaniel Waterman. October: Henry Brown, Anthony Everden, Ed- 
ward Smith, Shadrach Manton. 

1669 — May: John Sayles, John Whipple. Jr., Andrew Harris, Shad- 
rach Manton. October: Not known. 

1670 — May: John Throckmorton, Thomas Harris, Arthur Fenner, 
Andrew Harris. June: Thomas Olney, Thomas Field, Stephen Ar- 
nold, Thomas Roberts. June, 2d session: Thomas Arnold, John 
Throckmorton, John Sayles, John Whipple, Jr. October: Two ses- 
sions — John Sayles, Thomas Harris, Shadrach Manton, Thomas Bor- 
den. 

1671— May: Thomas Olney, John Sayles, Shadrach Manton, 
Ephraim Carpenter. September: John Throckmorton, Anthony 
Everden, Thomas Arnold, Henry Brown. October: Stephen Arnold, 
John Sayles, Thomas Harris, Richard Arnold. 

1672 — -March 5th: Stephen Arnold, John Throckmorton, Thomas 
Clemence, Thomas Roberts. March 15th: Henry Brown, Anthony 
Everden, Henry Fowler, John Smith (miller). April 2d: Stephen Ar- 
nold, Thomas Olney, Jr., Ephraim Carpenter, John Whipple. April 
30th: Arthur Fenner, Thomas Arnold, Edward Inman, Thomas Hop- 
kins. October: William Harris, Samuel Reife, Pardon Tillinghast, 
Thomas Borden. 

1673 — May: John Throckmorton, William Harris, Lawrence Wilk- 
inson, Anthony Everden. October: John Lapham, William Ashton, 
Thomas Harris, Toleration Harris. 

1674 — John Whipple, John Sayles, Stephen Arnold, Edward 
Inman. October: Samuel Bennett, Samuel Winsor, William Hop- 
kins, Leonard Smith. 

1675 — May: Toleration Harris, Edward Smith, William Ashton, 
Valentine Whitman. October: William Carpenter, Stephen Arnold 
John Throckmorton, William Ashton. 



332 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1676 — March: John Whipple, Edward Inman; Richard Arnold, 
John Field. May: William Carpenter, Stephen Arnold, Thomas 
Olney, Jr.. Edward Smith. October: John Sayles, Edward Inman, 
Andrew Harris, Epenetns Olney. 

1677— May: Thomas Olney, Jr., William Hopkins, Stephen Ar- 
nold, John Whipple, Jr. October: John Sayles, Edward Inman, 
Samuel Bennett, William Hawkins. 

1678 — May: Edward Inman, Samuel Bennett, Thomas Arnold, 
William Hawkins. October: Arthur Fenner, John Sayles, Nathan- 
iel Waterman, William Hawkins. 

1679 — May: Joseph Jenckes, Arthur Fenner, William Carpenter, 
Richard Arnold. October: Valentine Whitman, Thomas Harris, Jr. 
The others illegible. 

1680 — March: Thomas Olney, Jr., Joseph Jenckes, William Hop- 
kins, John Dexter. May: Richard Arnold, Thomas Harris, Jr., 
Nathaniel Waterman, Edward Smith. October: John Thornton, 
Pardon Tillinghast, James Mathewson, Edward Smith. 

1681— May: John Whipple, Jr., Richard Arnold, Nathaniel Water- 
man, Thomas Harris, Jr. 

1682 — May: Thomas Harris, Jr., Edward Smith, Thomas Arnold, 
John Whipple, Jr. September and October: Thomas Olney, William 
Hopkins, Nathaniel Waterman, Edward Smith. 

1683 — March and May: Thomas Field, Thomas Arnold, Thomas 
Fenner, Alexander Balcom. August and October: Thomas Olney, 
Nathaniel Waterman, Joseph Williams, Edward Smith. 

1684 — May: Stephen Arnold, John Whipple, Jr., Henry Brown, 
Epenetus Olney. October: John Whipple, Jr., Joseph Williams, John 
Dexter, Thomas Arnold. 

1685 — May: Stephen Arnold, Thomas Field, Valentine Whitman, 
Thomas Harris, Jr. October: Thomas Harris, Thomas Olney, 
Nathaniel Waterman, Thomas Field. 

1686 — May: Valentine Whitman, John Whipple, Jr., Epenetus 
Olney, John Angell. October: Thomas Olney, William Hopkins, 
Eleazer Arnold, John Dexter. 

1687-88-89— None. 

1690 — May: Stephen Arnold, Pardon Tillinghast, John Dexter, 
Gideon Crawford. October: Gideon Crawford, Thomas Olney, John 
Whipple, Nathaniel Waterman. 

1691 — March: Thomas Harris, Samuel Whipple, Thomas Fenner, 
Joseph Jenckes. October: James Blackmore, Thomas Arnold, Ben- 
jamin Carpenter, Thomas Fenner. 

1692— May: Not known. October: Thomas Olney, Arthur Fen- 
ner, William Crawford, Thomas Field. 

L693- -May: William Hopkins, Joseph Williams, Eleazer Whipple, 
Samuel Wilkinson. October: Not known. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 333 

1694 — May: Thomas Harris, John Dexter, Gideon Crawford, James 
Angell. October: Pardon Tillinghast, Gideon Crawford, John Sayles, 
Daniel Abbott. 

1695— May and October: Thomas Field, William Hopkins, Thomas 
Fenner, Jonathan Sprague. 

1696 — May: Thomas Olney, Richard Arnold, Jonathan Sprague, 
John Dexter. October: Richard Arnold, Joseph Williams, John 
Dexter, Thomas Olney. 

1697 — January: Pardon Tillinghast, John Dexter, Thomas Harris, 
Samuel Wilkinson. May: Nathaniel Waterman, William Hopkins, 
Gideon Crawford, Benjamin Carpenter. October: William Hopkins, 
Joseph Williams, Gideon Crawford, Thomas Fenner. 

1698— January: Richard Arnold, John Dexter, Gideon Crawford, 
Jonathan Sprague. May: Joseph Williams, Richard Arnold, James 
Angell, Joseph Whipple. October: Joseph Jenckes, Samuel Wilkin- 
son, James Angell, Joseph Whipple. 

1699 — February: Samuel Wilkinson, James Angell, Joseph 
Jenckes, Joseph Whipple. May: William Hopkins, Thomas Fenner, 
James Brown, Samuel Comstock. October: Arthur Fenner, Nathan- 
iel Waterman, Benjamin Carpenter, Gideon Crawford. 

1700 — February: Pardon Tillinghast, John Dexter, Eleazer Arnold, 
Jonathan Sprague. May: Jonathan Sprague, John Wilkinson, Elisha 
Arnold, Peleg Rhodes. October: Arthur Fenner, Richard Arnold, 
John Dexter, Joseph Jenckes. 

1701 — March: John Dexter, Richard Arnold, Samuel Wilkinson, 
Joseph Jenckes. May: Gideon Crawford, William Randall, Eleazer 
Whipple, Eleazer Arnold. October: John Dexter, Richard Arnold* 
Gideon Crawford, Joseph Jenckes. 

1702 — March: John Dexter, Gideon Crawford, Joseph Whipple, 
Samuel Comstock. May: Nathaniel Waterman, Gideon Crawford, 
Joseph Whipple, Samuel Comstock. September: Jonathan Sprague, 
John Sheldon, Thomas Harris, James Brown. October: Richard 
Arnold, John Dexter, Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Jenckes. 

1703 — January and May: John Dexter, Jonathan Sprague, Eleazer 
Arnold, Joseph Whipple. October: John Dexter, Joseph Jenckes, 
Gideon Crawford, William Hawkins. 

1704 — January: Jonathan Sprague, Samuel Wilkinson, Gideon 
Crawford, Nicholas Power. May: Joseph Whipple, Jonathan 
Knight, James Angell, Stephen Arnold. October: John Dexter, 
Joseph Jenckes, Thomas Fenner, Gideon Crawford. 

1705 — May: John Dexter, Joseph Jenckes, Gideon Crawford, Joseph 
Whipple. June: John Dexter, Richard Arnold, Thomas Fenner, 
Andrew Harris. August: Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Jenckes, Joseph 
Whipple, James Brown. October: John Dexter, Samuel Wilkinson, 
Joseph Jenckes, William Hawkins. 

1706— March: John Wilkinson, William Hawkins, Stephen 



334 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Arnold, Elisha Arnold. May: Thomas Harris, Thomas Field, Gideon 
Crawford. John Sayles. July: Eleazer Arnold, Jonathan Sprague, 
Joseph Whipple, John Wilkinson. October: Joseph Jenckes, Samuel 
Wilkinson, Jonathan Sprague, Thomas Olney. 

1707 — February: Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Jenckes, Samuel 
Wilkinson, Joseph Whipple. May: Joseph Jenckes, Jonathan 
Sprague, Samuel Comstock, Thomas Olney. October: Richard 
Arnold, Samuel Wilkinson, Philip Tillinghast, Arthur Fenner. 

1708 — February: Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Whipple, Thomas 
Harris, Nicholas Power. May: Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Jenckes, 
Philip Tillinghast, Samuel Comstock. October: Thomas Olney, 
Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Whipple, Philip Tillinghast. 

1709 — May: Jonathan Sprague, Sylvanus Scott, Philip Tillinghast, 
James Brown. September and October: Jonathan Sprague, Philip 
Tillinghast, Nathaniel Jenckes, Richard Brown. 

1710 — May: Jonathan Sprague, Joseph Whipple, Andrew Harris, 
William Hopkins. October: Nathaniel Jenckes, Philip Tillinghast, 
Arthur Fenner, Thomas Harris. 

1711 — May: Peleg Rhodes, James Dexter, William Crawford, Jona- 
than Sprague. July and October: Joseph Whipple, James Brown, 
John Smith, Thomas Olney. November: Samuel Comstock, Eleazer 
Arnold, Thomas Arnold, Jr., William Wilkinson. 

1712 — May: Richard Waterman, Philip Tillinghast, Richard Brown, 
Samuel Wilkinson. October: William Hopkins, Jonathan Sprague, 
William Smith, William Crawford. 

1713— May: Nathaniel Jenckes, Philip Tillinghast, William Craw- 
ford, Daniel Abbott. October: William Hopkins, Joseph Williams, 
Joseph Whipple, James Dexter. 

1714— May: William Hopkins, Joseph Whipple, William Harris, 
Jonathan Sprague. October: William Hopkins, William Smith, Jona- 
than vSprague, Joseph Mowry. 

1715 — May: Andrew Harris, Resolved Waterman, Thomas Steere, 
Eleazer Arnold. October: William Hopkins, Philip Tillinghast, 
Eleazer Arnold, Andrew Harris. 

1716 — May: John Arnold, John Burton, Edward Smith, Daniel 
Abbott. October: Joseph Whipple, Edward Smith, Samuel Wilkin- 
son. William Smith. 

1717- -May: Joseph Whipple, William Crawford, Edward Smith, 
Daniel Abbott. October: William Harris, James Dexter, Andrew 
Harris, Sylvanus Scott. 

1718 -May: Jonathan Sprague, Jr., Thomas Harris, Daniel Ab- 
bott, Joseph Brown. October: Richard Waterman, William Craw- 
ford, William Harris, John Jenckes. 

1719 May: William Crawford, Elisha Knowlton, William Harris, 
Richard Waterman. October: Valentine Whitman, Stephen Arnold, 
Jacob Clark, Hope Angell. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 335 

1720— -May: William Smith, Hope Angell, William Harris, Jona- 
than Sprague, Jr. October: Arthur Fenner, William Smith, William 
Harris, Daniel Abbott. 

1721 — May: William Smith, Daniel Abbott, Ebenezer Spragne, 
Jonathan Sprague, Jr. October: William Smith, James Olney, Elisha 
Knowlton, Andrew Harris. 

1722— May: Joseph Whipple, Nicholas Power, Thomas Olney, 
William Turpin. October: Joseph Whipple, Philip Tillinghast, 
Nicholas Power, Thomas Olney. 

1723— May: Joseph Whipple, Philip Tillinghast, Nicholas Power, 
William Turpin. October: Samuel Wilkinson, Richard Brown, 
Thomas Arnold, Henry Harris. November: Richard Waterman, 
William Smith, Daniel Abbott, John Angell. 

1724— May: Richard Waterman, William Smith, Daniel Abbott, 
Jonathan Sprague. October: Richard Waterman, Elisha Knowlton, 
William Smith, William Edmonds. 

1725— May: Richard Waterman, Joseph Mowry, Jonathan Sprague, 
Jr., Thomas Olney. October: Richard Waterman, Jonathan Sprague, 
Jr., Thomas Olney, Joseph Whipple. 

1726 — May: Richard Waterman, Jonathan Sprague, Jr., Elisha 
Knowlton, James Arnold. October: Richard Waterman, William 
Smith, Philip Tillinghast, Daniel Cooke. 

1727. — May: Richard Waterman, William Smith, William Jenckes. 
Philip Tillinghast October: Joseph Whipple, Philip Tillinghast, 
William Porter, Stephen Dexter. 

1728— May: Thomas Olney, William Smith, Elisha Knowlton, 
Daniel Abbott. October: William Smith, William Jenckes, Joseph 
Whipple, Ezekiel Warner. 

1729— May: William Smith, Elisha Knowlton, Ezekiel Warner, 
Daniel Abbott. October: Ezekiel Warner, William Jenckes, Joseph 
Mowry, William Turpin. 

1730— May: Ezekiel Warner, Daniel Abbott, Jonathan Sprague, 
Jr.. James Brown, Jr. October: Nicholas Power, Thomas Olney, 
Richard Sayles, John Potter, Jr. 

1731— May: John Potter, Jr., Jabez Bowen, John Thornton, Wil- 
liam Rhodes. October: Philip Tillinghast, John Potter, Jr., John 
Angell, Richard Thornton. 

1732— May: Richard Waterman, John Potter, Jr., John Thornton, 
Jabez Bowen. October: John Angell, Thomas Olney, Richard 
Waterman, James Congdon. 

1733— May: Richard Waterman, Jabez Bowen, Joseph Fenner, 
Richard Thornton. October: Ezekiel Warner, Daniel Abbott, Robert 
Gibbs, Richard Fenner. 

1734— May: Ezekiel Warner, Thomas Olney, Daniel Abbott, Rich- 
ard Fenner. October: John Thornton, Robert Gibbs, William Hop- 
kins, Jonathan Randall. 



336 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1735 — May: Jabez Bowen, Richard Fenner, William Rhodes, Jona- 
than Randall. October: Daniel Abbott, Charles Tillinghast, Richard 
Thornton, William Burton. 

1736 — May: Jabez Bowen, Richard Fenner, William Hopkins, 
Robert Knight. October: Daniel Abbott, William Hopkins, Richard 
Thornton, Zuriel Waterman. 

1737 — May: John Potter, James Brown, William Rhodes, William 
Hopkins. October: Daniel Abbott, Jabez Bowen, Richard -Fenner, 
Peter Burlingame. 

1738 — May: Charles Tillinghast, John Potter, Jabez Bowen, Rich- 
ard Thornton. October: William Jenks, John Thornton, Wrlliam 
Hopkins, Charles Tillinghast. 

1739 — May and July: Richard Fenner, Peter Burlingame, James 
Williams, Jr., Robert Gibbs. October: John Potter, Jabez Bowen, 
Richard Thornton, Jonathan Randall. 

1740 — May: Peter Burlingame, Richard Thornton, Jonathan Ran- 
dall, William Hopkins. October: Daniel Abbott, Charles Tilling- 
hast, John Thornton, George Brown. 

1741 — May: John Potter, Jabez Bowen, Jonathan Randall, Robert 
Gibbs. October: John Hopkins, George Brown, Nathaniel Jenckes, 
Richard Thornton. 

1742— May: Daniel Abbott, William Burton, Jr.. Jabez Bowen, 
Jonathan Randall. October: Charles Tillinghast, Thomas Field, 
Stephen Hopkins, Henry Harris. 

1743 — May: John Potter, jabez Bowen, Jonathan Randall, Chris- 
topher Harris. October: Robert Gibbs, Edward Arnold, George 
Brown, Benjamin Potter. 

1744 — May: Jabez Bowen, John Burton, Jr., Stephen Hopkins, Jo- 
seph Borden. October: William Rhodes, George Brown, Henry Har- 
ris, John Potter, Jr. 

1745 — May: William Smith, George Brown, Joseph Borden, Eze- 
kiel Warner. October: John Angell, Christopher Lippitt, Benjamin 
Potter, Joseph Olney. 

1746 — May: George Brown, Joseph Sheldon, Stephen Hopkins, 
Henry Harris. October: George Brown, Stephen Hopkins, Benja- 
min Potter, Jr., Jonathan Randall. 

1747 — May: George Brown, Stephen Hopkins, Elisha Brown, Eze- 
kiel Warner. October: Daniel Jenckes, William Hopkins, John Pot- 
ter, Jr., Peleg Williams, Jr. 

1748 — May: Daniel Jenckes, John Angell, Henry Harris, John 
Potter, Jr. October: George Brown, Daniel Jenckes, Jonathan 
Randall, Stephen Hopkins. 

1749 — May and October: Jonathan Randall, Stephen Hopkins, 
Elisha Brown, Daniel Jenckes. 

1750 — May: Jonathan Randall, Elisha Brown, Christopher Harris, 
John Andrews. October: Jonathan Randall, Elisha Brown, Jchn 
Dexter, Daniel Jenckes. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 337 

1751 — May: Stephen Hopkins, Elisha Brown, Joseph Wanton, 
Christopher Harris. October: Stephen Hopkins. Elisha Brown, 
Jonathan Randall, Arthur Fenner. 

1752 — May: Stephen Hopkins, Elisha Brown, Jonathan Randall, 
George Brown. October: Stephen Hopkins, Jonathan Randall, Elisha 
Brown, Ephraim Bowen. 

1753 — May and October: Jonathan Randall, Elisha Brown, Daniel 
Jenckes, George Brown. 

1754 — May: Jonathan Randall, Daniel Jenckes, Thomas Olney, 
John Potter, Jr. October: Daniel Jenckes, Thomas Olney, Nicholas 
Brown, Richard Waterman. 

1755 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Nicholas Brown, George Brown, 
Henry Harris. October: Elisha Brown, Nicholas Brown, George 
Brown, Daniel Jenckes. 

1756 — May and October: Elisha Brown, Nicholas Brown, Henry 
Harris, George Brown. 

1757— May: William Smith, Christopher Harris, Daniel Jenckes, 
James Olney. October: Stephen Hopkins, Elisha Brown, Daniel 
Jenckes, John Andrews. 

1758— May: Obadiah Brown, Charles Olney, William Smith, 
Brazillai Richmond. October: Obadiah Brown, Charles Olney, 
Christopher Harris, Brazillai Richmond. 

1759 — May: Isaiah Hawkins, Daniel Jenckes, Obadiah Brown, John 
Bass. October: Joseph Turpin, Daniel Jenckes, Gideon Comstock, 
Isaiah Hawkins. 

1760 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Joseph Turpin, Isaiah Hawkins, 
Stephen Rawson. October: Daniel Jenckes, Abraham Smith, Isaiah 
Hawkins, Stephen Rawson. 

1761 — May and October: Daniel Jenckes, George Jackson, Samuel 
Chace, Charles Olney. 

1762 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Joseph Nash, Joseph Olney, Jr., George 
Jackson. October: Daniel Jenckes, George Jackson, James Angell, 
Esek Hopkins. 

1763 — May: Same as October preceding. October: Daniel 
Jenckes, James Angell, Benjamin Man, Esek Hopkins. 

1764 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Jacob Whitman, Esek 
Hopkins. October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Jacob Whitman, 
John Cole. 

1765 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Jacob Whitman, Charles 
Olney. October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, John Cole, Samuel 
Nightingale. 

1766 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, John Cole, 'George 
Jackson. October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, John Cole. Samuel 
Nightingale. 

1767 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, John Cole, Thomas 
22 



338 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Greene. October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Thomas Greene, 
James Angell. 

1768 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, George Jackson, Charles 
Keene. October: Thomas Greene, Moses Brown, George Jackson, 
Charles Keene. 

1709 — May: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Benoni Pearce, Job 
Smith. October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Benjamin Man, Job 
Smith. 

1770 — May and October: Daniel Jenckes, Moses Brown, Benjamin 
Man, Stephen Hopkins. 

1771 — May: same as 1770. October: Stephen Hopkins, Moses 
Brown, Benjamin Man, John Jenckes. 

1772 — May and October: Stephen Hopkins, Thomas Greene, Ben- 
jamin Man, John Jenckes. 

1773 — May: Stephen Hopkins, Benjamin Man, John Jenckes, John 
Smith. October: Stephen Hopkins, John Jenckes, John Smith, John 
Mathewson. 

1774 — May: Same as October, 1773. October: Stephen Hopkins, 
John Jenckes, John Smith, John Mathewson. 

1775 — May and October: Same as October, 1774. 
1776 — May: Jonathan Arnold, John Brown, John Smith, Amos 
Atwell. October: Jonathan Arnold, John Brown, John Smith, John 
Mathewson. 

1777 — May: Jonathan Arnold, John Brown, John Smith, William 
Rhodes. October: Stephen Hopkins, John Updike, Jabez Bowen, 
Theodore Foster. 

1778 — May: John Updike, Elihu Robinson, Theodore Foster, Paul 
Allen. October: John Brown, Theodore Foster, Welcome Arnold, 
Thomas Greene. 

1779 — May: John Brown, Theodore Foster, Welcome Arnold, Da- 
vid Howell. October: Theodore Foster, Welcome Arnold, David 
Howell, John I. Clarke. 

1780 — May: Welcome Arnold, David Howell, Darius Sessions, Be- 
noni Pearce. October: Welcome Arnold, Charles Keene, Joseph 
Brown, Theodore Foster. 

1781— May and October: Same as October, 1780. 
1782— May: Welcome Arnold, John Smith, John Brown, William 
Barton. October: Welcome Arnold, John Smith, John Brown, Paul 
Allen. 

1783— May: John Smith, John Brown, Paul Allen, Thomas Jen- 
kins. October: John Smith, John Brown, Paul Allen, Ebenezer 
Thompson. 

1784 — May: Joseph Nightingale, Paul Allen, Ebenezer Thompson, 
John Jenckes. October: Joseph Nightingale, John Jenckes, Paul 
Allen, Charles Keene. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 339 

1785 — May and October: John Jenckes, Paul Allen, Charles 
Keene, Jeremiah Olney. 

1786 — May: John Jenckes, John Brown, Charles Keene, Thomas 
Truman. October: John Jenckes, John Brown, Charles Keene, Ben- 
jamin Bourne. 

1787— May: John Brown, Welcome Arnold, Benjamin Bourne, 
Joseph Nightingale. October: Welcome Arnold, Benjamin Bourne, 
Joseph Nightingale, Nathaniel Wheaton. 

1788 — May and October: John Jenckes, Jabez Bowen, William 
Barton, Amos Throop. 

1789 — May and October: John Jenckes, Jabez Bowen, Benjamin 
Bourne, Amasa. Gray. 

1790 — May: Jabez Bowen, Benjamin Bourne, Amasa Gray, Wel- 
come Arnold. October: Welcome Arnold, Amos Atwell, Robert 
Newell, Sylvanus Martin. 

1791 — May: Welcome Arnold, Amos Atwell, Samuel Nightingale, 
Sylvanus Martin. October: Welcome Arnold, Amos Atwell, Robert 
Newell, David Howell. 

1792 — May and October: Welcome Arnold, Charles Lippitt, Rob- 
ert Newell, Nicholas Easton. 

1793 — May: Welcome Arnold, Charles Lippitt, John Whipple, 
Nicholas Easton. October: Welcome Arnold, Charles Lippitt, John 
Smith, Nicholas Easton. 

1794— May and October: Same as October, 1793. 

1795 — May: Same as October, 1793. October: Welcome Arnold, 
Charles Lippitt, John Smith, Richard Jackson, Jr. 

1796 — May and October: Same as October, 1795. 

1797 — May: Welcome Arnold, John Smith, Thomas P. Ives, James 
Burrill, Jr. October: Welcome Arnold, John Smith, Thomas P. Ives, 
William Rhodes. 

1798— May: Welcome Arnold, John Smith, William Rhodes, Rich- 
ard Jackson, Jr. October: John Smith, William Rhodes, Richard 
Jackson, Jr., Moses Lippitt. 

1799— May: John Smith, William Rhodes, Richard Jackson, Jr., 
Thomas P. Ives. October: John Smith, William Rhodes, Thomas P. 
Ives, David L. Barnes. 

1800— May and October: Same as October, 1799. 

1801— May: Same as October, 1799. October: Charles Lippitt, 
John Dorrance, Ephraim Bowen, Jr., John Carlile. 

1802 — May: Same as October, 1801. October, John Dorrance, 
Ephraim Bowen, Jr., John Carlile, George R. Burrill. 

1803— May: Same as October, 1802. October, John Dorrance, Wil- 
liam Larned, Benjamin Hoppin, George R. Burrill. 

1804 — May: Same as October, 1803. October: Amos Throop, 
George R. Burrill, James B. Mason, Peter Grinnell. 

1805— Mav and October: Same as October, 1804. 



340 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1806— May and October: Same as October, 1804. 

1807— May: Same as October, 1804. October: William Jones, 
James B. Mason, Richard Jackson, Jr., Samuel W. Bridgham. 

1808 — May: Same as October, 1807. October: William Jones, 
James B. Mason, Nicholas Brown, Samuel W. Bridgham. 

1809— May and October: Same as October. 1808. 

1810— May and October: Same as October, 1808. 

1811— May and October: James B. Mason, Samuel W. Bridgham, 
Tristam Burges, Benjamin Hoppin. 

1812 — May and October: James B. Mason, Samuel W. Bridgham, 
Benjamin Hoppin, Peter Grinnell. 

1813— May: Same as October, 1812. October: James B. Mason, 
James Burrill, Jr., Benjamin Hoppin, William Wilkinson. 

1814 — May and October: James Burrill, Jr., William Wilkinson, 
Nathaniel Searle, Jr., Ephraim Talbot. 

1815 — May: Same as October, 1814. October: James Burrill, Jr., 
William Wilkinson, Nathaniel Searle, Jr., Samuel G. Arnold. 

1816 — May: Same as October, 1815. October: William Wilkinson, 
Nathaniel Searle, Jr., Samuel G. Arnold, Stephen Waterman. 

1817— May and October: Same as October, 1816. 

1818 — May:. Same as October, 1816. October: Nicholas Brown, 
Nathaniel Searle, Jr., Samuel G. Arnold, Stephen Waterman. 

1819 — May: Same as October, 1818. October: Nicholas Brown, 
Nathaniel Searle, Jr., Stephen Waterman, Philip Allen. 

1820— May and October: Same as October, 1819. 

1821 — May and October: Nicholas Brown, Nathaniel Searle, Jr., 
Philip Allen, Samuel Dexter. 

1822 —May and October: Nicholas Brown, Nathaniel Searle, Jr., 
vStanford Sewell, Samuel Dexter. 

1823 — May: Edward Carrington, Samuel W. Bridgham, Stanford 
Newell, Samuel Dexter. October: Edward Carrington, Samuel W. 
Bridgham, Stanford Newell, Thomas Burgess. 

1824 — May: Same as October, 1823. October: Edward Carrington, 
Samuel W. Bridgham, Stanford Newell, Elisha Dyer. 

1825— May and October: Same as October, 1824. 

1826 — May: Edward Carrington, Samuel W. Bridgham, Stanford 
Newell, Lemuel H. Arnold. October: Caleb Earle, Joseph L. Til- 
linghast, Stanford Newell, Lemuel H. Arnold. 

1827— May: Same as October, 1826. October: Edward Carrington, 
Joseph L. Tillinghast, Zachariah Allen, Lemuel H. Arnold. 

1828 — May and October: Edward Carrington, Joseph L. Tilling- 
hast, Zachariah Allen, John Andrews. 

1829 — May and October: Edward Carrington, Joseph L. Tilling- 
hast, Peter Pratt. Lemuel H. Arnold. 

1830— May and October: Joseph L. Tillinghast, Peter Pratt, Lem- 
uel H. Arnold, William Church. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 34-1 

1831— May: Same as 1830. October: Joseph L. Tillinghast, Peter 
Pratt, William Pabodie, William Church. 

1832— May: Joseph L. Tillinghast, Peter Pratt, William Pabodie, 
George Curtis. June: The same. October: Joseph L. Tillinghast, 
Peter Pratt, William Pabodie, John Whipple. 

1833— January: Peter Pratt, John Whipple, Josiah Whitaker, Wil- 
liam Sheldon. June: Whipple, Whitaker, Sheldon. October: Pratt, 
Tillinghast, Whitaker, Sheldon. 

1834— January: Same as October last. May: Joseph L. Tilling- 
hast, Josiah Whitaker, Benjamin Hoppin, Thomas W. Dorr. June: 
The same. October: Tillinghast, Hoppin, Dorr, James M. Warner. 

1835— January, May and June: The same. October: Tillinghast, 
Dorr, Warner, George Curtis. 

1836— January: Same as October last. May: Tillinghast, Dorr, 
Curtis, John L. Hughes. June: The same. October: Dorr, Curtis, 
Hughes, John H. Clark. 

1837— January: Same as October last. May: Dorr, Curtis, Clark, 
James M. Warner. June: The same. October: Curtis, Clark, Warner, 
Charles C. Mo wry. 

1838— January: The same as October last. May: Curtis, Clark, 
Thomas J. Stead, John Whipple. June and October: The same. 

1839— January: Same as last mentioned. May: Clark, Stead, 
Whipple, Charles Jackson. June and October: The same. 

1840 — January, May, June and October: Same as last mentioned. 

1841 — January: The same continued. May: Thomas J. Stead, 
Charles Jackson, Samuel Ames, Henry Anthony. June: The same. 
October: John H. Clark, Charles Jackson, Henry Anthony, Walter S. 
B urges. 

1842 — January: The same as October last. May: John H. Clarke, 
John Whipple, Stephen Branch, Samuel Ames. October: Stephen 
Branch, Samuel Ames, Edward Carrington, Thomas J. Stead. 

1843 — January and May: Branch, Ames, Carrington, Jacob T. 
Seagraves, Charles F. Tillinghast Isaac Thurber, Oliver E. Taber, 
Rufus Waterman, William Sheldon, Daniel Field, James Y. Smith, 
John Whipple. 

1844 — (Under the constitution representatives were now elected 
in April, for a term of one year.) Eseck Aldrich, Samuel Ames, 
Stephen Branch, Jabez Gorham, Almon D. Hodges, Shubael Hutchins, 
James T. Rhodes, William Sheldon, James Y.Smith, Oliver E. Taber, 
Isaac Thurber, Rufus Waterman. 

1845 — Aldrich, Rhodes, Smith, Gorham, Sheldon, Clarke, Hutchins, 
John O. Waterman, George B. Holmes, William S. Patten, Isaac 
Thurber, William G. Goddard. 

1846— Aldrich, Rhodes, Smith, Sheldon, Clarke, Hutchins, Water- 
man, Holmes, Patten, Thurber, Thomas Whitaker, Edward P. 
Knowles. 



342 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1847 — Samuel Ames, Robert Angell, Ezra Bourn, James C. Hidden, 
Shubael Hutchins, Israel G. Manchester, George S. Rathbone, James 
T. Rhodes, William S. Patten, William Sheldon, Vincent Carr, Jabez 
Gorham. 

1848 — Robert Angell, Jabez Gorham, Henry L. Bowen, William 
R. Watson, Samuel Ames, James T. Rhodes, Shubael Hutchins, 
George S. Rathbone, James C. Hidden, Edward H. Hazard, William 
Sheldon, Israel G. Manchester, Stephen Branch. 

1849- -Robert Angell, Jabez Gorham, Henry Anthony. Tulley D. 
Bowen, Samuel Ames, Allen C. Mathewson, Shubael Hutchins, 
George S. Rathbone, James C. Hidden, Edward H. Hazard, William 
Sheldon, William A. Howard. 

1850 — Leonard Blodget, Jabez Gorham, Henry Anthony, Tulley 
D. Bowen, Samuel Ames, Allen C. Mathewson, Shubael Hutchins, 
George S. Rathbone, James C. Hidden, Edward H. Hazard, William 
Sheldon, William A. Howard. 

1851 — Leonard Blodget, Stephen T. Olney, William H. Potter, 
Henry Anthony, A. C. Mathewson, James T. Rhodes, George S. Rath- 
bone, Amos C. Barstow, Daniel E. Carpenter, Samuel Curry, Thomas 
J. Stead, Christopher C. Potter. 

1852 — Leonard Blodget, Cyril Babcock, Henry Anthony, Seth 
Padelford, George W. Hall, Americus V. Potter, George S. Rathbone, 
Amos C. Barstow, Ezra Bourn, Daniel E. Carpenter, Zelotes W. 
Holden, Christopher C. Potter. 

1853 — Edward S. Lyon, Henry J. Angell, Americus V. Potter, 
Samuel True, Clarke Steere, Henry J. Burroughs, Nathaniel A. Eddy, 
Daniel Remington, Benjamin F. Thurston, William E. Peck, Benja- 
min B. Knight, Thomas Pierce, Jr. 

1854 — Horatio N. Slater, Josiah Seagrave, Jr., Thomas A. Jenckes, 
Samuel W. Peckham, Menzies Sweet, John Gorham, 2d, Joseph Car- 
penter, Oliver Johnson, William Tallman, Charles Ackerman, John 

A. Darling, Eli Aylesworth. 

1855 — Josiah Seagrave, Jr., Welcome Angell, Thomas A. Jenckes, 
Samuel B. Wheaton, Suchet Mauran, Josiah Simmons, Albert G. 
Sprague, Oliver Johnson, Walter R. Danforth, Charles H. Parkhurst, 
Joseph F. Gilmore, Theodore D. Cook. 

185G — Welcome Angell, Charles Anthony, Jesse Brown, Jr., George 
L. Clarke, Joseph F. Gilmore, Thomas A. Jenckes, John P. Knowles, 
Charles H. Parkhurst, Josiah Seagrave, Jr., Josiah Simmons, Henry 

B. Thurston, Samuel B. Wheaton. 

1857 — Samuel B. Wheaton, Welcome Angell, Charles Anthony, 
Jesse Brown, George L. Clarke, Preston Bennett, Alexander Farnum, 
Albert C. Greene, Oliver Johnson, Ansel E. Bradley, Daniel Paine, 
Robert W. Potter. 

1858— Dexter Thurber, Frederick Miller, Albert C. Greene, S. B. 
Wheaton, Wingate Hayes, William Sanford, Charles Anthony, Rob- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 343 

ert W. Potter, Preston Bennett, Joseph F. Gilmore, George L. Clarke, 
Ansel E. Bradley. 

18o9 — Edward P. Knowles, George B. Peck, Wingate Hayes, 
William Sanford, Philip Case, Charles F. Brownell, Henry A. Hidden, 
Robert Manchester, Benjamin M. Jackson, Samuel Lincoln, Benjamin 
T. Eames, Richard Sanders. 

1S60— Daniel Angell, David S. Carr, George B. Holmes, Robert 
Manchester, Jr., A. C. Mathewson, William Sanford, William C. 
Snow, Martin C. Stokes, Orray Taft, Luther C. Warren, George F. 
Wilson, Caesar A. Updike. 

1861— David S. Carr, John N. Francis, George B. Holmes, A. C. 
Mathewson, Edwin Metcalf, William C. Snow, Orray Taft, Nicholas 
Van Slyck, William Viall, Luther C. Warner, George F. Wilson. 

1862— Lyman Pierce, Caesar A. LTpdike, James H. Parsons, Moses 
B. Lockwood, William Viall, George W. Hall, William Hicks, L. C. 
Warner, Nicholas Van Slyck, George B. Holmes, Alfred W. Fisk, 
David S. Carr. 

1863— Thomas Durfee, C. A. Updike, George L. Clark, M. B. Lock- 
wood, Benjamin N. Lapham, William B. Greene, George W. Hall, 
Augustus Woodbury, William H. Reynolds, Josiah A. Barker, Lycur- 
gus Sayles, George W. Pay ton. 

1864— Benjamin G. Pabodie, Charles W. Holbrook, William Bin- 
ney, John H. Clarke, George W. Hall, Alexander Farnum, William 
H. Reynolds, Ephraim S. Jackson, George W. Pay ton, Joseph F. Gil- 
more, Benjamin F. Thurston, William Sheldon. 

1865— Joseph A. Barker, Stephen Crary, Oliver F. Dutcher, Ben- 
jamin B. Knight, John P. Knowles, George B. Peck, Thomas A. 
Richardson, Lycnrgus Sayles, Josiah Simmons, Pardon M. Stone, 
Henry A. Webb. 

1866 — Benjamin B. Adams, James B. Ames, Eli Aylesworth, Oren 
A. Ballou, William Binney, George M. Carpenter, Israel H. Day, John 
A Gardner, Jabez C. Knight, Benjamin G. Pabodie, Richard Sanders, 
Nelson Viall. 

1867 — Benjamin B. Adams, Eli Aylesworth, Amos C. Barstow, 
Francis Colwell, Jr., George M. Carpenter, Israel H. Day, Charles H. 
Perkins, Esek A.Jillson, George W.Hall, John A.Gardner, Benjamin 
G. Pabodie, Richard Sanders. 

1868 — Oren A. Ballou, Benjamin T. Eames, George L. Clarke, 
George W. Hall, Horatio Rogers, Amos C. Barstow, Lycurgus Sayles, 
AVilliam H. Reynolds, George F. Spicer, Esek A. Jillson, Julius 
Baker, Charles H. Perkins. 

1869— Jesse Metcalf, Lucius C. Ashley, George T. Spicer, George 
W. Lewis, Daniel E. Day, Julius Baker, Benjamin T. Eames, Robert 
R. Knowles, William Knowles, Charles H. Perkins, Henry T. Grant, 
David S. Harris. 

1870— Jesse Metcalf, Benjamin F. Thurston, Lucius C. Ashley, 



344 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

George T. Spicer, Amos C. Barstow, George W. Lewis, Henry C. 
Clark, Daniel E. Day, Julius Baker, Jonathan L. Spencer, Cyrus 
Harris, Frederick M. Ballou. 

1871 — Edward C. Ames, Julius Baker, David Ballou, Lodowick 
Brayton, Stephen A. Cook, Jr., Henry T. Grant, William H. Hopkins, 
George W. Lewis, Daniel T. Lyman, William D. Pierce, Francis M. 
Smith, Stephen Waterman. 

1872— Edward C.Ames, Julius Baker, Lodowick Brayton, Stephen 
A. Cook, Jr., Daniel E. Day, William W. Douglass, Allen Greene, 
William H. Hopkins, Charles A. Nichols, George H. Slade. 

1873 — Hiram B. Aylesworth, Isaac S. Battey, Stephen A. Cook, 
Jr., Daniel E. Day, George W. Hall, William H. Hopkins, Harrison 
G. Macomber, Edwin Metcalf, William H. Reynolds, George H. 
Slade, Jonathan L. Spencer, Alexander B. Springer. 

1874 — William Warner Hoppin, Horatio Rogers, John H. Stiness, 
Augustus Woodbury, Francis A. Daniels, Daniel E. Day, Amos W. 
Snow, George L. Clanin, A. B. Springer, H. G. Macomber, Isaac H. 
Southwick, Jonathan L. Spencer. 

1S75 — George L. Clarke, Henry J. Spooner, Horatio Rogers, Isaac 
M. Potter, Nelson W. Aldrich, Jerothmul B. Barnaby, Edmund S. 
Hopkins, Thomas Davis, George H. Pettis, N. Van Slyck, Allen 
Greene, William H. Reynolds. 

1876 — Allen Greene, Henry W.Gardner, Henry J. Spooner, James 
W. Blackwood, Isaac M. Potter, Henry H. Ormsbee, Gorham P. Pom- 
roy, Nelson W. Aldrich, Harvey E. Wellman, Edmund S. Hopkins, 
George H. Pettis, Joseph F. Brown. 

1877 — Nicholas A. Fenner, Andrew Comstock, Edwin R. Holden, 
Harvey E. Wellman, John F. Tobey, Charles E. Carpenter, Charles 
Sidney Smith, Allen Greene, H. J. Spooner, Frederick Fuller, Joseph 
Brown, Charles E. Paine. 

1878 — Stilhnan White, Abraham Payne, Henry J. Spooner, Charles 
E. Paine, James E. Chace, Charles S. Smith, Andrew Winsor, Nicholas 

A. Fenner, Andrew Comstock, Walter R. Stiness, Charles E. Car- 
penter, George H. Burnham. 

1879 — Abraham Paine, Stillman White, Charles S. Smith, Benja- 
min T. Eames, George H. Burnham, H. J. Spooner, James E. Chace, 
Andrew Winsor, Amos M. Bowen, Israel B. Mason, W. R. Stiness, 
Walter B. Vincent. 

1880 Stillman White, Royal C. Taft, John F. Tobey, Benjamin 
T. Eames, Charles Anthony, Gilbert F. Robbins, Amos M. Bowen, 
Israel B. Mason, Charles E. Giles, H. J. Spooner, W. B. Vincent, 
Benjamin N. Lapham. 

1881 — Stillman White, Elisha Dyer, Jr., H. J. Spooner, Charles S. 
Smith, Charles E. Giles, Fitz James Rice, Gilbert F. Robbins, Israel 

B. Mason, Walter B. Vincent, Charles Anthony, John F. Tobey, Royal 

C. Taft. 



HISTORY OF TROVIDENCE COUNTY. 345 

1882— John C.B.Woods, Joseph F. Brown, Daniel R. Ballon, Israel 
B. Mason, Charles E. Paine, Amos M. Bowen, Elisha Dyer, Jr., James 
H. Tower, Gilbert F. Robbins, Royal C. Taft, Stillman White, Fitz 
James Rice. 

1883— William A. Harris, John C. B. Woods, Charles E. Paine, 
Frederick M. Ballon, Clifton A. Hall, I. B. Mason, James H. Tower, 
Daniel R. Ballou, Royal C. Taft, Dutee Wilcox, Amos M. Bowen, 
Obadiah Brown. 

1884— Edward M. Babbitt, Augustus S. Miller, Charles E. Paine, 
Charles E. Gorman, Charles E. Carpenter, Isaac Hahn, Amos M. 
Bowen, John C. B. Woods, William A. Harris, John A. Carty, Obadiah 
Brown, Charles A. Hopkins. 

1885 — James W. Blackwood, Obadiah Brown, William A. Harris, 
George J. West, Henry P. Richmond, Charles A. Hopkins, William 
S. Hayward, Daniel R. Ballou, David F. Thorpe, John C. B. Woods, 
Amos M. Bowen, William H. Wood. 

1886— William S. Hayward, William A. Harris, John C. B.Woods, 
George J. W T est, Henry P. Richmond, William H. Wood, James W. 
Blackwood, John W. Tillinghast, Charles A. Hopkins, Francis W. 
Miner, William H. Covell, George L. Pierce. 

1887— Frank A. Rhodes, Lorin M. Cook, Joseph G. Matthews, 
William B. Blanding, William H.Mulvey, William K.Potter, Thomas 
F. Pierce, George T. Brown, Clarence A.Aldrich, Charles F. Gorman, 
Joseph H. Banks, Thomas Davis. 

1888— William H. Barney, Amos C. Barstow, Jr., John M. Buffin- 
ton, Albert O. Coates, J. A. Jenkins, Israel B. Mason, Charles F. 
Nichols, Charles H. Perkins, Benjamin W. Persons, Edwin D. Pierce, 
James M. Scott, Stillman White. 

1889 — John M. Brennan, Lorin M. Cook, Thomas Davis, Hiram 
Howard, James T. Kennedy, John F. Lonsdale, William K. Potter, 
Jesse H. Metcalf, William H. Mulvey, Thomas F. Peirce, John E. 
Potter. 

The senators representing this city in the state legislature since 
the constitution took effect have been as follows: Albert C. Greene, 
1843-4; Samuel Dexter, 1845-6; Richard W. Green, 1847; Stephen 
Branch, 1848-50; Albert C. Greene, 1851; William W. Hoppin, 1852; 
Thomas P. Shepard, 1853; Benjamin T. Eames, 1854-6; Thomas A. 
Jenckes, 1S57-S; Samuel Curry, 1859-60; Edward D. Pierce, 1861; 
Benjamin F. Thurston, 1862; Benjamin T. Eames, 1863; Charles 
Hart, 1864; Thomas Durfee, 1865; Samuel Curry, 1866-7; Benjamin F. 
Thurston, 1868; George L. Clarke, 1869; Charles Hart, 1870; Samuel 
Curry, 1871-3; Edwin Metcalf, 1874; Francis Colwell, 1875; Benjamin 
N. Lapham, 1876; Thomas Davis, 1877; John F. Tobey, 1878-9; Elisha 
C. Mowry, 1880; Thomas A.Doyle, 1881— June 13th, 1882; John F. 
Tobey (from June 13th), 1S82; Benjamin N. Lapham, 1883; Benjamin 
T. Eames, 1884; Stephen A. Cooke, Jr., 1885-6; Oscar Lapham, 1887; 
Charles Sydney Smith, 1888; George T. Brown, 1889. 



CHAPTER XII. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND MILI- 
TARY ORGANIZATIONS. 



The Police Department. — Early Constables. — A Night Watch Established.— Various 
Orders and Regulations Governing Them. — Special Watchmen Authorized. — Regu- 
lations Concerning Late Hours. — Volunteer Watch Established. — Marine Watch 
Established. — Smoking Segars in the Streets at Night Prohibited. — The Force 
Increased. — The Watch at the Organization of the City. — Incendiarism Prevailing 
Calls for Increase of Watch. — First Appointment of Day Police Force in 1851. — 
Police Stations Established. — Present Police System Organized. — Uniforms Fiist 
Provided in 1866.- — Present Composition and Condition. — Beginnings of the Fire 
Department. — Early Fire Engines. — Firewards and Volunteer Firemen. — Fire En- 
gine Companies Organized. — A Paid Department Organized. — Tests of Capacity 
and Power. — New Companies Organized. — Steam Fire Engines Introduced. — 
Manual Force Reduced. — Fire Alarm Telegraph. — Introduction of Pawtuxet Water. 
^Hose Companies Organized. — Chemical Engines Introduced. — The Present De- 
partment. — Buildings Occupied by It. — Important Fires. — Military History of 
Providence. — Early Trainings. — The United Train of Artillery. — The Light Dra- 
goons. — The First Light Infantry. — The Infantry Armory. — The Marine Corps. — 
Veteran Associations. — The Mechanics 1 Rifles. — Slocum Light Guards. — Providence 
Horse Guards. — First Battalion of Cavalry. — Burnside National Guards. — The 
Meagher Guards.— The Wolfe Tone Guards.— The Emmet Guards. 



IN the earliest history of the town a town sergeant and four con- 
stables were chosen yearly to preserve the peace and maintain 
the simple laws of the time. They were engaged in other occu- 
pations as a means of livelihood, and devoted only such time to their 
official duties as they could spare aside from the hours demanded by 
their calling. The constables received no salary, but were paid small 
fees for the serving of writs and orders of the town council and per- 
forming the several duties of like officers in small towns. The town 
sergeant received as pay for his services a tribute from each of the 
freemen of the town, as shown by the quaintly worded records in 
the middle of the 17th century: " It is voted by ye Towne yt ye ser- 
geant yt shall yearely be chosen in this Towne shall be payd by each 
freedman in ye said Towne, one shilling in merchantable pay per 
yeare and if any doo neglect or refuse to pay as aforesaid, ye ser- 
geant making his rcturne to ye towne of ye names of ye defective 
persons, ye Towne doo engage to cause ye said defective persons to 
pay ye aforesaid sumn to ye sergeant, any order to the contrary 
heard of notwithstanding - ." 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 347 

As the town grew the need of better protection was felt, and in 
May, 1775, a night watch was established. It consisted of four men, 
who traveled each night in pairs, the pairs w r atching in rotation. 
The records do not give any further information concerning the 
watch, but it did not prove permanent. In December, 1796, another 
night watch was established, consisting of six men, who began their 
rounds at 10 o'clock each night, and patrolled until "bell ringing," 
or sunrise in the morning. Each man who watched w T as allowed one 
dollar per night. The appointment of the watch was placed under 
the direction of the town council, which was authorized to make such 
regulations as were necessary. A committee, consisting of James 
Arnold, Ebenezer Thompson and William Rhodes, was appointed to 
build a watch house, and under their supervision a structure twelve 
feet square and seven feet high was erected on the town's land, near 
the market house. At each successive town meeting the watch was 
continued by the citizens, but to meet the expense the town was com- 
pelled to borrow money. In January, 1797, a committee, consisting 
of J. W. Corlis, Thomas P. Ives and Amos B. At well, was appointed 
to consider the expediency of maintaining the night watch and to 
report the most eligible method of doing so. They decided that a 
night watch was necessary to secure the safety of the lives and prop- 
erty of the people, and that a direct tax on the property of the citi- 
zens should be levied, as a more just, equitable and certain method 
of obtaining a good and sufficient watch than by demanding personal 
service by the citizens in rotation. 

The report was adopted in town meeting, and in November of 
that year the night watch was reorganized under the direction of the 
towm council, which was specially authorized to establish a perma- 
nent watch, and to make such rules and regulations as from time to 
time were found necessary and expedient. The council appointed 
twelve men: Richard Marvin, Jonathan French, Calvin Walker, 
Henry Alexander, Obadiah Mason, Benjamin Peck, Jeremiah Rus- 
sell, Jonathan Fow T ie, Daniel Snow, Joseph Snow, Amos Warner and 
William Andrews. They were divided into two companies of six 
men, each of which comprised the watch for an entire night, and the 
companies took turn, each watching every other night. Richard 
Marvin and Jeremiah Russell were appointed captains, and it was 
their duty to keep an exact account of the number of nights they 
themselves watched and also of the men w r ho composed their re- 
spective watch companies. The accounts were submitted to the town 
council at regular intervals. The watchmen were compensated for 
their services at the rate of one dollar for each night that they 
watched. 

The rules and regulations established required the watch of six 
men to meet alternately at the watch house precisely at 9:30 o'clock 



:14S HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

in the evening, and at 10 o'clock they commenced patrolling- the 
streets and continued to do so until " bell ringing " in the morning. 

Each watch was divided into three companies of two men each, 
who travelled together. The northward watch patrolled the streets 
as far as Benjamin Cozzens' residence, on North Main street. The 
westward travelled all the streets as far as Hoyle's tavern and visited 
Eddy's point once during the night. The southward patrolled all 
the streets as far as India point. They were kept constantly abroad 
under the captain and were ordered to be vigilant and to carefully 
inspect the houses, stores and workshops they passed, in order to 
prevent fires gaining headway. They were to suppress all riotous 
conduct in the streets and to commit all refractory persons to the 
bridewell. All houses which contained riotous or disorderly com- 
pany were reported in writing to the president of the town council 
by the captain. The badge of the watch was a staff about six 
feet in length, with a hook attached to one end. It was the duty of 
the captain to report all person committed to the bridewell for mis- 
conduct to "any one or more justices of the peace on the next morn- 
ing," who would hear the charges and inflict the penalty of the law 
if the prisoner was found guilty of any misdemeanor. 

January 13th, 1800, the town council ordered those persons con- 
stituting the night watch to abstain from goinginto any of the houses 
for the purpose of getting spirituous liquors, and the captains were 
ordered to report any transgressions of the rule to the town council. 
March 3d, 1800, the watchmen were ordered to call on all persons 
appearing in the streets after 11 o'clock at night, and if they refused 
to give their names they were to be deemed by said watchmen as 
disorderly and detained in the watch house until the next morning. 

October 1st, 1800, a watch was established in the south part of the 
town by the council as follows: " Whereas request is made to this 
Council that a watch may be appointed and established in the south 
part of the town for the purpose of guarding the same and to pre- 
serve the property therein from being purloined or stolen by the 
wicked and designing, it is therefore voted and resolved that the 
following-named persons, to wit: Henry Alexander, Stephen Whipple, 
Ephriam Congdon, and Demos Bishop be and they are hereby appoint- 
ed a night watch for that purpose, provided that the expense of said 
watch be defrayed by subscription, and not considered as a town ex- 
pense, and that each of said watchmen be compensated for their ser- 
vices at and after the rate two dollars for every night they may 
watch, as aforesaid, and that the four said persons shall watch alter- 
nately, two of whom are to constitute the watch for the night, and 
that they may be vigilant in the performance of their duty, and that 
they apprehend all persons they may find in that part of the town 
during the night who may be strolling about, and whose conduct is 
suspicious, and commit them to the bridewell." Such persons were 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 349 

reported in the morning to a justice of the peace for hearing. 

October 20th, 1806, the custom of calling out the hour of midnight 
whilst the watchmen were on their rounds was established. At this 
meeting the watch was ordered not to suffer any company to remain 
assembled in any tenement occupied by black people after 10 o'clook 
at night. If they should refuse to immediately disperse to their re- 
spective homes when requested to, the watch were directed to com- 
mit them to the bridewell. If " persons of colour " were found in the 
street after 10 o'clock at night the watch were ordered to commit them 
to the bridewell unless a good and sufficient reason were given for 
their being thus abroad. It was also decreed that it should be the 
duty of the captains to observe strictly the conduct of the other 
members of the watch, and to make diligent inquiry concerning the 
same, and if any disorderly behavior, intemperance or neglect of 
their duty should come to their knowledge, that the captain should 
report it to the town council that such disorderly, intemperate or 
negligent members might be removed. And it was further decreed 
that each of the captains for their extra services respecting the com- 
mitment of persons to the bridewell, reporting them to justices of 
the peace, and in reporting said disorderly, intemperate, and negli- 
gent members of the watch to the town council, and for all other 
services, should be allowed 17 cents over and above the usual amount 
of one dollar for each night of service. 

In May, 1808, a volunteer watch was established to assist the town 
watch. The members were given the same power and authority 
while on duty as possessed by the town watch. This watch did not 
remain in existence many months, but there is no record of its dis- 
bandment. In December, 1812, the owners of property between Wey- 
bosset bridge and Almy's lane, north of Steeple street, by subscrip- 
tion paid for the services of two additional watchmen to guard their 
property. They were under the control of the captain of the 
town watch. They patrolled alternately one each night, and 
continued to do so till September, 1813, when the public watch was 
increased to 16 men. In January, 1814, the town watch was again 
increased to 20 men, and at the same time their pay was advanced 
to $1.25 per man for each night of service. In that month some of 
the citizens hired four men to watch certain parts of that side of the 
town during the night. The town council conferred the same power 
and authority on them as was possessed by the town watch and gave 
them the privilege of using the town watch house. They were 
placed under the direction of the captain of the town watch. In 
March, 1814, the number of the town watch was reduced to twelve, 
the original number, and the pay was reduced to one dollar per 
night. , 

June 8th, 1814, the town council appointed a watch of six men to 
be stationed on board a vessel with carriage guns, to be anchored 



350 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

between Kettle point and Field's point, below the town. This watch 
was for the purpose of giving an alarm to the town in case of the 
appearance of a hostile force. A guard patrolled the bay, and in 
case of the discovery of any threatening force they were to alarm the 
watch aboard the vessel by firing their muskets. When so alarmed, 
or by any discovery of their own, the watch on the vessel were to 
alarm the town by firing their carriage guns and lighting a beacon 
on the high land on Field's point. In August the guard and vessel 
were withdrawn, and at the next meeting of the council the town 
watch were ordered in case of an alarm of fire or of invasion from 
without, to immediately repair to the town clerk's office for the pur- 
pose of taking care of the town's property and the records of the 
town. 

In 1814 volunteer night watch associations were formed in various 
parts of the town and the members were granted the same power as 
possessed by the town watch while on duty. They were not allowed 
to employ substitutes, except from among their members. 

In October, 1824, the town watch was increased to 20 men, and 
their pay was again advanced to $1.25 per night. At that time they 
w T ere ordered to arrest all persons whom they met who persisted in 
smoking cigars in the streets and gangwavs of the town. In March, 
1815, the town watch was again reduced to twelve men, and the town 
council ordered that the men draw lots to determine which ones 
should be dismissed. 

In September, 1815, the night watch for the west side of the town 
was increased to 16 men, divided into two watches, and served by 
rotation eight each night. At the same time the night watch for the 
east side was increased to 28 men, also divided into two watches 
to patrol in rotation. This proved too great a burden for the town, 
and in October the watch was reduced again to 12 men. In the mean- 
time the volunteer watch associations dropped out of existence. 

In November, 1816, the watch was increased to 20 men. The cap- 
tains were ordered to form five patrols of two men each in each 
watch, and to see that no two men travelled together as partners for 
a longer time than one week. In March of the next year the watch 
was again reduced to 12 men. 

In November the watch was ordered to meet thereafter at the 
Hydraulion engine house on Exchange street. In October. 1824, they 
commenced to patrol at 8 o'clock. In 1826 the watch was increased 
to 24 men, and in October. 1827, the captains of the watch were au- 
thorized to make such arrangements and disposition of the several 
watch companies as they judged most expedient. 

In September, 1828, the watch house in the building, which was on 
the si*e of the present county court house, was first occupied. In 
1832, when the city was incorporated, the watch consisted of 24 men, 
as follows: Avery Allen, captain of the first watch; David E. Mann, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 351 

captain of the second watch; Angell Battey, Thomas Hopkins, David 
Jenkins, William B. Mason, Joseph Saunders, Fayette Thurber, Par- 
don S. Pearce, Michael Smith, John Saunders, John Holmes, James 
S. Hudson, Sylvester Bowers, John Wilbur, William Pearce, Edmund 
Sheffield, Major Tripp, Relief Thurber, Benjamin C. Warner, Edwin 
Tripp and Benjamin Hathaway. 

The pay of the captain had been fixed at $1.25 per night and that 
of the others at $1 per night. In June of 1833, Henry G. Mumford 
was elected city marshal and became the chief of the department. In 
the early part of 1837 attempts made to set fires caused the watch to 
be ordered on duty at 6:30 o'clock each evening. In October, 1837, 
Captain David E. Mann died in office, and Captain Avery Allen was 
placed in command of both watch companies. In December of that 
year incendiarism prevailed to such an alarming extent that it be- 
came necessary to appoint 16 additional watchmen who served 
nearly a year. During this time the city marshal and the captain of 
the watch were ordered to enforce especial vigilance. In November, 
1S38, the number of men was reduced to 24, beside Captain Avery 
Allen, who was ordered not to take any route of patrol, but to per- 
form so much patrol duty in any and all parts of the city as would 
not interfere with his supervision and control of the watches. 

Incendiarism in the last part of 1839 made the services of 16 extra 
watchmen again necessary, and they patrolled from December 3d to 
February 17th of the next year. During this time all the watchmen 
were compelled to do double duty; that is, each man travelled every 
night. After the watch was reduced again to 24 men the pay was re- 
duced to 83 cents and afterward advanced to 87^ cents, and the pav 
of the captain was fixed at $1. 

In 1845 Jabez J. Potter was appointed city marshal, and remained 
in command till 1848, when Daniel K. Chaffee was elected marshal. 
In this year the first badge was adopted. It was a brass star, but the 
men were averse to wearing them and carried them in their pockets. 
Two years later they were compelled to wear them upon the lappels 
of their coats. 

In 1851 ten men were appointed by the city council in joint con- 
vention as a day police force. Their names were: William H. Hud- 
son, Jabez J. Potter, George A. Billings, Thomas W. Hart, George 
W. Wightman, William G. Slack, William B. Cranston, Nathan M. 
Briggs, William G. Merriweather and John M. Shaw. In July, 1852, 
the night watch was increased to 32 men and was divided into two 
districts. Captain Allen continued in command of the division lo- 
cated at the old town house. Simeon Sherman was placed in com- 
mand of the other division, which was provided with quarters in the 
old stone school building which steed on the northwest corner of 
Summer and Pond streets. On the 18th of May of this year at mid- 
night William Pullen, one of the watchmen, was murdered by 



352 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Charles Reynolds on Elbow street; Reynolds fled to Europe and 
never returned. In November, 1853, the night patrol was increased 
to 46 men, and the city was divided into five districts. Previous to 
this time the men were engaged at trades during the day, but when 
this increase in the force was made all the men were ordered to 
travel every night, and the majority gave up their day work. The 
watch house at the corner of College and Benefit streets was the cen- 
tral station of that time, and at 9 o'clock each evening the men as- 
sembled there and proceeded to the other four to begin their rounds. 
The second was located at the corner of Mill and Charles streets; the 
third on Wickenden street, west of Benefit; the fourth on Summer 
street, at the corner of Pond; the fifth over the house of Hand Engine 
No. 7, at the corner of Richmond and Tippecanoe streets. Each of 
the stations was placed in charge of a sergeant. James W. Sanders 
was appointed sergeant of the first, Lewis Potter of the second, Ed- 
win Tripp of the third, Simeon Sherman of the fourth and Joseph 
W. Sanders of the fifth. The captain visited each station once every 
night. 

In March, 1854, ten men were added to the night watch. In June 
William H. Hudson was appointed city marshal, and served till June, 
1859, when Thomas W. Hart succeeded, and held the office until it 
was abolished. 

In the latter part of 1860 the old town house was torn down, and 
the watch was given quarters in the wardroom in the old Water 
Witch fire engine station, on Benefit street. In April, 1861, the Cen- 
tral police station, on Canal street, was completed, and the center 
watch took up its quarters there. 

September 30th, 1864, the town watch was abolished and the pres- 
ent system of police was organized. The night watchmen in the old 
watch received $1.50 per night, and the day patrolmen received £2 
per day. When the new department was organized the night and 
day men were granted equal power and authority, and their pay was 
fixed at $2. The population of the city at that time was about 54,900. 
The cost of maintaining the old watch in the last year of its exist- 
ence was $49,097.12. The new organization consisted of 99 men, and 
they were assigned to duty as follows: Thomas W. Hart, city mar- 
shal; Thomas.}. A. Gross, captain; William B. Cranston, superin- 
tendent of hacks; Albert A. Slocum, clerk; Warren G. Slack and Ira 
II. Wilson, warrant officers; John M. Clark, superintendent of lights. 
Sergeant Benjamin A. Newhall was placed in command of the First 
station, from which 38 men patrolled; 20 on night duty and 18 on day 
patrol. The second station was located at the corner of Mill and Bark 
streets, Sergeant Frederick W. Perry, 12 patrolmen; Third station, 
Wickenden street, Sergeant Edwin Tripp, 12 patrolmen; Fourth sta- 
tion, located in the Knight Street fire station, Sergeant Simeon Sher- 
man, 12 patrolmen; Fifth station, on Richmond street, Sergeant 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 353 

James W. Sanders, 12 patrolmen. The headquarters of the depart- 
ment were located in the Central station on Canal street. The police 
in that year made 2,531 arrests, provided lodgings for 1,147 persons, 
and returned 115 lost children to their parents. The lost or stolen 
amounted to $18,946.65, of which the police recovered $12,648.75. 
The cost of maintaining this force for the first year amounted to 
$86,872.83. In 1865 seven patrolmen were added to the force, and 
George A. Billings and James O. Swan were appointed detectives. 
In 1866 the office of chief of police was created, and Nelson Yiall was 
appointed to that position. Previous to this time the appearance of 
the night watchmen was hardly calculated to invite a stranger's con- 
fidence. They were paid small wages and from motives of econcmy 
wore very rough clothing, for the reason that a smaller loss would be 
sustained if, in arresting a violent prisoner, their clothing should be 
torn or soiled. No pretense of wearing a uniform was made. In 
1850 the city authorities gave each of the watchmen a heavy over- 
coat, hoping that the men would cast aside the old camlet cloaks 
which were worn by many. Neither was there any uniformity in 
the cut or color then given. 

In 1864, when the department was reorganized, a uniform was 
adopted, but they were not procured until the middle of 1866. It was 
of blue cloth, made in about the same style as at present, with let- 
tered, brass buttons, black belts, and caps made of the same material 
as the clothing. Helmets have since been adopted. At about this 
time the old system of travelling in pairs was abolished, and since 
that time they have travelled without partners. In this year the 
brick building for the Fifth station was erected on Richmond street. 
In 1867 Albert Staniford was elected chief of police, and served until 
June, 1870, when Thomas O. Gross was appointed chief. The force 
was increased to 122 men, and the several stations, except the Second, 
were refitted and enlarged. August 2d, 1871, Chief of Police Gross 
died in office, and Captain John W. Knowles was promoted to the 
office of chief. August 16th the Third, Fourth and Fifth stations 
were opened for day service, and the force was increased to 142 men. 
In this year telegraph connection was established between the effices 
of the chief of police and the mayor. In 1874 the force was increased 
to 186 men. The demand for so large an increase was inconsequence 
of the annexation of upwards of six miles of territory set off by the 
general assembly from the town of North Providence, and now desig- 
nated as the Tenth ward. In this district on Capron street was 
located a one-story wooden building which had been used as a police 
station by the tow T n of North Providence. This building was used by 
the city police as a sub-station for the Fourth district. Roundsman 
Patrick Eagan was placed in charge, and seven patrolmen were cen- 
tered there. Another building secured by the city when the Tenth 

23 



354 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ward was annexed is the town hall, located on Branch avenue, the 
basement of which is used as a lock-up and contains four cells. 

The present police stations are located as follows: — Station No. 1, 
on Haymarket street; No. 2, on Martin street; No. 3, on Wickenden 
street; No. 4, on Knight street; No. 5, on Plain street; No. 6, on Cap- 
ron street, and the Wanskuck station. The furniture and various 
equipments, including 15 horses, are valued in the aggregate at 
$18,860. There are in connection with the force 206 officers of all 
grades, which number is fixed by city ordinance. They are as fol- 
lows: 1 deputy chief, 7 captains, 7 lieutenants, 8 sergeants, 1 super- 
intendent of hacks, 1 clerk of police, 3 detectives, 1 property clerk, 2 
warrant officers, 38 day patrolmen, 4 mounted day officers, 120 night 
patrolmen, 6 mounted night officers, and 7 superannuated officers. 
The annual expense of maintaining the department is about $240,000. 
During the year 1888 there were 5,930 arrests made by the force, of 
which, 3,178 were Americans, 1,494 Irish, and the remainder scattered 
among other nationalities. As compared with the arrests for two 
years previous it is in advance. The number of arrests during those 
years was as follows: 1886, 5,337; 1887, 5,151. Of the number of 
arrests in 1888, 4,006 were for drunkenness. 

For the beginnings of the very excellent system of protection 
against accidental fires of which this city may boast we must look 
backward a century and more in its history. No organized measures 
were adopted for the extinguishment of fires previous to the year 
1754. In that year the people of the compact part of the town peti- 
tioned the assembly for power to purchase a large "water engine." 
Obadiah Brown and James Angell were appointed a committee to 
assess a tax on the people of the compact part of the town for that 
object. A law was also passed by the assembly which required every 
housekeeper to be provided with two fire buckets. The matter ap- 
pears to have fallen into neglect for several years. The destiucticn 
of the court house by fire in 1758 awakened attention to the matter, 
and in February following the assembly passed an act giving the 
town power to appoint presidents of firewards, and firewards. The 
rate previously assessed for the engine was not paid until April, 1759, 
though the engine appears to have been purchased some time before, 
the means perhaps having been advanced by some enterprising and 
public spirited citizens. In December, 1760, another engine was 
thought necessary, and a meeting of the people of the compact part 
authorized the same committee to purchase ere in Boston. Engine 
men appear to have first been appointed by the town in 1763. 
From these small beginnings the fire department of Providence 
has grown. It lias kept pace with the times, and there has probably 
been no period in its history when it would not compare favorably 
with that of any city of the same class and time. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 355 

The fire buckets spoken of were made of leather, painted black, 
with the owner's name lettered upon their sides, arid they held 
about two gallons each. The usual place for keeping them was in 
the front hallway. It was the duty of a town official to make an 
inspection of all the dwellings annually, to see that the requirement 
was complied with, and neglect on the part of a housekeeper was 
subject to a fine. Presidents of firewards were three in number, 
annually chosen, and their duty was to superintend the use of gun- 
powder for the purpose of blowing up buildings, when it was thought 
expedient to do so in order to arrest the progress of conflagration. 
Houses thus destroyed were to be compensated for out of the public 
treasury. These officers were required to repair to the scene of a 
fire with their emblem of office in hand, which consisted of a trum- 
pet painted red and white, and at the scene of action vigorously to 
exercise their authority. The disobedience cf orders given by them 
was subject to a fine imposed upon the delinquent party. 

Those first fire engines were rude affairs, indeed having hardly 
sufficient resemblance to the improved engines of the present day 
to suggest their use for the same purpose. They consisted of ob- 
long boxes, mounted on small wheels of thick, solid wood running 
on axle arms fastened to each corner of the box, drawn by ropes 
attached to the forward corners and guided by forcibly hauling the 
rear end around to the right or left by means of a long lever pro- 
jecting from the rear. The pump was furnished with two brass 
cylinders containing piston valves operated by levers and side bars. 
The pipe director stood on a raised platform over the middle of 
the box, and water was brought in buckets and poured into the box, 
to be thrown out by the pumps. Among the other duties of the 
"firewards" was that of forming the men present at a fire into a 
"lane," for supplving water to the engine. A lane was two rows of 
men, each extending from the source of supply to the engine for the 
purpose of passing buckets. Full buckets were passed along one line 
to the engine, and empty ones returned down the other line to the 
well or other source of supply. At that time the streets were not 
lighted, and the citizens were expected to place lights in their win- 
dows that overlooked the street on hearing an alarm of fire in the 
night. All the bells were also violently rung to give the alarm, and 
in point of practical result to add to the general confusion and excite- 
ment. 

In 1792 there were four engines in the town. Number 1 was 
housed on North Main street, opposite the First Baptist church; 
Number 2 at the south end of Benefit street; Number 3 at the north 
end of the same street, and Number 4 near what is now the corner 
of Weybosset and Dorrance streets. Gradually the effective force for 
subduing fires increased, but not perhaps in satisfactory ratio to the 
needs of the community. The growing want led the people to take 



356 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

steps in 1822 to gain the advantage of more recent improvements and 
better protect themselves against the danger of fire, which with the 
increase of business and compact buildings was becoming more 
imminent. The town then appointed two of its prominent citizens, 
Elisha Dyer and Zachariah Allen, to obtain more efficient fire appar- 
atus. They contracted with a Philadelphia firm for an engine and 
1,000 feet of copper riveted hose. The engine required 36 men to 
work it, and was a self-supplying machine, capable of drawing water 
from the river and discharging it on a building 1,000 feet distant, and 
was a great improvement over the old apparatus. This was named 
Hydraulion No. 1. Its efficiency was soon tested, for shortly after its 
arrival a fire broke out in a large stable on Westminster street, near 
the present location of Butler Exchange. Water was taken from the 
Cove, and the fire soon extinguished, greatly to the delight of the 
citizens and the popularity of the Hydraulion. A house for its accom- 
modation was erected on the north end of Exchange street, and 
nearly one hundred of the most respectable citizens of Providence 
volunteered for service in connection with it. 

In 183f) the department consisted of 546 men, eight hand engines, 
two hydraulions, eight hose carriages, fifteen stationary force pumps, 
two hook-and-ladder trucks, some five thousand feet of hose, and 
various other smaller apparatus and implements. There were then 
25 firewards and six presidents of firewards. The force and equip- 
ment of the department was capable of delivering upon a fire in the 
compact part of the city 800 gallons of water per minute, in more re- 
mote sections 500 gallons per minute, and in the suburbs 300 gallons 
per minute. There was then a reservoir at Stowe'spond and another 
at the ravine on Federal street. To assist in conveying w T ater and 
delivering it upon fires in their vicinity, force pumps were stationed 
ready for action at different points. These were located: one at Tur- 
pin's brook, at the North End; one at Jenckes street; one in Congdon 
street; one in Magee street; one in John street; one at the corner of 
John and Brook streets; one at Bowen's bleaching and calendering 
works; one, a rotary pump, at the grist mill on Mill bridge; one on 
(neat bridge; one in Broad street; one at Eben Siscoe's pond; one at 
Providence Dyeing, Bleaching and Calendering Company's works; 
one at the junction of Broad and Westminster streets; one at the 
junction of High and Cranston streets; one in Bassett street; and one 
at Angell's pond. 

The manual force of the department was embraced in 14 compa- 
nies, as follows: Engine Co. No. 1, had 27 men, with John Branch as 
captain, and its headquarters were at the foot of Bennett's hill.Olney- 
ville. Engine Co. No. 2, had 26 men, with Luther Angell as captain, 
and was located at the junction of North Main and Stampers streets, 
Constitution hill. Union Engine Co. No. 3, had 41 men, Henry L. 
Kendall being captain, and its headquarters at the corner of Weybos- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 357 

set and Dorrance streets. Gazelle Engine Co. No. 4, was composed 
of 22 men, with Henry D. Beckford captain. It was located on Tran- 
sit street, between South Main and Benefit. Phoenix Engine Co. No. 
5, William L. Thornton, captain, had 34 men, its headquarters being 
on Summer street. Water Witch Engine Co. No. 6, of which Joseph 
W. Taylor was captain, had 46 men, and was located on the corner of 
College and Benefit streets. Engine Co. No. 7, had 24 men, with Par- 
don S. Pierce as captain, and was located on Fields street at Eddy's 
point. Hydraulion Co. No. 1, Amos D. Smith, captain, had 103 men, 
and was located on Hydraulion street, now Exchange street. Hy- 
draulion Co. No. 2, Allen Baker, captain, had 50 men, and was located 
by the first canal lock, where the armory of the United Train of Artil- 
lery now stands. The Old Engine Co. had 54 men, the captain being 
Philip W. Manchester. Its headquarters were at Stevens' bridge, on 
the present site of the American Screw Company's factory. Forcing- 
Pump Co. No. 1, whose duty it was to manage a certain number of 
the forcing pumps, had 80 men, with Albert H. Angell as captain; 
and they occupied a very nice house, which had a tower 27 feet high, 
9x9 feet square, for drying hose, located on Middle street, near the 
Broad street pump. Forcing Pump Co. No. 2 had Roger W. Potter 
for its captain, and was composed of 54 men. Its headquarters were 
on the town house lot, on the corner of College and Benefit streets. 
Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, had 88 men, Stanton Thurber, captain, 
and was also located on the corner of College and Benefit streets. 
Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2, Sheldon Young, captain, had 21 men, 
and was located on Union street. 

Two new companies were added to the department in 1837. These 
were What Cheer Engine Co. No. 8, with William Aplin, captain; 
and Providence Engine Co. No. 9, of which Sylvester Harris was 
captain. 

The fire department in 1842 consisted of 3 presidents of firewards, 
IS firewards, 600 firemen, 3 hydraulions, 9 suction engines, 2 hook 
and ladder carriages, 8 hose carriages, 17 forcing stationary engines, 
8, 000. feet of hose, and 18 reservoirs, including large and small. In 
that year the city council were authorized to elect and appoint as 
many men to any of the different companies as they saw fit, so 
long as the aggregate number of 1,200 in the department was not 
exceeded. 

At the beginning of the municipal year, June 1st, 1852, the board 
of firewards were Joseph W. Taylor, chief, and Charles F. Robbins, 
William H. Sweet, AbnerH. Angell, E. J. Nightingale, Bradford C. 
Shaw, Samuel C. Blodgett, assistants. The department then had 12 
engines, with hose carts or tenders attached to each, two hook and 
ladder trucks, and two stationary rotary engines. The names and 
location of headquarters of the companies were as follows: Eagle, 
No. 1, Olneyville; Niagara, No. 2, North Main street; Union, No. 3, 



358 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Page street; Gazelle, No. 4, Benefit street; Fire King, No. 5, Summer 
street; Water Witch, No. 6, College and Benefit streets; Ocean, No. 
7, Richmond street; What Cheer, No. 8, Benefit, near Transit street; 
Gaspee, No. 9, Carpenter street; Atlantic, No. 10, Codding street; 
Pioneer, No. 11, South Main street; Hydraulion, No. 1, Exchange 
street; Hydraulion, No. 2, old jail lot; Hook and Ladder, No. 1, Col- 
lege and Benefit streets; Hook and Ladder, No. 2, Richmond street; 
Rotary Engine Co., No. 1, steam mill, Eddy street; Rotary Engine 
Co., No. 2, Fletcher's mill. 

At this period the firewards were invested with power to suspend 
or disband companies, and on January 3d, 1853, they exercised that 
power in disbanding Hand Engine Co., No. 5, on account of a refusal 
of that company to do duty. The office of chief engineer was cre- 
ated July 11th, 1853, and Joseph W. Taylor was at that time elecced 
to fill the new position. October 18th, 1853, Hand Engine Co., No. 
6, resigned from the department, and soon afterward Niagara En- 
gine Co. No. 2, was disbanded for riotous conduct. That company had 
engaged in a fight with Gaspee Engine Co., No. 9, at a fire on Octo- 
ber 11th, and to such violent action had they resorted that one 
Dougherty, a member of No. 9, had died from injuries received. 
After this a new company was formed which assumed the title 
Moshassuck, No. 2. Then, to avoid a duplicate of number, the de- 
partment changed the title of Hydraulion, No. 2, to Columbus En- 
gine Co., No. 12. 

Contentions and quarrels so frequently arose among the different 
companies that the city council early in 1854, in response to the 
earnest petitions of the department officials, authorized the organi- 
zation of a paid department. February 28th. 1854, the first paid 
company was organized. This was Hand Engine Co. No. 10, of 
which Abner H. Angell was foreman, and it contained 41 men. Next 
came Engine Co. No. 6, with 21 members and John O. Potter as 
foreman, organized March 1st. A nucleus of Hand Engine Co. No. 
4 was formed on the same day. Also at the same time most of the 
old companies surrendered their keys and refused to do further vol- 
unteer duty. Engine Co. No. 5 was organized at once, with 31 men, 
and Nathaniel I. Cheney as foreman. March 2d, Engine Co. No. 12 
was admitted into the service, under command of Cornelius S. Cun- 
liff. On the 4th Engine Co. No. 4 was organized, with 17 men and 
William H. Sweet as foreman. On the same day was organized 
Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2, with William A. Handy, foreman, and 
13 men. March 6th, the department received Engine Co. No. 3, with 
43 men, James C. Bradford being foreman; on the 7th Engine Co. 
No. 9, George F. Lawton, foreman; on the 10th Engine Co. No. 7, 
Bradford C. Shaw, foreman; and on the 13th Engine Go. No. 11, 
Thomas Philips, Jr., foreman, with 36 men. April 25th, Engine Co. 
No. 1, and Engine Co. No. 2, were organized, the first having 28 men, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 359 

with Thomas F. Vaughn, foreman, and the second having 38 men 
men with George F. Cady foreman. 

In 1854 a new ordinance was passed by the city council, going 
into effect on the first day of September. This provided that there 
should be a chief engineer and five assistants, and that they should 
constitute the Board of Engineers. The maximum number of fire- 
men was now reduced from 1,200 to 450. In 1850 the number actually 
employed was 436, and the annual expense of the department reached 
$44,550. A new engine for the use of Company No. 1 was purchased 
at a cost of $1,075. A competition trial of the different engines was 
held October 27th, 1856, which resulted in showing for each engine 
the height to which it could throw a stream, and the number of 
seconds in which it could play the contents of a tank holding 229 
gallons of water. The records of each was as follows: No. 1,130 
feet, 70 seconds; No. 2, 129 feet, 66 seconds; No. 3, 155 feet, 51 sec- 
onds; No. 4, 108 feet, 75 seconds; No. 5, 120 feet, 82 seconds, No. 6, 
100 feet, 97 seconds; No. 7, 138 feet, but did not take the other test; 
No. 9, 155 feet, 44 seconds; No. 10, 160 feet, 48 seconds; No. 11, 121 
feet, 52 seconds; No. 12, 135 feet, 51 seconds. 

In 1857 a new engine was purchased for No. 4. This was named 
the " John B. Chace," and it had a reputation for good service for 
many years. The old engine of No. 4, which had been built in 1845, 
was placed in reserve. A new engine was also purchased in 1857 
for No. 3. In 1859 two steam fire engines were ordered, and it was 
decided that a permanent engineer and assistant should be employed 
for each of them. Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 was organized Sep- 
tember 16th, 1859, Joseph Salisbury, foreman, with Perry L. Hopkins, 
first engineer, and Nathaniel G. Totten, second engineer. Steam 
Fire Engine Co. No. 2, was organized October 1st, 1859, Henry W. 
Rodman, foreman, Martin V. B. Darling, first engineer, and Nathan- 
iel W. Kelly, second engineer. October 31st, Hand Engine Compa- 
nies No. 1 and No. 3 were disbanded, the engine of No. 1 being 
turned over to No. 6, and a new company organized for engine No. 
3. November 30th, Companies 6 and 11 were disbanded and a new 
company was formed for Engine No. 6. March 31st, 1860, Compa- 
nies No. 5 and No. 12 were disbanded and their engines turned over 
to Companies 7 and 10. Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 3 was organized 
April 1st, 1860, with Oliver E. Greene, foreman. The department 
had thus been so much reduced in numbers that it now had employed 
only 278 men. The expense of maintaining it for the year was about 
$51,000. The apparatus consisted of three steam fire engines, seven 
hand engines and one hook and ladder truck. 

In 1860 the number of men in the force was reduced to 26S. A 
system of fire alarm telegraph was introduced in 1862, and in Decem- 
ber of that year it was extended into Olneyville. In that year the 
steamer No. 1 was exchanged for a new Silsby engine, at an expense 



360 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of $1,250. In July, 1863, the city council appropriated $7,000 for the 
purchase of a new steam fire engine, of Silsby, Wynderse & Co., of 
Seneca Falls, N. Y. It was placed in charge of Fire Engine Co. No. 
4. Its house was on Haymarket street. A new hook and ladder 
truck, built by Moulton & Remington, of this city, was placed in 
service in the same building December 1st, 1863, in charge of Hook 
and Ladder Co. No. 3, of which James M. Baker was foreman. The 
old Hand Engine Companies No. 3 and No. 6 were disbanded Novem- 
ber 30th, 1863. The number in the department was now reduced to 
220. 

In June, 1864, the old hand engine No. 9 was sold to the Wans- 
kuck Company, and old hand engine No. 10 to the Lonsdale Com- 
pany. At the beginning of 1865 Mr. Charles E. Carpenter, having 
obtained the right of the patentee to use the fire alarm telegraph, 
presented the same as a free gift to the city. In March, 1866, the city 
council appropriated $34,000 for new fire apparatus. Four new steam 
fire engines were purchased ancl four hose carts and two ladder 
trucks. May 28th of that year old hand engines No. 5 and 6 were 
sold to A. & W. Sprague. During 1866 and 1867 engine houses No. 
f), 6, 7 and 8 were built. Old Hand Engine Co. No. 7 was disbanded 
November 30th, 1866, and Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 7 was organ- 
ized, with Hazen B. Freeman as foreman. March 30th, 1867, Steam 
Fire Engine Companies No. 5, 6 and 8 were organized; Charles H. 
Allen, George H. Jenckes and Everett P. Osgood being appointed 
foremen respectively. At the same time Hook and Ladder Co. No. 
2 was organized, with Obadiah Slade as foreman, and a new truck 
was placed in their hands. Thus a complete steam fire engine de- 
partment was organized, going into effect April 1st, 1867. The 
department now consisted of eight steam fire engines, with tenders 
attached, and three hook and ladder trucks, all manned by a force of 
1 17 men and officers. Old hand engine No. 2 was sold soon after for 
$1,000. The yearly expense of maintaining the department was for 
several years between forty and forty-five thousand dollars. 

Horses at first were hired for use by the department, but about 
1867 this custom was abandoned and the city purchased horses for 
that purpose. An incident of fatal consequences occurred Septem- 
ber 20th, 1870, in connection with steamer No. 6. While in service at 
a fire on East street, while the engine was at the corner of Benevo- 
lent and Cooke streets, her boiler exploded, by which the assistant 
engineer, John H. McLean, and a citizen named George T. Benson, 
received fatal injuries, and others were seriously injured. In Novem- 
ber, 1870, badges were adopted for members of the department, and 
in December of the same year the Gamewell system of fire alarm tele- 
graph was adopted. 

Two new engines were accepted March 28th, 1872, and placed in 
charge of Companies No. 3 and 8, on Summer and Harrison streets, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 361 

old engines No. 3 and 4 having been exchanged. Pawtuxet water 
was also introduced that year, a public test being made on Novem- 
ber 30th, 1871. Ninety-one hydrants were set, and two cisterns were 
built, having a capacity of about 40,000 gallons each. By the intro- 
duction of water with a gravity pressure less need remained for the 
work of the engines and fewer men were required. The force was 
reduced to 27 permanent and 90 call members. December 1st, 1872, 
Hose Co. No. 4 was organized and established on Haymarket street, 
George H. Bates being appointed foreman. January 1st, 1873, Hose 
Co. No. 9 was organized and located on Pallas street, George A. 
Steere being appointed foreman. Hose carts for the use of these 
companies were obtained from Seneca Falls, by exchange of steamer 
No. 8. In May, 1873, Engine Companies No. 1, 2 and 7 were dis- 
banded, they having been changed into hose companies. Four alarm 
bells and four strikers were placed in service, and the number of fire 
alarm boxes was increased to 65. Hose Co. No. 11, on Oakland street, 
was organized in 1873. The number of hydrants set had by 1874 
reached 745, the number of fire alarm boxes 70, and the expense of 
maintaining the department a round hundred thousand dollars. 

Three companies were organized in 1875 — Steamer Co. No. 12, on 
Smith and Orms streets; Hose Co. No. 13, on Central street, and 
Steamer Co. No. 14 on Putnam street. The Protective Company was 
also placed in service February 3d, 1875. The Skinner truck was 
tried and accepted in the fall of 1874, and placed in charge of Hook 
and Ladder Co. No. 1. The number of hydrants and of fire alarm 
boxes, as well as the manual force of the department, was now annu- 
ally increasing. 

Hose Co. No. 15 and Hook and Ladder Co. No. 4 were organized 
July 1st, 1876, and located on Wickenden street. In 1880 the several 
engine houses were connected by telephone, and the office of fire 
marshal was created May 27th. The first steps were taken during 
this year for the formation of the Providence Veteran Firemen's As- 
sociation, and 75 signatures were obtained. The organization was 
effected January 11th, 1881, and the following officers were elected: 
Zachariah Allen, president; George W. Cady, George H. Jencks, 
Martin S. Budlong and Edward Cory, vice-presidents; Charles E. 
Carpenter, secretary; John P. Walker, treasurer. The association 
had no permanent home, but met in various places until January, 
1886, when commodious quarters were fitted up at 98 Weybosset 
street, and dedicated on the 25th of that month. The association 
meets regularly on the last Tuesday evening of each month. Its 
presidents have been: Charles E. Carpenter, 1883, 1884; George W. 
Cady, 1885; George H. Jencks, 1886; Martin S. Budlong, lss7; James 
M. Baker, L888; Edward W. Hall, 1SS9. 

Two chemical engines were purchased in 1882 and placed in the 
service of the department; No. 1 in the house of No. 7, in Richmond 



362 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

street, and No. 2 in the house of No. 6, in Benevolent street. New 
trucks were also purchased for Hook and Ladder Companies No. 3 
and 4 and a new hose cart for Hose Co. No. 1 during the same year. 
The offices of deputy chief engineer and superintendent of fire 
alarms were created March loth, 1883. The men first elected to fill 
these offices were George A. Steere for the former, and Charles G. 
Cloudman for the latter. A casualty resulting in the loss of life oc- 
curred October 4th, 1883, in connection with Hook and Ladder No. 
1. While the members of that company were on drill service with 
an apparatus known as the Skinner truck, one of the men, Alexander 
J. McDonald, was at the top of the ladder, a distance of 85 feet frcm 
the ground, when the apparatus broke, and he was precipitated to 
the ground, killing: him instantlv. The ill-fated truck had before 
capsized, and was now discarded and another purchased for the use 
of the company. 

On the 12th of March, 1885, an ordinance was approved abolishing 
the board of engineers and vesting the control and management of 
the department with the chief engineer and the joint standing com- 
mittee of the city government on fire department. The William H. 
Luther Hook and Ladder Co. No. ."> was organized April 1st, 1885, 
being supplied with a truck built for them by Messrs. Moulton & 
Son, of this city. The location of the new company was in the new 
station at the corner of Burnside and Public streets. The Haves 
Hook and Ladder Co. No. 6 was organized August 1st, 1885, receiv- 
ing a Hayes truck from a manufactory in Elmira, N. Y. They were 
assigned to quarters in the then new building at the corner of At- 
well's avenue and America street. On the same date Hose Co. No. !* 
removed from their quarters on Pallas street to the station on At- 
well's avenue. This company, and Hose Companies 4 and 2, were 
soon after supplied with the new style hose wagons built by Moulton 
& Son, of this city. 

Since 1852 the fire department has responded to more than 4,500 
alarms, and has saved an incalculable amount of property from de- 
struction. During the year 1888 the number of fire alarms to which 
it responded was 385. The total loss on buildings and contents by 
fire during the year was $749,649.37, of which insurance reimbursed 
to the total amount of $398,942.01, leaving an unmitigated loss by 
fires amounting to $350,707.36. The losses by fires, not covered by 
insurance, during the seven years preceding 1 8f 8 have been as fol- 
lows: 1881, $72,525; 1882, $154,911; 1883, $115,253; 1884, $161,400; 1885, 
$56,161; 1886, $53,611; 1887, $61,567. 

The present composition of the fire department (1889) is as fol- 
lows: George A. Steere, chief engineer: Hclden O. Hill, deputy chief 
engineer; James M. Baker, first assistant; Leander M. Walling, second 
assistant; John W. Morrow, clerk. Hose Co. No. 1, James M. Curtis, 
Jr., foreman, has apparatus valued at $1,900. It occupies part of the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 363 

engine house fronting- on Exchange place. This building, composed 
of iron, was built in 1875 for the use of the fire department. The first 
story is occupied by Hose Co. No. 1, Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 and 
Protective Co. No. 1. The second floor is occupied by the chief 
engineer for his headquarters and by the fire department for sleep- 
ing rooms and storage purposes. The cost of the building, with its 
furniture, was $25,000. Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 , Elwyn A. Wood, 
foreman, has apparatus valued at $4,000. Protective Co. No. 1, C. H. 
Swan, foreman, was organized February 1st, 1875, and has horses and 
apparatus, including extinguishers, valued at $763. Hose Co. No. 2, 
Lewis A. Cutler, foreman, occupies a part of the Pioneer building on 
South Main street. It has a steam fire engine and apparatus valued 
at $4,812. The Pioneer Building is built of brick, two stories high, 
and stands on land leased by the city of the heirs of Harriot Brown. 
The building was purchased of the trustees of the Pioneer Fire Com- 
pany in 1854. The assessors' valuation on it is $4,000. Hose Co. No. 
3, Oscar F. Millet, foreman, is located on Pond street, and has appar- 
atus valued at $2,000. The fire station which it occupies was built in 
1874-5, at a cost of $6,500, and has an alarm bell upon it which cost 
$360. It is on a lot measuring 80 feet front and having an average 
depth of 80 feet, which was purchased of Edward S. Williams and 
Gardner T. Swarts in 1846, and is valued by the assessors at $8,553. 
Hose Co. No. 4, Henry R. Beehler, foreman, occupies a part of the fire 
station and ward room building oil Mill and North Main streets. It 
has apparatus, etc., to the value of $1,787. This building was erected 
in 1883, and is of brick, three stories on Mill street and two stories on 
North Main. The cost of the building, furnished, was $15,< 00, and 
that of the land $5,500. The lot was purchased of Melissa A. Lewis 
in 1882, and contains 3,550 square feet. This company formerly occu- 
pied a building at the junction of Bark and Mill streets. This build- 
ing is in the lower story still used by the fire department for storage 
purposes. The building is owned by the city, and was built upon a 
lot which was purchased of James Thurber and others in July, 1852. 
Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 5 has an engine valued at $3,000, and 
other apparatus, making an aggregate in value of $5,580. Its foreman 
is Isaac L. Blackmar, and its location is at the corner of North Main 
street and Doyle avenue. This building is of brick, and was built for 
a fire station in 1866. The lot upon which it stands was purchased in 
1866, and enlarged by the changing of lines in 1883. The house has 
a bell upon it. Hose Co. No. 6, Thomas W. D. Reynolds, foreman, 
occupies a house on Benevolent street, near Brook street. It is a 
brick building, erect-ed in 1866, and stands upon land bought of Amos 
D. Smith the same year. It is surmounted by an alarm bell costing 
$450. The building is also occupied by Chemical Engine No. '2, the 
value of which is placed at $2,000. The total apparatus is valued at 
$4,705, and the assessed value of the building and lot is $3,827. Hose 



364 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Co. No. 7, Horace P. Griswold, foreman, with Chemical Engine No. 

I, apparatus valued at $4,705, is located on Richmond street, in a fire 
station built of brick, two stcries high. The building", which is also 
occupied in part by the police department, was erected in 1866 on 
the Mumford lot, containing 5,808 square feet, which was purchased 
of Adnah Sackett in 1851. The assessors' valuation on this lot and 
building is $20,808. It has an alarm bell. Steamer Co. No. 8, Joseph 
H. Penno, foreman, is located on Harrison street in a two-story brick 
building erected in 1806, on land leased of the commissioners of the 
Dexter Donation. The assessors' valuation on the building is 
$20,000. ( )n the lot is also a wooden building formerly occupied as a 
chapel by the Pilgrim Congregational Society, and purchased of 
them in May, 1882, and now used for school purposes. A bell tower, 
formerly located on Beacon street, was removed to this lot in 1884. 
It contains a bell valued at $350. Hook and Ladder Co. No 2 are also 
located in the building. Stephen S. Shepard is foreman of this com- 
pany. The apparatus of the steamer company is valued at $5,555, 
and that of the Hook and Ladder company at $2,780. Hose Co. No. 
( .», Philip W. Kelly, foreman,- occupies a part of the building at the 
corner of Atwell's avenue and America street. The building is used 
in part as an evening school. It is of brick, two stories high, and 
was built in 1884-5, on a lot bought of John McCusker in 1884. The 
quarters of the fire department are on the avenue. The cost of the 
building was $23,000, and of the lot $5,500. It has a handsome alarm 
bell, which cost $05n. The building is also occupied by Hook and 
Ladder Co. No. 0, of which C. J. Conner is foreman. The apparatus 
of this company is valued at $3,730, and that of the hose company at 
$1,812. Steamer Co. No. 10, Francis D. Chester, foreman, occupies 
the fire station on Burnside street, which was erected on land bought 
of Gilbert F. Robbins in 187^. The assessors' valuation on the 
building is about $5,000. The house has an alarm bell valued at 
$200. The value of steamer and apparatus is $5,44!». Hose Co. No. 

II, Frederick H. Field, foreman, occupies a house formerly on Public 
street, but which has been removed to a lot hired of Walter S. 
Purges on Oakland street. This does not appear to be a permanent 
arrangement. The apparatus of this company is valued at $l,U<in. 
The house has an alarm bell. Steamer Co. No. 12, George F. Battey, 
foreman, is located at the junction of Smith and Orms streets. Its 
apparatus, including engine, is valued at $5,555. In the same build- 
ing is also quartered Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3, of which James C. 
Hubbard is foreman. The truck and ladders are valued at $2,000. 
This building is a fire station and ward room, and was built of brick 
in 1875 at a cost of $12,0<»o. Its site was land received from North 
Providence in 1874. It has an alarm bell costing $<;n<». Hose Co. No. 
1:5, Hiram I ). Putts, foreman, occupies a fire station on Central street, 
built in 1874 5, at a cost of 87.5(H). The lot was purchased of Calvin 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 365 

Dean in 184<>. The building has a fine bell, valued at $600. The 
apparatus of the company is valued at $1,852. Steamer Co. No. 14, 
William H. Glasgow, foreman, is located on Putnam street, and has 
engine and apparatus valued at $5,4-1-2. The house, which stands at 
the corner of Amherst street, is a brick structure, surmounted by 
a bell which cost $600. It was built in 1875 at a cost of $10,000. 
Hose Co. No. 15, William H. Johnson, foreman, occupies a part of 
Police Station No. 3, on the corner of Wickenden and Traverse 
streets. The house was built of brick in 1875-6, for combined 
police, fire and ward purposes, at a cost of more than $40,000. The 
lot on which it stands was purchased of the heirs of Abraham Still- 
well in 1872. It has a fire alarm bell, which cost $860. The build- 
ing is also the headquarters of Hook and Ladder Co. No. 4, of 
which George J. Gammell is foreman. Chemical Engine No. 3 
occupies the new building on Manton avenue, on a lot purchased 
of the Dyerville Manufacturing Company June 2Sth, 1887. The 
building is provided with a bell costing $si;o, and the chemical 
engine and exercise wagon are valued at $1,975. Other alarm bells 
of the same size are stationed on Cove promenade, on Pallas street, 
and on the corner of Stampers and North Main streets. 

It will be of interest to review, even in a very brief way, some of 
the more important fires that have from time to time destroyed prop- 
erty in this city. The first fire of importance, of which history tells 
us, was that set by the Indians, March 30th, 1676, of which mention 
has already been made in connection with King Philip's war. At 
that time, it is said, 30 houses were burned, the most or all of which 
were located in the north part of the town or village, more definitely 
what is now the north part of the city. The first prison, located on 
Benefit street, near the junction with North Main, was destroyed by 
fire in 1705. The town and county house, which stood on the north- 
side of Meeting street, between Benefit and North Main, was de- 
stroyed by fire, together with the books of the Providence Library 
Company therein contained, on the evening of December 24th, 1758. 
The burning of the " Gaspee " in the harbor was one of the notable 
episodes of the fire record, though not a loss to the town, nor a disas- 
trous event to its property in any sense. 

The first destructive fire in the town after the revolution is thus 
described. On the 21st of January, 1801, the town was visited by 
fire. The alarm was given at about 10 o'clock in the forenoon. The 
fire commenced in the loft of John Corlis' large brick store, situated 
on the west side of South Main street, nearly opposite the foot of 
Planet street. It extended along both sides of South Main street, 
between Nos. 101 and 143, and was not subdued until about 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon, after several buildings had been blown up and 
pulled down in front of it. Sixteen dwelling houses, ten stores and 
eleven outbuildings, valued altogether at $300,000, were destroyed 



366 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

by the fire. The weather was intensely cold, and the wind was high. 
A greater amount of property was destroyed at that time than had 
ever been destroyed before at any one conflagration in the town, and 
the event was for many years known as " the great fire." In conse- 
quence of the heavy loss on bonded merchandise contained in the 
burned storehouses, ccngress allowed a remission of duties, a very 
unusual favor. 

The First Congregational church, on the corner of Benefit and 
Benevolent streets, was destroyed by fire on the morning of June 
14th, 1814. It was a wooden structure, and is said to have been the 
first church burned in the town. A fire occurred on the evening of 
May 24th, 1825, which destroyed the First Universalist church, which 
stood at the corner of Westminster and Union streets, and several 
other buildings. At a fire which occurred in South Main street, in 
1S29, a fireman, Mr. Joshua Weaver, was killed by a falling rafter. 
The need of a fund for the relief of injured firemen and their fami- 
lies, which was awakened by this event, led to the formation of the 
Providence Association of Firemen for Mutual Assistance, an organ- 
ization which was chartered by the legislature in October of that 
year. The leaders in its organization were Amasa Manton, Benja- 
min Dyer, Jr., and Zachariah Allen. This association remains to the 
present time and is in a flourishing condition. Its officers for 1889 
were: George A. Sayer, president; Jeremiah W. Miller, vice-presi- 
dent; Benjamin F. Harrington, secretary; Charles H. Swan, treas- 
urer; Charles H. Swan, Benjamin F. Harrington and George A. 
Church, relief committee. 

In December, 1886, a large four-story hardware and paint store 
was destroyed by fire at a loss of about $40,000. October 25th, 1S44, 
the theater on Dorrance street, together with the Planetarium of 
Messrs. Haswell & Robinson, and other valuable works of art were 
destroved. The fire extended to other buildings, entailing a loss of 
some $35,000. A considerable fire occurred August 5th, 1851, when 
Cleveland's turning establishment and 14 adjoining buildings were 
destroyed or badly damaged. October 13th, of the same year, the 
Richmond Street church was burned; and December 1st Barstow & 
Co.'s lumber yard was destroyed. January 1.3th, 1852, the Hoppin 
Building was burned. The aggregate loss for the year, of which the 
three last mentioned were the principal ones, amounted to over 
$loi »,oiio. The dates and losses of several important fires occurring 
in subsequent years run as follows: McNeil Building, on Exchange 
place. October L6th, 1852, $5,000; Almy's waste house on Canal street, 
October 23d, $11,000; Cove Street Machine Shop, December :-51st, 
$7,850; fire on Eddy street, February 13th, L853, $13,800; Burr & 
Shaw's store, Westminster street, May 3d, $6,050; Gile's factory on 
Atwell's avenue, May 13th, $14,000; T. Whitaker & Son's store. North 
Main street, September 4th, $12,000; Arnold's Block, October 11th, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 367 

$50,500; Howard Block, October 20th, 27th and 28th, $240,000; Mason's 
building. Dyer street, October 18th, $8,200; lumber yard at Fox point, 
October 1st, 1854, $15, i>] 4; Roger Williams church on Burges street, 
January 5th, 1855, $28,000; India rubber works on Dorrance street, 
April 30th, $13,000; William R. Dean's planing mill on Dorrance 
street, January 12th, ls,77, $14,ooo; Hayvvard's India Rubber Works 
and Hope Iron Foundry, five buildings at the corner of Clifford and 
Eddy streets, October 29th, 1857, $85,400;* Wheeler & Elsbree's stable 
in rear of No. 8 North Main street, March 2d, 1858, $10,145; Howard 
and Phcenix blocks, November 15th, $117,850; Pike's lumber yard, 
South Water street, November 2d, 1859, $15,000; a quantity of cotton 
belonging to Tames T. Rhodes, on India street, December Dth, 
$13,500; Providence Dyeing, Bleaching and Calendering Compa- 
ny's works, in Savin street, December 6th, 1860, $34,400; Car- 
penter Street Iron Foundry, August 13th, 1862, $18,000; Earl 
P. Mason's building on Smith street, February 22d, 1863, $7, SCO; 
Salisbury & Cladding's on Dyer street, November Sth, 1863, $7,09C; 
Thomas Phillips & Co.'s building, South Main street, January 6th, 
1864, $8,219; Hope Iron Foundry, February 26th, $12,850; Swarts' 
Hall on Pine street, April 1st, $9,000; Seekel's Hollow, about 30 
buildings, September 22d, $44,500; Elm Street machine shop, April 
21st, 1865, $10,000; cotton on board schooner " William Irish," at 
Pike's wharf, July 29th, 1865, $11,500; Matthewson & Allen's build- 
ing, Middle street, December 31st, $20,000; Valley Worsted Mills on 
Eagle street, February 2d, 186b\ $200,000; Providence Rubber Works 
on Dorrance street, February 9th, $10,000; American Penholder 
building on Dorrance street, May 19th, $8,000; Peleg W. Gardner's 
shop and other buildings on Weybosset street, January 5th, 1807, 
$8,500; Lyman Pierce & Co.'s grain store on Dyer street, October 18th, 
$12,(#X); Adams & Claflin's comb works, and other buildings on Pine 
street, March 27th, 1868, $19,300; building on the corner of Flay and 
Dyer streets, November 1st, 1868, $11,800; Press Company's build- 
ing on Dyer street, December 31st, $21,000; I. B. Mason's pork pack- 
ing establishment, May 25th, 1869, $15,000; Lester's tea store and 
other buildings on Westminster street, August 13th, $24,000; Gros- 
venor estate on Weybosset street, October 12th, $11,000; Lester's 
spice mills, and other buildings on Dorrance street, December 10th, 
$8,700; Clark's coal yard on Dorrance and Dyer streets, June 23d, 
1870, $69,000; Brigg's planing mill on Fountain street, August 5th, 
$17,300; Cove Machine Shop on Gaspee street, August 11th, $13,000; 
Providence & Stonington Railroad Company's round house, October 
2d, $50,000; Mowry & Steere's lumber yard, South Main street, 
November 7th, $41,000; a steamship at Fox Point wharf, January 

*This fire was caused by the bursting of the boiler, which was throAvn from 
the building some 300 feet into Page street, fatally injuring the engineer and kill- 
ing Ira E. Smith, who was passing on the sidewalk. 



368 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

28th, 1871, $12,<>0<>; the Dunnell block, on Canal street, April 28th, 
L873, $27,500; the Phoenix Building, in Westminster street, June 28th, 
$59,000; The Providence Iron Works, on India street. July 21st, 
$23,000: Fifield's clothing store, on Weybosset street, December 
0th, $12,000; the state prison, on Gaspee street, January 15th, 1874, 
$ll,o0i); Allen's Print Works, February 8d, $75,000; Dailey's planing 
mill, on Dyer street, June 25th, 1875, $20,000; Chapin's silk mill, on 
Aleppo street, Olneyville, February 23d, 1876, $12,000; American 
Horse Nail Works on Harrison street, February 25th, $27,000; Free- 
man & Francis' stable, on Pine street, May 2sth, $35,000; three dwel- 
ling houses on Parade street, December 1st, $16,500; John O'Con- 
ner's dwelling, on President avenue, December 29th, $15,000; the 
paper box factory of Charles W. Jenckes & Brother in Harkness 
court, with the Daniels & Vaughan blocks, and other buildings on 
Dyer, Pine and Custom House streets and Harkness court, Septem- 
ber 27th, ls77, aggregating a loss of nearly half a million dollars, and 
being one of the most destructive fires ever known in the city; Rose 
& Eddy's building, in Custom House street, April 13th, 1878, $10,'000; 
Fletcher Block, Westminster street, June 4th, $16,000; Mackee, Ed- 
wards & Co.'s dry goods store, on Westminster street. December 26th, 
L879, $19,400; the Wanskuck Mill, April 1st, 1880, $25,000; the Dyer 
Street Land Company's building, December -23d, $24,000; the Oriental 
Mill, April 25th, 1881, $25,000; Rowley's stable, corner of Dean and 
Fountain streets, August Kith, $23,000; Fletcher's Mill on Valley 
street, February 17th, 1883, $32,000; New York Store, Butler Ex- 
change, December 8th, $31,000; the Vaughan Block, on Custom 
House street, January 18th, 1884, $66,000; Norfolk & Baltimore Steam- 
ship Company, April 23d, $lo,ooo; Oliver Johnson & Co.'s store on 
Exchange street, May 26th, $13,000; Sanders, Whitford & Bartlett, 
grocers on Dyer street, March 5th, 1885, $12,400; Providence & 
Springfield Railroad Company's round house, August 20th, $11,000; 
the Aldrich House and other buildings on the square surrounded by 
Washington, Union, Fountain and Eddy streets, and bisected by 
Worcester street, February 15th, 1888, $206,700, of which Anson W. 
Aldrich, E. Winsor &Co., Burke Brothers and Billings Brothers were 
the principal losers. 

In order to review the military history of this town and city we 
must go back to the early years of the settlement. In the year 1<;:>4 
we find the first record of the election of military officers. The sur- 
roundings and exigencies of the times demanded attention, in a de- 
cidedly practical way, to a matter of hard experience which is now 
regarded more as a matter of fancy, parade and recreation. At the 
first election of military officers to which we have alluded, and which 
took place on the 6th of November, Thomas Harris was chosen lieu- 
tenant, John Smith, ensign, and Benjamin Smith, sergeant. At the 
same meeting it was resolved that one man on everv farm situated 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 369 

at a distance as great as one mile from the town, miofht be left at 
home on training days. This doubtless was for the protection of 
those lonely neighborhoods. In 1655 the town directed that there 
should be four military trainings in each year. In 1676 a garrison 
was established in Providence for the protection of the place against 
ravaging Indians. This garrison was organized under authority of 
the assembly, being called the King's garrison, and Arthur Fenner 
was appointed its captain. In 1730 the militia of the colony were 
divided into five regiments, and there were five companies in Provi- 
dence. In 1755 there i>75 men in Providence capable of bearing 
arms and liable to military duty, besides 4(>6 enlisted soldiers, ready 
to march in the expected campaign against the French on the north- 
ern frontier. In 1757 the militia actually started, but news of the 
falling back of the French arriving when they had gone as far as 
Smithfield, they returned. In 1774 the military of this town was 
called upon to go to Kent county to assist in quelling a mob in 
riotous progress there. They moved in accordance with the orders, 
but the riot had subsided before they reached the scene of action. 

At the outbreak of the revolutionary war Providence did not 
organize any companies of minute men, their places being supplied 
by the independent companies, which consisted of volunteers frcm 
the militia organized under charter of the general assembly, and pos- 
sessing certain privileges, among the chief of which was the right of 
electing their own officers, subject only to the approval of the gov- 
ernor or the governor and his assistants. They received their orders 
directly from the governor as captain general, being independent, as 
their name implied, of any regimental organization. An artillery 
company was incorporated in 1774, as the Cadet Company, which was 
commanded by a colonel. At the same session of the legislature a 
light infantry company was incorporated, and a little later a grena- 
dier company was formed. This was chartered in October, and in 
December following there were chartered two other companies, the 
Providence Fusileers, a company of horse, and another of artillery. 
In April following the fusileers and artillery were consolidated as the 
United Train of Artillery. 

In 1792 a company known as the Providence Light Dragoons was 
formed. This company acted as an escort to President Adams on the 
occasion of his visit to Providence in 1797. They also formed a part 
of the military escort on the observance of the obsequi.es of General 
Washington, in which they were joined by the Independent Volun. 
teers and the United Train of Artillery. They were again in the 
parade when President Monroe visited Providence, in 1817. In Sep- 
tember, 1831, the First Light Infantry, the Light Dragoons, the 
Cadets, the Artillery and Volunteers aided in quelling the riots which 
disturbed the peace of the town and pressed the necessity of a city 
form of government. 
24 



370 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The first officers of the United Train of Artillery were: Daniel 
Tillinghast, colonel; Daniel Hitchcock, lieutenant colonel; John 
Crane, major; Levi Hall, captain; Elihu Robinson, lieutenant; Wil- 
liam Denison, clerk. This company formed a part of the thousand 
troops who went to join Washington's army at Cambridge. In the 
revolutionary war it did gallant service, both as heavy and field ar- 
tillery, and among its members were many who distinguished them- 
selves by special deeds of bravery. Colonel Hitchcock was person- 
ally thanked by Washington, after the battle of Princeton, for the 
bravery of the Rhode Island troops, and in many other battles they 
performed important and conspicuous service. Colonel Robert Tay- 
lor succeeded in command of the company in 1795, and he was fol- 
lowed by Colonel Nathan Fisher in 1796. The latter was succeeded 
by Colonel John Carlile in 1802, and he was followed by Colonel 
James Burr, who was in command of the company during the war 
of 1812. Here again the company proved its mettle, demonstrating 
its patriotic spirit by prompt response to the call of the country. It 
was active in its exertions in building fortifications for the defense 
of Providence, and old Fort Independence at Field's point and the 
works on Fort hill for many years attested to its labors. At that time 
the legislature allowed the amendment of the charter of the company 
so as to enlarge the limit of its membership to 1T>0, exclusive of its 
officers. Its successive commanders from that time to the present 
have been: Colonels John Andrews, 1815-19; Thomas Chace, 1820-22; 
Gardiner Vaughan, 1823; Bradford Hodges, 1S24 6; Christy Potter, 
L827-8; John Hopkins, 182i>; John Fisher, 1830; William Blanding, 
L831; Alvers Benson, ls32; Sylvester Hymes, "1833-4; Elhanan Mar- 
tin, 1835-7; Thomas J. Griffin, 1838; Westcott Handy, 1839; William 
B. Cranston, 1840-41; George W. Bennett, 1842; Bradford Hodges, 
1M:'.; William G. Mereweather, 1*44-6; Christopher Blanding, 1847-9; 
Nicholas Van Slyck, 1860-69; Charles D. Jillson, 1869-70; Harry 
Allen, 187<) 71; Oscar Lapham, 1872-4; William E. Clarke, 1874-7; 
Edwin R. Holden (Major), 1878-81; Frank G. Allen, 1881-3; Cyrus M. 
Van Slyck, 1884 to the present. 

The company was represented by several of its members in the 
Mexican war, though as a company it did not participate in that 
struggle. When the war of the rebellion broke out it responded to 
the president's call for troops, and became Company B, 1st R. I. De- 
tached Militia. Subsequently many of its members entered the ser- 
vice in the 2d R. I. Volunteers and in Company E of the 3d R. I. 
Regiment. Its members distinguished themselves for military 
prowess, discipline and heroism on many a southern battle-field. 
After the war its depleted ranks were filled up from the Burnside 
Zouaves, and that name was given to the company, but later the old 
name was restored. The company was originally organized as a 
skeleton regiment, with both field and company officers, but in 1872 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 371 

it was reorganized as a battalion, and its charter was amended to 
permit the formation of ten companies. The company has several 
times made excursions to other cities, notably to Philadelphia in 
1871, and again in 1876, when it took part in the grand parade at the 
centennial opening ceremonies. It has always maintained a high 
standard of discipline, and in equipment and drill it has been noted 
•for its excellence. 

The 1st Light Infantry Regiment grew out of a literary organiza- 
tion known as the Greene Association. The meetings of that asso- 
ciation were held in the Hamilton building, which stood on the site 
of the later Atlantic building, and in their room the military com- 
pany held its preliminary meetings. The first was held April 21st, 
1818, and in May the legislature granted a charter to the company, 
limiting its membership to 100. As the names of its original incor- 
porators will be of increasing interest to future readers, we give them 
in full. They were Job Angell, Stephen K. Rathbone, John Padel- 
ford, John Hartshorn, William P. Rathbone. Richard C. Martin, Cary 
Dunn, Job Carpenter, 2d. Caleb Westcott, Jr., Stephen P. Richardson, 
William Weeden, Orville Mann, J. G. Gladding, William Field, Jr., 
Arlon Mann, Samuel S. Young, Charles Derby, N. G. Sumner, S. C. 
Hoyle, John A. Peck, Benjamin F. Taylor, Benjamin Clifford, Jr., 
William Church, Jr., Jacob P. Thurber, Samuel Palmer, John C. Cady, 
Samuel Davis, Joseph G. Metcalf, Ebenezer P. Brown, Edwin H. Har- 
ris, Elisha Manton, Joseph Armstrong, Isaac H. Cady, Lawson D. 
Maynard, Gershom Jones, John W. Oldham, Pardon Miller, Israel H. 
Day, John J. Stinson, J. Bassett Nichols, Stanton Bebee, William H. 
Hale, Henry Pearce, George W. Backus, James Temple and Samuel 
M. Taber. The charter allowed the company to choose its own offi- 
cers. The first officers elected were as follows: Job Angell, captain; 
Stephen K. Rathbone, first lieutenant; John Padelford, second lieu- 
tenant; John Hartshorn, ensign. A uniform was adopted, which 
consisted of a high leather hat, with high front of leather and brass, 
citizens' common blue dress coat with brass bell buttons, white trous- 
ers and gaiter boots reaching to the knee. 

The 1st Light Infantry became the right flank company of the 
'2d Regiment of the state militia. They made their first public ap- 
pearance on the 1th of July, and were highly commended for their pro- 
ficiency in tactics. The first escort duty performed by them was at 
the college commencement in the autumn of 1818, when they acted 
as escort to the college students. In 1821 the company gave its first 
reception, taking part in receiving a company of cadets from West 
Point. New ideas were obtained from the cadets, and this company 
adopting their drill service, were soon as proficient in it as they were. 
In ls-2'2 a change was made in their uniform, a military coat, with 
plumed cap, being adopted. In 1824 an armory was built, funds being- 
raised by subscriptions to five dollar shares in its stock. It was a 



372 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

small building, crude in its finish, and stood on Benefit street, oppo- 
site the Mansion House. In August of this year they had the honor 
of greeting Lafayette. In March, 1825, a new stand of arms was ob- 
tained, $350 being raised for that purpose. The first actual military 
service in which they took part was at the Olney Stieet riots of 1831. 
On that occasion Captain Shaw, who was then in command, ordered 
out the company on Friday night at 11 o'clock, and 22 men appeared. 
With Governor Arnold and the sheriff they proceeded to the scene 
of the mob, each man being supplied with two blank and two ball 
cartridges. It was expected that the mob would disperse at this show 
of arms, but they would not, and the authorities, reluctant to precipi- 
tate a conflict and bloodshed, ordered the militia back to their 
armory. Thirteen of them had been injured by the missiles thrown 
at them by the rioters. On the next night, with other companies, 
they were again ordered out by the governor. They marched to 
Smith's hill, the infantry being placed upon the right of the bridge. 
Then followed the conflict, Captain Shaw giving the order to fire, 
when four men were killed, and the mob was thus finally quieted. 
This is said to have been the first instance in the United States where 
the militia were called upon to quell a riot in a time of peace. 

The second armory was built in 1839, at a cost of $3,000. It is still 
standing on its original site, Meeting street, west of Benefit. In the 
time of the Dorr excitement this company gained popularity by being 
in sympathy, as to action at least, with the conservative forces. They 
marched to the bloodless conquest of Chepachet, and triumphantly 
returned to Providence with other troops. In October of the year 
1*42, a new uniform was adopted, having red coats, with black trou- 
sers striped with white. In ls44 it was endowed, with other charter 
companies, by the legislature with full regimental titles for its 
officers. In 1860 the company visited Cleveland, Ohio, to take part in 
the anniversary of the battle of Lake Erie. On their return one of 
the chime bells of Grace church was purchased and presented, on 
condition that the chimes should always ring on the loth of Septem- 
ber, the anniversary of Commodore Perry's victory. The bell, in- 
scribed with the name of the company, still hangs in the group and 
is still rung as provided. 

When, in 1861, the call was made for troops to enter the service of 
the country for three months, the 1st Light Infantry Company went 
out in two companies, Company C under Captain W. W. Brown, and 
Company L) under Captain N. W. Brown. The company now gave 
up the regimental titles of its officers. While the young men were 
absent at the seat of war, the old members organized at home and 
elected Captain Joseph W. Taylor as colonel. In August, 1861, the 
companies returned, and again Captain W. W. Brown became the 
commandant. In 1*72 the full regimental organization of the com- 
pany was effected by an act of the legislature. The organization 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 373 

went to Philadelphia in lsT6, and in the parade there it was honored 
with a position in the right of line in the Centennial Legion. The 
event of most conspicuous importance in its history during late years 
was the abandonment of the old Infantry Building on Dorrance street 
for the new armory on South Main street, in 1880. This handsome 
building was erected in 1879, by an association organized for the pur- 
pose. Its location is 116 South Main street. It is built of brick, with 
olive stone trimmings, and is capped by a tower. Its cost was about 
$60,000, and its dedication was celebrated by a grand fair, the pro- 
ceeds of which were devoted to furnishing- the rooms. The ground 
floor of the building is divided into stores, and on the second and 
third floors are business rooms, ten company rooms, a supper room 
and the veterans' room. In the rear is the Infantry Hall, which is 
120 by 75 feet in area, with a gallery on three sides, and having a 
seating capacity of over 2,000. The fourth story contains the armory, 
officers' room, club room, and the library and reading room. 

The roll of the 1st Light Infantry since its beginning has received 
upward of 1,K00 names. At all times there has been the full comple- 
ment of men, officers, equipments and uniforms for duty. Every 
commanding officer, captain or colonel, has been promoted from the 
ranks. Its career, socially considered, has also been a brilliant one. 
Perhaps no military organization in the country has more frequently 
played the part of guest or entertainer than this. The 1st Light In- 
fantry Veteran Association, an organization growing out of this, had 
its beginning June 3d, 1869. Every man who has been a member of 
the regiment for five years is entitled to membership. More than 
400 veterans now belong to the association. From the beginning to 
the present time the following persons have been in command of the 
1st Light Infantry: Captain Job Angell, 1818-20; Stephen K. Rath- 
bone, 1820-6; John J. Stimpson, 1826-9; William L. Field, 1829-30; 
James Shaw, 1830-5; William W. Brown, 1835-58 (title changed to 
colonel in 1S44); Colonel N. W. Brown, 1858; Colonel W. W. Brown, 
returned 1858-61; Captain Joseph W. Taylor, a few months in 1861; 
Captain W. W. Brown, 1S61-7; Charles R. Dennis, 1SU7-74 (colonel 
from L872); Colonel R. H. I. Goddard, 1S74-83; Major William H. 
Thornton, 1883-6; and as colonel from 1SS6 to the present time. 

The Providence Marine Corps of Artillery had its origin in the 
Providence Marine Society; hence all its officers and most of its mem- 
bers were at first members of that society, and practical seamen. 
The organization was effected under its charter in 1801, with a lieu- 
tenant colonel, two majors, one captain and two lieutenants. The 
corps was armed originally with two heavy iron cannon, which were 
drawn by horses. The men marched on either side and carried 
short heavy swords. Subsequently brass field pieces were used in 
place of the iron cannon, but in other respects their armament and 
drill were not materiallv changed until after the Dorr war, in which 



374 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the organization took an active part in defense of the established 
government. At that time their equipment was scarlet caps, trimmed 
with brass, black fountain plumes, with scarlet tips, blue coats 
trimmed with scarlet, scarlet epaulettes, white pantaloons, black 
belts and cartridge boxes. In May, 1842, the charter was amended 
so as to remove all restrictions in regard to the connection with the 
old Marine Society, so that its members and officers were henceforth 
drawn from all classes. 

In 1S4?) the Marines accepted the provisions of a militia law then 
passed by the legislature providing for the organization of skeleton 
regiments, and its officers became a colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, 
captain and lieutenant, with a full staff. This continued until the 
repeal of that law in 1862, when the corps fell back again upon its 
charter. May 12th, 1848, it paraded for the first time as a light bat- 
tery of four guns, under Colonel Walter C. Simmons, Sr., on the oc- 
casion of the funeral of Major John R. Vinton, who had been killed 
in Mexico and whose remains were then interred at Swan Point 
Cemetery. This was then the only battery of "flying artillery" in 
the United States outside of the regular army. It is claimed with 
commendable pride that this corps is the progenitor of all others of 
the kind in the eastern part of the United States. In 1852, under 
command of the late Joseph P. Balch, the Marines made an excur- 
sion of a week to Boston, where they encamped on the Common. 
Their exercises while there excited so much admiration and enthusi- 
asm that a similar company was immediately organized in that city, 
and in a few weeks the officers of the first battery of light artillery 
that ever existed in Massachusetts militia came to Providence to be 
drilled by Colonel Balch and his officers in the arsenal on Benefit 
street. Thus the Marine Artillery is the mother of all the Massa- 
chusetts batteries, as well as those of Rhode Island. 

On the accession of Hon. William Sprague to the command of the 
corps its capability was increased and it was made a six-gun battery, 
with complete equipment to correspond. The finest exhibition ever 
made by it on parade was the complimentary reception tendered 
Colonel Sprague on his return from Europe, January 24th. 1860, just 
before his election as governor of the state. On that occasion it 
numbered 1<>5 men and 73 horses. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion the Marines started for 
Washington as a company of 142 men, under command of Captain 
Charles H. Tompkins, leaving their armory on the afternoon of April 
18th, L861. They were the second command to start for the defense 
of the national capital, the 13th Massachusetts having started the 
day before. This service was for three months, and again in 1862 
the Marines entered the field for a like term, this time under the 
command of Captain Edwin C. Gallup. Again, in the summer of 
1863 the corps performed coast guard service at "the Bonnet," 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 375 

entrance of West Passage, for a month. It was then under its 
state organization, Edwin C. Gallup serving as lieutenant colonel 
commanding. Its arsenal was a recruiting station in the time of the 
war, and so the corps was associated with the formation of the Light 
Artillery Regiment, and the ?>d Regiment Heavy Artillery, both of 
which went hence to the front, the armory of the Marines thus be- 
coming the starting point for 2,262 men and 62 officers. Of men be- 
longing to the Marine Artillery previous to entering the national 
service 47 held commissions varying from that of second lieutenant 
to brevet brigadier general in the three several arms as well as in the 
staff corps. Among these should be mentioned General Charles H. 
Tompkins, chief of artillery of the 6th Corps; General John G. 
Hazard, chief of the 2d Corps; Lieutenant Colonel John Albert 
Monroe, chief of the 2d and 9th Corps; Lieutenant Colonel William 
H. Reynolds, of the 1st R. I. Light Artillery; Colonel Henry T. Sis- 
son, of the 5th R. I. Volunteers; Colonel George L. Andrews, of the 
Regulars; Colonel Joseph Andrews, of an Iowa regiment; Colonel 
Charles T. Robbins, of the 9th R. I. Volunteers; and Brevet Briga- 
dier General Joseph P. Balch, already mentioned. Besides Governor 
Sprague's chief officers, other former members of the Marines were 
Adjutant General Edward C. Mauran; Quartermaster General Lyman 
B. Frieze, Paymaster General Jabez C. Knight, and even General 
Burnside himself. 

For about ten years after the close of the rebellion the Marine 
Artillery maintained its independent character, receiving orders 
from the governor alone. On the ll'th of April, 1875, however, it 
relinquished this exclusiveness and accepted the provisions of the 
state militia law, which it has ever since continued faithfully to 
observe. Its headquarters are at the arsenal on Benefit street, and 
its commander is Lieutenant Colonel John A. Russell. Among those 
who have faithfully served the Marine Artillery in their day and 
generation may be mentioned the late Mayors William M. Rodman 
and Thomas A. Doyle, Chief Justices William R. Staples and Samuel 
Ames, Governor Seth Padelford, Senator Henry B. Anthony and 
Governor Henry Lippitt. 

The Veteran Association of the Marine Corps of Artillery was 
organized January 21st, 1S74. Its objects are to afford opportunities 
for the social re-union of those who have been associated in the 
scenes and labors of the corps, to revive pleasant memories of the 
past, to preserve the fellow sympathy between comrades, and to give 
the active corps the benefit of their interest, influence and strength. 
It numbers about one hundred and fifty members. William Millen 
is its present colonel; Joseph H. Fanning, lieutenant colonel; William 
R. Arnold, major; E. Perry Butts, captain; James S. Davis, first lieu- 
tenant; Amos M. Hawkins, second lieutenant; George B. Peck, adju- 
tant; Reverend Frederic Denison, chaplain; Samuel W. Peckham, 



376 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

judge advocate, and Ellery C. Davis, secretary, treasurer and clerk. 

The Mechanics' Rifles were chartered in October, ls54. The 
charter members were: William G. Pettis, George T. Dexter, James 
Seamans, Eben B. Cole, Laban Tift, Thomas Bull, George O. Gorton, 
James S. Hudson, William Whitaker, Samuel Brightman, Benjamin 
Himes, George D. Cole, Abiel L. Leonard, Joseph Dudley, Daniel 
Mathewson, Edward A.Luther, Edwin G.Luther, N. G.Totten, James 
Houghton, Charles H. Snow, L. H. Tillinghast, Albert C. G. Smith, 
Andrew J. Billings, Charles Bowers, William N. Rounds, William H. 
Sherman, Henry B. Franklin, William B. Spooner, Allen Hawkes, 
George B. White, Ezra Aylsworth, George A. Williams, Benjamin F. 
Hancock, Mumford Read, Erastus C. Eldridge, David R. Sherman, 
William H. Tanner, Robert S. Brownell and William Talbot. 

It was originally chartered as a company and had a captain and 
three lieutenants. The first commander was Lieutenant W.G. Pettis. 
The uniform was a dark blue frock coat, with green trimmings, light 
blue pants, with a fine green cord as stripe, black hat, with green 
pompon. A white cross belt was worn, upon the breastplate of 
which were the letters " M. R.," and for arms the old Austrian rifle 
was carried, with a sabre bayonet. In January, 1856, the charter was 
amended, permitting them to have regimental officers. In April, 
1855, John S. Slocum was elected captain, and in the following April 
he was elected colonel. He remained in this position till September, 
LS58. Colonel Thomas F. Vaughn succeeded him at that time, hold- 
ing till April, 1859, when Henry T. Sisson was elected colonel. We 
do not know how long he continued in command, but in January, 
1 si; l, Morris B. Morgan appears in command as lieutenant colonel. 
At that time the Rifles were organized as a battalion of three com- 
panies, A, B and C, their captains respectively being David A. Pelou- 
bet, A. G. Bates and Charles W. H. Day. During the year Lieuten- 
ant Colonel Morgan was elected colonel. During the years of the 
war the battalion was broken up for the time, by the enlistments of 
its members in different sections of the national service. A Home 
Guard was organized to preserve somewhat its identity, and of this 
Jonathan M. Wheeler, William T. Lewis and Stephen C.Arnold were 
placed successively in command, the latter resigning in December, 
L868. He was succeeded by Charles H. Scott, Colonel Harvey and 
John Worden. 

At the January session of the legislature in 1870 the name of this 
organization was changed to the Slocum Light Guard, which has 
since been preserved. A new uniform of dark blue swallow-tail coats 
and light blue pants, both having white trimmings, was adopted, and 
muskets of the old Springfield pattern were taken. Succeeding offi- 
cers in command were: Colonel D. A. Dolan, lsTO; Lieutenant Colonel 
James H. Smith, April, 1s7l> ; Colonel Stephen C. Arnold, April, 1 s 7 : ', : 
Colonel B. P. Swarts, !>;+; Colonel W. B. W. Hallett, April, 1877; 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 377 

Colonel Swarts, 1879; Colonel B. McSoley, 1883; Colonel J. P. H. Wil- 
bur, 1885. On receiving its charter it was attached to the 2d Brigade, 
and known as Company B, of the 4th Battalion. On the reorganiza- 
tion of the militia in 1879, under the present brigade system, the 4th 
Battalion, Companies B and D, were transferred to the 2d Battalion 
and designated as Companies E and D. 

The first armory of the corps was on Page street, in a building 
originally used as a fire station. Later they were quartered in the 
hall over the engine station at the corner of Benefit and College 
streets. From there they moved to the Anthony building on Ex- 
change place, and then to the Reynolds building on Weybosset 
street, and in 1875 they occupied their present quarters at the corner 
of Broad and Byron streets, which is one of the most convenient and 
well appointed armories in the city. The company has attained a 
high order of discipline and proficiency, and ranks among the best 
drilled in the state. 

The Providence Horse Guards was organized in September, 1>42, 
after the close of the Dorr war. It was chartered by the assembly in 
October, and was for many years the only cavalry company in the 
state. Among the charter members were Almon D. Hodges, George 
W. Hallett, Samuel G. Arnold, William W. Hoppin, John Giles, 
Moses B. Ives, John A. Wadsworth and Thomas J. Stead. The num- 
ber of members was limited by the charter to 200 men, exclusive of 
the officers. The captain, lieutenants and adjutant were commis- 
sioned by the governor and engaged like the officers of the militia. 
Its first officers were: Almon D. Hodges, captain; George W. Hallett, 
first lieutenant; Samuel G. Arnold, second lieutenant; William W. 
Hoppin, third lieutenant; John Giles, fourth lieutenant, and John A. 
Wadsworth, adjutant. It soon became a most efficient and thoroughly 
drilled cavalry company, but after a few years the interest waned, 
and the organization became extinct. In 1S61, however, when the 
bugles of war were sounding throughout the land, the organization 
was renewed, the charter being revived. It now received a regi- 
mental form; George W. Hallett was elected colonel, H. L. Kendall 
lieutenant colonel, Albert S. Gallup major, Robert Manton captain, 
Royal C. Taft lieutenant, T. L. Dunnell paymaster, Usher Parsons 
surgeon, Washington Hoppin assistant surgeon. The command was 
composed of wealthy and prominent members of the community. In 
its ranks were to be found such men as Alexander Duncan, Moses B. 
Ives and Augustus Bourne. The uniform then adopted was blue 
frock coat and dark blue pantaloons, with yellow trimmings on all, 
and high crowned felt hat bearing black ostrich plumes and orna- 
ments. The 1st R. I. Cavalry was composed of members of the 
Horse Guards consolidated with New Hampshire cavalrymen. The 
training which the members of the Horse Guards had received pre- 
pared them to become good and efficient officers, and they distin- 



378 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

guished themselves on many a bloody field in the arena of the war; 
Antietam, Kelly's Ford and other familiar battle records having 
honorable remembrances of them. While the war was in progress 
the organization at home was kept up, and was constantly preparing 
others for active duty. In September, 1862, the Guards were detailed 
for special duty under Lieutenant Colonel Albert S. Gallup, guarding 
the United States General Hospital at Portsmouth Grove. They were 
sworn into the United States service for this, and received many com- 
plimentary notices for the excellent manner in which they performed 
their duties. During the time of the great draft riots in New York 
in July, 1863, they were on guard duty in this city three days and 
nights, to be ready to check any outburst of the riotous element that 
might be encouraged here by the ill-starred example given in that 
city. 

After the war the interest in the organization again declined, but 
a sufficient number of names on the roster were maintained, and 
enough attention was given to the organization to hold the charter 
until 1870, when a new organization was effected with a new lease of 
life and energy, inspired by the enthusiasm and activity of Colonel 
Frederick Miller, its commander. In a short time then two com- 
panies of 50 men each were formed and new uniforms were procured. 
They consisted of red frock coats with short skirts and blue, yellow 
and gold trimmings, light blue pantaloons with broad yellow stripes, 
and an Austrian metal helmet, mounted with an eagle's head and a 
flowing white horsehair plume. The officers then elected were: 
Frederick Miller, colonel; T. Lippitt Snow, lieutenant colonel; Stephen 
Brownell, major; Charles F. Taylor, adjutant; Sylvanus Burgess, 
quartermaster; Charles A. Hubbard, paymaster; George B. Earle, 
commissary, and Thomas H. Perry, surgeon. Officers elected for 
Troop A were: Augustus O. Bourne, captain: James B. Paine, first 
lieutenant, and Edwin Dean, second lieutenant. The officers of 
Troop B were: Charles H. Sprague, captain; John H. Joslin, first 
lieutenant, and Josiah A. King, second lieutenant. Henceforward 
the command prospered. Colonel Miller was appointed brigadier 
general of the Second Brigade, March 27th, 1*74, upon which he re- 
signed his position in the Horse Guards, and J. Lippitt Snow was 
elected colonel. 

When the state militia law was revised, in 1875, the Providence 
Horse Guards and the Pawtucket Horse Guards were consolidated in 
the 1st Battalion of Cavalry. Of this battalion J. Lippitt Snow was 
made colonel; John W. Leckie, of the Pawtucket company, lieuten- 
ant colonel; and Henry V. A. Joslin, major. In ls7i>, when the militia 
was again reorganized, the battalion of cavalry was reduced to two 
companies. Company A, of Providence, was disbanded, and the of- 
fices of colonel and lieutenant colonel were abolished. Major Joslin 
commanded the battalion until August 19th, when he resigned. He 



HISTORY OF FROVIDENCE COUNTY. 379 

was succeeded by Major George N. Bliss, who served three years, and 
was succeeded by Major Alexander Strauss, who still retains the 
command. Other field and line officers at the present time are: 
Thomas Child, adjutant; George S. Tingley, quartermaster; Hobart 
L. Gates, paymaster; Ferdinand Bray, commissary; Joseph L. Wool- 
ley, chaplain. Company A: Edward T. Jones, captain; James Allen- 
son, first lieutenant; Charles Allenson, second lieutenant. Company 
B: Edward M. Clarke, captain; William A. Maynard, first lieutenant. 
During the early years of the organization the company had no 
armory, but used various halls and the armory of the Marine Artil- 
lery. From 1863 to 1865 they occupied the old armory of the 1st 
Light Infantry, on Meeting street. They then removed to Westmin- 
ster Hall, on Westminster street. Previous to 1863 all the uniforms 
and equipments were the property of the company, and all expenses 
were paid by the members. At that time the state issued horse 
equipments, and in 1865 clothing was issued by the general govern- 
ment. The uniforms and equipments thus obtained were retained 
until the revival of the organization in 1 sl<). 

The Burnside National Guards, R. I. Militia, a command of colored 
men, which grew out of the remembrances of the war, was organized 
in Richmond Hall, on High street, August 14th, lsc.7. Two compa- 
nies of infantry were at that time formed, which were afterward at- 
tached to the 2d Brigade, R. I. Militia. The first officers of the Burn- 
side National Guards were: Moses F. Brown, major; George H. Black, 
adjutant; John H. Creighton, quartermaster; Ezra J.Morris, paymas- 
ter; Jerome Morgan, sergeant major; Reverend Thomas A. Davis, 
chaplain. CompanyA: John H. Munroe, captain; William Scott, first 
lieutenant; William Johnson, second lieutenant. Company B: Zebe- 
dee Howland, captain; Leonard G. Phenix, first lieutenant; Thomas 
Brinn, second lieutenant. When first organized the state furnished 
them with uniforms the same as those worn by the United States 
army, and they were armed with Springfield muzzle-loading rifles. 
On their first public parade, at the annual muster of the 2d Brigade, 
October 11th, 18<>7, they displayed such proficiency in performing the 
various evolutions of the drill service as to attract the attention and 
admiration of all spectators. A few days later they took part in the 
grand reception given to General Phil. Sheridan, in this city, Octo- 
ber 23d. In December another company was added to the battalion, 
known as Company C, and officered as follows: Charles C. Johnson, 
captain; Daniel Perry, first lieutenant; William A. Harris, second 
lieutenant. 

In 1870 the battalion purchased an independent uniform, consist- 
ing of dark blue dress coats, trimmed with light blue and gold; light 
blue trousers, with dark blue stripe. This was worn until the adop- 
tion of the present state uniform. Since its formation the battalion 
has taken part in nearly every important military display in the city 



380 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and state. It has occupied as armories Richmond Hall, the old In- 
fantry Armory on Meeting street, a hall in the Phoenix Building on 
Westminster street, the hall at 87 Canal street, and a hall in the third 
story of the building at the corner of Winter and Cranston streets. 

In 1S74 the Burnside Guards, of Newport, were attached to the 
battalion, as Company D, and the name of the battalion was changed 
to the 6th, of Infantry, and attached to the 1st Brigade. In 1879 the 
4th Battalion was formed by disbanding Company D, and consolidat- 
ing the other three companies into two, known as Companies A and 
B. In 1887 these were again changed in title to the 1st and 2d Sepa- 
rate Companies of Infantry, by which they are now designated. The 
officers in command of the Burnside National Guards have success- 
ively been: Major Moses F. Brown, 1867-9; Major Zebedee Howland, 
1870-1,1873; Major George Black, 1872. Of 6th Battalion: Colonel 
John H. Munroe, 1874-7; Colonel Lewis Kenegee, 1878. Of 4th Bat- 
talion, Major Albert E. Smith, 1879-82; Major George T.Smith, 1883- 
<■>. Of 1st vSeparate Company: Captain William H. Beckett, 1887-8; 
Captain Robert W. Blount, 1889. Of the 2d Separate Company: Cap- 
tain Stephen J. West, 1887-8; Captain John H. Frazer, 1889. 

The Meagher Guards, an organization of high repute for excel- 
lence of discipline, equipment and action, was organized in the 
armory of the Mechanics' Rifles, on Exchange place, Tuesday evening, 
May 5th, 1865. The promoters of this organization were veterans 
who had but recently returned from the war. The name was 
adopted as a compliment to General Thomas Francis Meagher. 
The company received official recognition very soon after its organi- 
zation. The first captain was James Moran. He resigning in 
August of the same year, Michael Costello succeeded. He resigned 
April 18th, L866, and Edward A. Moran was elected captain. He 
served until April 14th, 1874, when he resigned. He was followed 
by James H. McGann, whose term of service extended to December, 
of the same year. James E. Sullivan became captain December 
1st. 1874, and continued till May 30th, 1875, when Peter McHugh 
received his commission as captain, continuing till July 24th, 1876. 
Captain Thomas H. Powers succeeded on the last mentioned date, 
and served until June 9th, 1885, when he resigned. Bernard 
Hackett took command next, and he still holds the position. Other 
officers of the company are Robert H. Ormsbee, first lieutenant; 
John Kelly, second lieutenant. The company is officially known 
as Company E, of the 2d Regiment of Infantry. It formerly was 
one of the companies forming the old battalion known as the Rhcde 
Island Guards, and when the militia was reorganized in 1879, it 
became Company A, of the 5th Battalion of Infantry, and so con- 
tinued until about 1887, when the present designation was given 
it. The Meagher Guards at first occupied the armory of the Mechan- 
ics' Rifles, and afterward the Hawkins Hall on Canal street; a hall 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 381 

on Weybosset street, opposite the post office; a hall in the Harring- 
ton Opera House building; a hall in H. B. Aylsworth's building on 
North Main street; the " Meal Chest " on Canal street; Cooney's Hall 
on the same street; Hennessey's Hall on the same street; Hope Hall 
in Young & Lyon's building on North Main street; and then the 
old infantry armory on Dorrance street. Besides many other occa- 
sions of note on which the Meagher Guards have paraded in public 
or played the part of host or guest, they participated in the parade 
at the inauguration of President Cleveland, March 4th, L885, leaving 
this city Monday evening, March 2d, and arriving on their return, 
Saturday morning, ^arch Tth. 

On the loth of July, 1869, a meeting was held to consider the or- 
ganization of an independent military company by a number of young 
Irish-Americans. A few weeks later the organization was completed. 
The first captain was Jeremiah Costine; William McPhearson, first 
lieutenant; and James Campbell, second lieutenant. This company 
was entirely independent, receiving no state aid for a number of 
years, but supplying itself with uniforms, equipments and other 
requisites by means of its own funds. Captain Costine being elected 
colonel of the battalion of Rhode Island Guards in 1*72, First Lieu- 
tenant McPhearson was promoted to the command of this company. 
Remaining in the position until July, 1879, he was succeeded by Cap- 
tain John J. Dwyer. The latter remained in command of the com- 
pany until July, 1KS2, when he resigned, and Captain McPhearson 
was again elected. He continued in that position till 1887, when he 
was succeeded by Thomas H. Donahue, who remains to the present 
time. The lieutenants of the company are William P. Dillon, first, 
and Daniel J. Dwyer, second. This company was for several years 
independent, being known as the Wolfe Tone Guards. In 1876 they 
became a part of the state militia in the Battalion Rhode Island 
Guards. They were designated as Company F, 5th Battalion of In- 
fantry, but in 1879 this designation was changed to Ccmpary B, of 
the same battalion, and in 1887 to Company F, of the 2d Regiment 
of Infantry. During the greater part of its history this company has 
occupied the old Assembly Rooms in Arnold Block on North Main 
street as its armory. 

The Emmett Guards are one of the prominent Irish-American 
companies of the city and state. The organization had its begin- 
nings in a meeting held in the engine house on Page street, April 
20th, ISC) 1 .). This first organization was an independent corps, which 
adopted the name Emmett Zouaves. About 1870 the name was 
changed to Emmett Guards, the company then being designated in 
the militia as Company D, Battalion of Rhode Island Guards. Cap- 
tain William H. Grimes was elected in 1871, and he was succeeded 
in 1S72 by Captain John Revens. In October, 1873, James E. Curran 
was elected captain, and he retained the office until his death, in 



:j82 history of providence county. 

L876. In May, 1877, Captain John McElroy assumed command, and 
in July, 1884, he was succeeded by Anthony Mungiven. In 1887 
the organization became Company H, of the 2d Regiment of Infan- 
try. Captain Mungiven remained in command until 1888. The 
officers on the roster for 1889 were: Peter A. Sweeney, captain; 
Edward H. Conway, first lieutenant; John A. Gasperry, second lieu- 
tenant. The first armory of this company was in the Harrington 
Opera House building, from which it removed to the old market 
building at the junction of High and Broad streets. The old 
Assembly Rooms in the Arnold Block on North Main street were 
their next armory. From there they removed to the hall in the 
building 98 Weybosset street, and thence to the historic Academy of 
Music, in the Phoenix Building on Westminster street, where they 
found themselves in possession of the best drill hall occupied by any 
organization in the brigade. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— A GENERAL RETROSPECT. 



Growth as Shown by Directories. — Some Old Residents. — Personal Reminiscences of 
Former Old Residents. — The General Appearance of the Town a Century Ago. — 
Customs of that Time. — Roads and Mails. — Early Stages. — Packet Lines. — Cold 
Winter of 1779-80.— The " Dark Day " of 1780.— Town Action Forbidding Smoking 
in the Streets. — Street Improvement. — Origin of Street Names. — Part of the City 
Site Reclaimed from the Water. — Comparative View of the City in 1846. — Growth 
during the last Quarter Century. — Streets and Bridges. — Salubrity of Site. — City 
Expenses. — The Brook Street District.— Vital Statistics. — Building Progress. — Street 
Ligbting. 



IT is of much interest to one at all inclined to review the past to 
look at the various means by which the growth of the city may 
be observed in the comparison of its condition at different 
periods. Various means fordoing this are afforded, and though they 
are more or less fragmentary and incomplete, yet it will afford in. the 
main a fair understanding of the progress of the city to notice seme 
of them that are accessible. One of the most definite and compre- 
hensive pictures of the growth of the city may be seen in the growth 
of the directory from time to time, since the first one was published 
in L824. At the date mentioned the houses in the most important 
streets had just been numbered, and boards had just been placed on 
most of the principal streets to indicate their names. Providence 
then contained an estimated population of about 15,000, and the num- 
ber of names in the directory was 2,958, without counting the names 
of colored inhabitants. The names of that race, though there were 
about 1,400 of them residing here, were excluded from the directory 
until 1832, and then they were named in a separate list. This ar- 
rangement was continued until 1847, when they were merged in the 
body of the book, no distinction being made between them and the 
names of white people. Thus the directory incidentally gave expres- 
sion to the prejudices then existing, and afterward marked the 
gradual change in public sentiment in respect to the question of race 
and color. The first directory was published by Messrs. Brown & 
Danforth. At that time a large proportion of the business interests 
of the towm were located on the east side of the river, principally on 
North and South Main streets, North Water (now Canal street), South 
Water street, Market Square, and what was then known as "Cheap- 
side," now a part of North Main street. The business center on the 



384 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

west side of the river was Weybosset, Broad and Westminster 
streets, only a part of the latter, and Westminster row. 

The directory for 1884 contained the names of 21 old inhabitants 
whose names also appeared in the directory of 1824, a period of 60 
years being thus covered by them. Through the enterprise and 
antiquarian interest of Messrs. Sampson, Murdoch & Co., the present 
directory publishers, we are enabled to m.me them and to give, in 
connection with each, the year and date of his birth. Some have 
since died, and the date of their death is also given. Resolved Wat- 
erman, 1787, died July 8th, 1886; Anthony B. Arnold, 1791, died Oc- 
tober 10th, 1884; George Burr, 1792, died February 16th, 1886; George 
W. Bowen, 1794, died February 6th, 1885; Philip W. Martin, 1795, 
died May 17th, 1888; William Andrews, 1796, died April 25th, ]8fc5; 
John Wardwell, 1797, died March 3d, 1886; Thomas Harkness, 1799; 
Edwin Stayner, 1799, died March 24th, 1885; Simon H. Greene, 17£9, 
died April 26th, 1885; Lucien Draper, 1800, died October 27th, 1886; 
Jonathan G. Draper, 1801, died December 27th, 1887; James C. Buek- 
lin, 1801; James H. Read, 1801; David W. Pettey, 1801; R. H. N. 
Bates, 1801; Reverend Jonathan Cady, 1802, died July 18th, 1885; Ed- 
ward Congdon, 1802; Thomas R. Briggs, 1807; John S. Harris, 1809; 
Jeremiah S. Barrett, 1810. Those not otherwise marked still remained 
residents of the city in 1889. It will thus be seen that there were in 
1889 nine persons living in the city who were 21 years of age, male 
inhabitants, in 1824. 

Directories were published in the years 1826, 1828, 1830, 1832, 
1836, 1838, 1841, 1844, 1847, 1850 and 1852, and after that date they 
have been published annually to the present time. The number of 
names contained in the directory in different years have been as 
follows: 1824,2,958; 1830,4,400; 1836,4,965; 1841, 7,000; 1844, 7,600: 
1847, 9,282; 1850, 8,784; 1852, 10,400; 1853, 11,760; 1855, 11,366; 1860, 
15,772; 1865, 17,227; 1870, 25,435; 1875, 36,562; 1880, 39,227; 1885, 
48,992; 1889, 59,693. 

Some interesting hints as to the growth of Providence are given 
in the following personal reminiscence of an aged inhabitant, who 
wrote in 1854. 

" My recollection extends back to 1790, and even earlier, when 
Providence was a mere village, with a population of about 6,000. 
At this period, I well recollect that on each side of Westminster 
street were meadows where the inhabitants pastured their cows. And 
very near the foot of Washington street, then the south shore of the 
cove, was a pottery, for the manufacture of earthen ware. Vessels 
were built at the north part of the cove, very near Smith's bridge, 
and even higher up, were floated down at spring tides, and passed 
Weybosset bridge by means of a draw. At this period, md for 
many years after, the cove afforded excellent fishing ground, and 
thousands of the finny tribe have I captured there, as well as from 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 385 

each side of the bridge. Numerous sail boats were then kept in the 
cove, and large parties of young persons then enjoyed themselves in 
the beautiful woods and groves at its margin. My memory oft re- 
calls those scenes, as well as the names and features of the loved ones 
who have passed away. Everything is now changed, the woods and 
groves have disappeared, and numerous manufacturing establish- 
ments have taken their place. 

" At that period, if a man failed for a few thousand dollars it pro- 
duced an almost electric shock throughout the community— the man 
had broke, it was said, and woe to him if he could not show that he 
had been really unfortunate. It was not so easy to obtain credit then 
as it now is, and there were not so many temptations to folly and 
extravagance as at present. I think if many of our young men 
would return to the frugal habits of their fathers, they would enjoy 
more than they now do, and in many cases preserve life, health and 
reputation. 

" But I am willing to allow there have also been important changes 
for the better. Among these may be mentioned the great and glori- 
ous change which has taken place in the public mind on the subject 
of temperance. I can recollect w r hen many of our really respectable 
citizens were engaged in the sale and use of ardent spirits; and at 
that time, singular as it may now appear, a meeting house could not 
be raised, a public dinner given, an ordination or an election held, a 
funeral attended, or even a child be born, without the use of rum." 

From the letter of another aged resident, who wrote more than 
half a century ago, of things pertaining to the then long past, we 
make extracts in the following paragraphs. 

"The time is within my recollection when there were not more 
than six or eight buildings on Benefit street, and no street over the 
hill excepting that called Jail lane. The old jail, standing on 
the north side of it, was one of the buildings spoken of. All car- 
riages going to or from the east part of the town passed through 
Olney's lane, or through a street quite at the south part of the town. 
At that time I think I had some knowledge of nearly every family in 
town. As respects the river, I doubt whether the tide covers half 
the ground it did 70 years since; wharves first built, then Water 
street beyond the wharves; acres filled or raised south of Weybosset 
and Broad streets, where Westminster street is, and all north of it, 
the tide flowed. I am told that there was a knoll, or small round hill, 
near the head of what is now called the Long wharf, which at that 
time was an island. Old people have often told me of having picked 
berries on it. An old man long since told me that while there w r as 
difficulty with the Indians, several of them got slyly upon that hill 
and fired at a small company of young white men who were playing 
at nine pins, near where the court house now stands [1842], and hit 
one of their pins. I am told that the first vessel which sailed from 

25 



386 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

this town to the West Indies was loaded at a wharf that was then a 
little to the westward of the Canal market. I once saw a vessel of 
ab ntt 30 or 40 tons, a fisherman, unloading at a wharf then adjoining to 
what is now called Smith street. Many vessels of large burthen have 
been built on the west side of what is called the canal basin, and at 
other places north of the great bridge, which bridge, I believe, was 
50 or 60 feet longer than it now is. There was a draw in it, for the 
purpose of letting vessels through. The channel, I think, is now 
covered by Water street. 

"As respects schools, previous to about the year 1770 they were 
but little thought of. There were in my neighborhood three small 
schools, perhaps about a dozen scholars in each. Their books were 
the Bible, spelling book and primer. One was kept by John Foster, 
Esq., in his office, and one by Doctor Benjamin West. Their fees 
were 7s., 6d. per quarter. One was kept by George Taylor, Esq., for 
the church scholars. He, it was said, received a small compensation 
from England. Besides these there were two or three women 
schools. When one had learned to read, write and do a sum in 
the rule of three, he was fit for business. About this time, Doctor 
Jonathan Arnold made a move for building a proprietors' school 
house; by his exertions enough was obtained to build one at the 
northerly end of Benefit street, which was called Whipple Hall in 
consequence of Mr. Joseph Whipple giving the lot for two shares. 
George Taylor, Jr., was the first master. The town, a few years 
since, bought the proprietors out. 

" At one time, many years since, I fell in with an old gentleman 
who stood viewing what was called the old Turpin house. He said 
to me, ' I am taking a view of the old house where the general 
assembly used to sit. I have been there, and should like to go in to 
see whether it looks as it formerly did or not." I went in with him. 
After looking around he said: ' It is much as it was.' This house then 
was standing on the west side of North Main street, nearly opposite 
to the Fourth Baptist meeting house. It appears that in the days of 
Turpin, the original owner, this was a very sightly place, and a place 
of considerable business. He had a large yard with an elm tree in it, 
a fine garden, handsomely fenced in, through which there ran a small 
brook, which came from a small swamp, lying a little to the eastward 
of where the meeting house now is. The Reverend James Manning- 
did great things in the way of enlightening and informing the 
people. Schools revived by means of his advice and assistance. 
Previous to him it was not uncommon to meet with those who could 
not write their names. 

" Manners and fashions were very plain. The dress in general 
was meant to be durable. Men wore mostly wash-leather breeches; 
cloth for most purposes generally manufactured in their families; 
laborers of almost every description wore leather aprons; the best 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 387 

•dress of the most opulent was of English manufacture, in plain style. 
Some who were a little flashy would wear a cocked hat, a wig or a 
powdered head, with their hair clubbed or queued; sometimes some 
would buy or borrow some hair for the purpose of giving the club or 
queue a better appearance. Women of the same neighborhood would 
visit each other with clean checked aprons, striped loose gowns, 
handkerchiefs over the shoulders and sun-bonnets on their heads; 
then pleasantly sit down and divert themselves over a dish of bohea 
tea and a piece of bread and butter. A few who considered them- 
selves somewhat superior would wear a silk or calico gown, with long 
ruffle cuffs, a lawn apron, a little roll over the head, resembling a 
crupper to a saddle, with the hair smoothly combed over it, a flat chrp 
hat, with a crown about one inch deep, all covered with a thin silk — 
some black, some white, others red, green, &c. Young men 
would at times amuse themselves in the lots at ball, shooting at 
poultry or at a mark, now and then at wrestling or jumping; at times 
muster in small parties with young women, then have a dance; at 
harvest time would go miles to a husking, as the farmers generally 
would at that time make merry. At the season for pigeons there 
was too much diversion in destroying them. There were many 
stands set up around our cove by means of which thousands were an- 
nually destroyed by shooting. In the country they were mostly taken 
in nets, and brought to market by horse loads, in panniers. A man 
told me that he at a time carried a load in that way to Boston, that 
they were so plenty that he could not sell them, neither give them 
away; he thought that there might be those who had rather steal 
than to have it thought they were beggars, so set his panniers down 
by the side of a street, and there left them for a while. When he re- 
turned he found many more than he had left. 

" Captain Jabez Whipple, who lately died in his one hundredth 
year, told me that when a young man he with several others kept a 
pack of hounds, with which they would at times divert themselves in 
a fox chase; that at a time they followed one most of the day, at even- 
ing they holed him, then made a fire at the hole in order to keep him 
in during the night; they came with tools for digging, went to work, 
and soon found him, suffocated as they supposed, took him out, 
handed him from one to the other, he maintaining every appearance 
-of being dead, then threw him on the ground, when he instantly took 
to his toes, and so gave them another day's chase. 

" As for particular places of resort, I can hardly say that I know 
of any; the great bridge was a considerable of a place for it in pleas- 
ant weather. Captain Joseph Olney kept the principal public house. 
As the town increased it settled the fastest nearer the tide water. 
Colonel Knight Dexter opened a public house where the people could 
be more conveniently accommodated; this and other houses being 
opened for the same purpose, drew the custom from the old place, 



3S8 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

so that it became abandoned. Elisha Brown at a time was doing a 
very considerable business to the northward of Captain Olney's, near 
Joseph Turpin's. To him there was great electioneering resorting. 
For several seasons party ran high between Samuel Ward, of New- 
port, and Stephen Hopkins, of this town. No one more zealously en- 
gaged in the cause than Brown, for Ward, and himself for deputy 
governor. His zeal, I believe, was rather expensive, as he left to his 
family near nothing of a good estate. 

" The first coach that I ever saw. and I do not know but the first 
one that was ever in this town, was owned by a Mr. Merritt, an 
Englishman, who came and purchased the farm and built the house 
where the venerable Moses Brown lately died, in his 99th year. This 
coach would once in a while come into the street by way of Olney's 
lane, then there would be a running of the children and a looking 
from the windows to see the new, wonderful thing. About this time 
there would be now and then a person who wanted a passage to Bos- 
ton. Colonel William Brown, who lived quite at the northeast 
corner of the town, on a farm, kept what was called a curricle, drawn 
by two horses; he would be their carrier. It would take him about 
three days to go and return. After a while, Thomas Sabin, I think, 
was the first that set up a stage; he generally went once a week. 
After him Robert Currey, then Samuel Whipple. When they got 
through by daylight they thought they had done well. The mail was 
carried by a Mr. Mumford, on horseback, once a week, between here 
and New London, and so back again. In May, 1776, I went to Pom- 
fret, 36 miles, in a chaise. The road was so stony and rough that I 
could not ride out of a slow walk but a very little of the way. I was 
nearly two days in going, such was the general state of our roads at 
that time. 

" Business and occupation was similar to what it now is, except 
machine manufacturing. Furniture in general was very plain, and 
mahogany was but little known. Almost every article of wood was 
straight, without much paint or polish. There was but little crock- 
ery, and that of a coarse kind. Pewter and wood were the principal 
table furniture. Two would be often eating out of the same dish, 
and perhaps a dozen drinking out of the same pewter quart pot or 
earthen mug. In my youngest days there were but few carriages 
besides carts, consequently when women wanted to go abroad it was 
very common for them to go on horseback, sitting on a pillion behind 
a man. Women would often be at market on horseback, with a pair 
of panniers, selling butter, cheese, eggs, &c. 

" The time hath been when an abundance of bass and perch, par- 
ticularly bass, were taken through the ice on Seekonk river, in the 
night season. About 50 years ago I was there with perhaps a dozen 
or twenty others. That night there were several tons taken, the 
most that was ever known to be taken in one niarht. Since then some 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 389 

would be taken every winter, until lately that business seems to be 
about done. It is supposed that the filth washing from the abund- 
ance of cotton mills prevents their coming into the river." 

At the October session in 1736, Alexander Thorp and Isaac Cushno 
petitioned and were granted the exclusive right to run a stage to 
Massachusetts. The record does not show the precise points to and 
from which it was to run. The following copy of the record in re- 
gard to it will be read with interest: 

" Whereas, Alexander Thorp, livery stable keeper, and Isaac 
Cusno, saddler, both of Boston, within the Province of Massachusetts 
Bay, by petition to this Assembly, did set forth that the petitioners, 
being about to set up the business of keeping stage coaches for the 
transporting of passengers and goods to and from this colony and the 
Massachusetts government, which would tend to the great advantage 
of the inhabitants of both governments; and as the petitioners must 
be put to great expense and cost in procuring coaches, with horses 
and other conveniences for the purpose aforesaid, humbly requested 
that they might have the liberty and license to keep two stage coaches 
for the service aforesaid, and of improving the same for the space of 
ten years, in regard of the great charge and expense they must be 
at, as aforesaid, that all and every person and persons might be de- 
barred from the like liberty or license during said term; — 

"All which, being considered, it is enacted by the General Assem- 
bly, that the petitioners' request is granted for keeping and improv- 
ing two stage coaches for the space of seven years, upon such terms 
and conditions as shall be agreed on between the petitioner and 
Samuel Vernon, William Coddington and Joseph Whipple, Esqs., 
who are appointed a committee to enter into articles on behalf of this 
colony, with the petitioners, who are to give bond for the perform- 
ance of their part of said articles; and the whole charge thereof to 
be paid by the petitioners." 

In July, 1767, we meet the first announcement of a regular stage 
coach running between Providence and Boston. At that date Thomas 
Sabin advertises that " one starts every Tuesday morning from the 
house of Richard Olney, inn-holder, to carry travellers to Boston, on 
the most expeditious and cheap rate." The coach returned on Thurs- 
day mornings. The notice does not state whether the coach went 
through in a day, or stopped the first night at Wrentham, as it did, 
according to tradition, in earlier times. In those times, it is said that 
the owner of a stage coach occasionally gave notice a week or ten 
days beforehand that on a given day he would start for Boston, if 
sufficient encouragement offered, taking care to give notice so that 
his patrons might have time to arrange their worldly affairs in a 
manner befitting the magnitude of the journey upon which they were 
to start. In 1783 the stage to Boston ran twice a week. 

A line of packets which was soon after that date established be- 



390 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tween here and New York excited great admiration. In speed and 
accommodations they were said to be equal to any in the world. 
These conveyed most of the passengers travelling- between New York 
and this town and the towns eastward, including Boston, until the 
New London Turnpike was established, about 1820. Travellers 
found it quite a relief from the jolting and thumping they received 
in the old heavy stage coaches, to get into the comfortable cabin of 
a packet and pursue their journey in the swift-gliding boat as she 
sped over the comparatively smooth face of the waters. Stage coach 
riding in those days had more practical points than poetical, however 
the imagination of later poets may have pictured it. The coaches 
were built heavy and strong, substantial durability being the pervad- 
ing idea of their builders and owners. Although the roads had lost 
their original corduroy character, they had not acquired that level 
smoothness which invited sleep. An occasional rock or stump would 
try the strength of the carriage and the patience of the traveller. 
Connected with the stage coaches over the New London Turnpike, 
was a line of steamboats from New London to New York. The more 
ample accommodation of these boats over even the luxurious pack- 
ets, together with the certainty of making the passage within a defi- 
nite time, gave this route a ready popularity. The sailing packets 
were soon given up to the freighting business. About the same time 
Captain Elihu S. Bunker came from New York to Providence with 
the steamboat " Connecticut," thus demonstrating by actual experi- 
ment that it was possible for a steamboat to make the hazardous run 
around Point Judith. Before that trial it was considered an impos- 
sible feat. vStill the public were not willing to trust their lives in 
such a practice, and for some time the inside line by way of New- 
London carried the passengers. After repeated trips had been made 
without loss or damage, confidence was established, and the travel- 
ling public accepted the boats running through from here to New 
York as a decided improvement over the combination of stage and 
boat. The New London Turnpike and boats were then abandoned. 
The Point Judith steamers were supposed to possess unequalled fa- 
cilities for the traveller. Speed, certainty, safety and ease, combined 
to render them the favorites of the public. On the completion of 
the New York, Providence & Boston railroad to Stonington, there 
connecting with a line of steamers to New York, a portion of public 
favor was withdrawn from the Point Judith steamers. 

Providence has always been on the line of the great thoroughfare 
from Boston to New York. In early times the traveller passed on 
horseback from Providence through East Greenwich, Wickford, over 
Tower Hill, and through Westerly into Connecticut. Over this line 
lay the regular route to New York. It also was the only direct road 
from Providence to Connecticut for many years after the settlement 
of this town. It is said that the first team from Connecticut that 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 391 

came by any more northerly route arrived in Providence September 
29th, 1722, and was driven by Governor Sessions. Until about that 
date the usual road to Connecticut was through the towns named. 
The route by Pomfret was a more difficult one, even after it was 
adopted. As late as 1776 but little could be said in its favor. So 
rough was the road even then that it took nearly two days to make 
the distance of 36 miles between here and Pomfret. 

The winter of 1779-80 was one of extreme severity. It was for a 
long time known as " the cold winter." At the time it was said to be 
more severe than any that had preceded it for many years. The har- 
bor of Providence was closed by ice in November, and continued so 
for nearly two months. The ice extended from Newport harbor to 
the Dumplings. The island of Rhode Island lost its insular charac- 
ter. Beaten paths were made over the ice from Newport to Wick- 
ford, East Greenwich and Providence. Loaded teams passed repeat- 
edly across Narragansett bay. The ground was covered with snow 
during the whole time, but not so deep as to obstruct the communi- 
cation between different towns. The intensity of the cold and its 
long continuance caused great distress among the poor. 

The " dark day," though not exclusively a local episode, is one 
that even in local connection is a matter of great interest, hence we 
speak of it here. It occurred in May, 1780. For several days prev- 
ious the atmosphere appeared to be charged with a dry, smoky vapor, 
so that the sun could be gazed upon with the naked eye without dis- 
comfort. At ten o'clock on the 19th the darkness had increased to 
such a degree as to impede the regular transaction of business. The 
darkness became thicker, until ordinary business was suspended, and 
candles were lighted. The height of the darkness was between half- 
past twelve and one o'clock. Fowls sought their roosts, cattle came 
up to their folds as at night, and indeed the phenomenon was that of 
night. Men stood appalled at the dread appearance. The busy hum 
of life was stilled, and all nature seemed to wait in dismay for further 
demonstrations of her approaching dissolution. Many supposed that 
the day of final judgment was at hand. The wind had been south- 
east, but at about one o'clock it changed to southwest, the darkness 
began gradually to diminish, and at two o'clock the atmosphere had 
the appearance of a cloudy morning. A very little rain fell in the 
morning before the wind changed. During the whole time the air 
had a sooty, smoky smell, which was also communicated to the rain 
water which had been saved. It was supposed by some that the 
strange phenomenon was caused by the overhanging of a great mass 
of smoke from vast forest fires that were a short time before raging 
in some parts of the country. The darkness extended over the 
greater part of New England and somewhat into the Middle states 
and Canada. 

A curious enactment of the town in 1795, in relation to smoking 



392 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

in the public streets, is copied here for preservation. It runs as fol- 
lows: "Whereas, great danger of fire in this town arises from a very 
improper practice of smoking pipes and segars in the public streets, 
it is therefore recommended, by the freemen of the town, in town 
meeting assembled, that the citizens wholly refrain from that prac- 
tice; nevertheless, it is not understood by these recommendations to 
prevent any among us, the young men or others, who ma} 7 be under 
the necessity on account of any grevious malady, from using the 
same by way of medicine." 

This reference to the public streets may suggest other improve- 
ments or attempts to improve the condition of the public streets — 
appearance, as well as safety — which may be mentioned here. About 
the year 1798 an attempt was made to beautify the streets by plant- 
ing trees along their borders. The Lombardy poplar had but recently 
been introduced into this country, and it became the popular, as well 
as poplar tree of the time. The tall and graceful appearance of the 
young trees, with their bright glossy leaves, in connection with the 
fact of their foreign origin, gained for them many ardent friends 
and admirers. Nurseries of young plants were assiduously culti- 
vated and offered for sale. The town embarked in the speculation 
and ordered a nursery to be set out on the Hospital land. The mania 
raged for several years, being, perhaps, second to the morns multi 
caulis mania of later times. But it was soon learned that the Lom- 
bardy poplar would not bear the rigors of our climate, and that its 
foliage had a disagreeable smell and furnished food for a loathsome 
and poisonous worm, and that the tree, from its tall and compact 
growth, afforded no shade, and was about worthless for timber. The 
period of its decadence rapidly followed, and the trees soon passed 
to the shades of neglect and destruction. 

Another matter pertaining to the streets, which we do not wish 
to omit, may be inserted in this connection. It is the origin of many 
of the names of the streets. This will be appreciated by all who 
have a fondness for searching into the meanings of names and the 
sources of things. Abbott's lane, named from the late Thomas Ab- 
bott or his ancestors. Aborn street, from James Aborn, who was for 
many years a lumber dealer and owned and occupied a house at the 
corner of Washington and Aborn streets. Adams street, probably 
from President John Adams. Allen's avenue, from Benjamin Allen, 
a large owner of real estate in that part of the city. Almy street, 
from William Almy, who was a Friend, and belonged to the firm of 
Almy & Brown, among the first cotton manufacturers of the state. 
Mr. Almy died in 1830, and after that several streets were laid out 
through the large landed property left by him on Federal hill, and 
these' streets bear the names of other prominent Friends, among 
them the names of Penn, Harkness, Meader and Tobey. Angell 
street, from James Angell, through whose land the street was opened 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 393 

by his executor. Anthony street, probably from Burrington Anth- 
ony, who lived in the vicinity. Arnold street, from the ancestors of 
Christopher Arnold, who owned the land through which the street 
runs. Atwell's avenue, from Amos Maine Atwell. Barker street, 
probably from Stephen Barker, who kept a grocery store on Atwell's 
avenue some half a century since. Bassett street, from Massa 
Bassett, who owned an estate on the corner of Chestnut and Bassett 
streets. Battey street, from Sheldon Battey, who resided at one time 
at 237 High street. Benevolent street, from the Congregational so- 
ciety of that name, whose house of worship is on the southwest 
corner. Beverly street, from George Beverly, an artist. Bourn 
street, probably from Judge Bourn. Bowen street, from Doctor Jos- 
eph Bowen, many years since a physician in Providence, who lived 
on the street near North Main. He was for some months a prisoner 
in the old Jersey prison ship. Bradford street, supposed to be from 
Governor Bradford. Bridgham street, from the late Hon. Samuel W. 
Bridgham, a highly distinguished and excellent man, the first mayor 
of Providence. Brown street, from John Brown, an eminent mer- 
chant of this town, distinguished for his enterprise and public spirit. 
He built and lived in the brick house, No. 31 Power street, afterward 
occupied by Professor William Gammell. Burges street, from Hon. 
Tristram Burges, formerly a large landholder in that vicinity. 
Burrill street, from the late Hon. James Burrill, Jr., one of the most 
distinguished citizens of the city, a senator in congress from Rhode 
Island. He died in 1821. Burr's lane, from Ezekiel Burr, who 
owned the estate on the corner, where he lived for many years. 
He died about forty years ago. Butler street, from the late 
Cyrus Butler, whose liberal benefactions to the hospital were 
acknowledged by giving his name to that institution. Cady 
street, from Jonathan Cady, an eccentric individual who for 
many years carried on the shoemaking business in what was 
then called Cady's lane. Camp street, formerly called Green lane, 
but was given its later name because of its proximity to the encamp- 
ing ground occupied by the French troops in Providence during the 
revolutionary war. Calender street, named from its proximity to the 
extensive works of the Providence Dyeing, Bleaching & Calendering 
Company. Canal street, so-called because of its nearness to the 
Blackstone canal. Cargill street, from John M. Cargill, who owned 
real estate upon it. Carpenter street, named in honor of Job Car- 
penter, who died in 1845, through whose land the street was opened. 
Carpenter's point, from Kinsley Carpenter, who lived to a very ad- 
vanced age. Charles street, from Charles Smith, a shoemaker, and an 
active politician, who owned real estate on the street. Charles Field 
street, from Charles Field, an early inhabitant of Providence, who 
died in 1749. Chestnut street, from a grove of chestnut trees through 
which the street was opened, in the first decade of the present cen- 



394 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tury. Clay street, supposed to have been named in honor of the 
great orator Henry Clay. Clifford street, from the Clifford family, 
who built the first house on the street. Codding street, from Henry 
Codding, aland owner and resident on the street when it was named. 
Conduit street, probably from its proximity to the fountain owned 
by the Aqueduct company at the time. Congdon street, from Jona- 
than Congdon, a Friend, who retained his faculties until nearly a 
century of age. Cooke street, from Governor Nicholas Cooke, 
through whose land the street was laid out. Crary avenue, from 
Alexander Crary, a colonel in the revolutionary war, who command- 
ed a regiment of Rhode Island troops. Creighton street, from the 
late Commodore John Orde Creighton. dishing street, from Daniel 
C. Cushing, who built and occupied the house on the corner of 
Gushing and Congdon streets. Davis street, from Sturgis Davis, 
once a jeweller in this city. Dean street, from the late Calvin Dean, 
a benevolent and worthy man, who died about 1857, leaving several 
thousand dollars to religions and charitable objects. Delaine street, 
from the extensive delaine factory in Olneyville. Dexter street, 
from Ebenezer Knight Dexter, a distinguished benefactor of Provi- 
dence, his native town, to whom he left the bulk of his property, esti- 
mated at the time at about $50,000. His wife was a daughter of the 
late Judge Howell. Mr. Dexter was United States marshall during 
the war of 1812. He died in 1824, leaving no children. Dorrance 
street, from Judge John Dorrance, formerly president of the town 
council, and for many years intimately associated with the municipal 
affairs of the town. Dwight street, from Gamaliel Lyman Dwight, 
St., once a dry goods dealer in Providence, who married a daughter 
of Judge Howell, and died in Kentucky, in 1823. Dyer street, from 
the late Doctor Benjamin Dyer, a man of great enterprise and public 
spirit, who projected and successfully accomplished the filling in of 
what was then called the new land, embracing about twenty-seven 
acres, from Eddy's point to Weybosset street. The work was begun 
in 1815, and completed in 1817. Earl's lane, from Captain Thomas 
Earl, an early resident there. Eddy street and Eddy's point, from 
Joseph and Barnard Eddy, who were among the first settlers in that 
part of the town, where for many years ship-building was extensively 
prosecuted. Eutaw street, supposed to be from Eutaw, South Caro- 
lina, at which place the Rhode Island troops, under General Greene, 
greatly distinguished themselves. Federal Hill, so called since the 
adoption of the Federal Constitution. Fenner street, from Joseph 
J. Fenner, a stone cutter, whose shop was near the junction of High 
and Fenner streets. Foster street, supposed to be from the Hon. 
Theodore Foster, one of the first United States senators from this 
state. Fox point, from the tradition that in the early years of the 
settlement a fox swam across the river at this place. Francis street, 
from the Hon. John B. Francis, an extensive landholder in this part 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 395' 

of the city. Fulton street, probably in honor of the distinguished 
inventor, to whose invention the prosperit)^ of Providence owed so 
much for its steamboats. Gaspee street, from the name of the Eng- 
lish armed schooner which was destroyed in the bay by a party from 
this town in the spring of 1772. Gould's lane, from Jacob C. Gould,, 
a well known constable of the town, who died about forty years ago. 
Governor street, from the early and distinguished Governors Arthur 
and James Fenner, who owned land through which the street runs,. 
the land being then known as the " What Cheer" lot, the immortal 
meeting of Williams and the Indians being upon it. Graves' lane r 
from one Graves who owned an estate there. Greenwich street,, 
formerly called Greenwich road or the middle road to East Green- 
wich. Grove street, probably from a pine grove in the vicinity.. 
Halsey street, from Thomas Lloyd Halsey, St., for many years 
a citizen here, who died about 1856. Hammond street, proba- 
bly from Deacon James Hammond, an eccentric but well meaning 
man who was for many years town sergeant of Providence, and. 
died in 1831, at the age of 80 years. Harding's alley, from the Hard- 
ing family, for many years residents there. Harrison street, sup- 
posed to be in honor of the lamented President William Henry Har- 
rison. Hawes street, perhaps in honor of the late General Joseph 
Hawes, who resided on or near this street. Hewes street, from Doc- 
tor Joseph Hewes, a physician who lived on the corner of this street 
in the early part of the century. Holden street, from Thomas R. 
Holden, a worthy citizen, an alderman, and a landholder on Smith's 
hill, who died about 1850. Helme street, from Benoni Helme, form- 
erly a paper manufacturer here. Hopkins street, from Governor 
Stephen Hopkins, who in 1780 lived on the corner of this street and 
South Main, and there entertained General Washington at the time 
of his visit in that year. Howard street, from William A. Howard,, 
a large landowner on the street. Howell street, from the late David 
Howell, LL.D., a prominent man twice elected to congress from this 
state. He died in 1825. Howland street, from the late John How- 
land, a worthy and public spirited citizen of Providence, who was 
largely identified with educational and other enterprises for the im- 
provement of society. Hoppin street, from B. & T. C. Hoppin, 
formerly distinguished auctioneers and commission merchants of 
this town. Hoyle street, from Doctor Thomas Hoyle, many years 
since an inn-keeper at the junction of High and Cranston streets. 
India street and India point, so called from the fact that ships were 
formerly fitted out at the wharves there on voyages to the Indies. 
Ives street, from Thomas Poynton Ives, of the firm of Brown & Ives, 
a well known firm of merchants in past years. Jefferson street, from 
the great statesman Thomas Jefferson. Jenckes street, from Joseph 
Jenckes, through whose land the street is laid out. He was for many 
years prominent in town affairs. Kinyon street, from Stephen C. 



396 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Kinyon, once a large proprietor of real estate in that vicinity. 
Knight street, from Deacon Ebenezer Knight, the first country mer- 
chant on High street. Knowles street, from Edward P. Knowles, 
mayor of the city in 1854, or his ancestors. Lake street, from Laban 
Lake, a blacksmith, an old inhabitant many years ago, who owned 
real estate on the street. Lester's avenue, from John G. Lester. 
Linard street, from Peter Linard, of the firm of Linard & Duval, who 
were the first confectioners in Providence. Lockwood street, from 
Benoni Lockwood, a land surveyor in this city, who died about forty 
years ago. McNeal lane, from John McNeal, a baker, or his ances- 
tors, who lived there. Magee street, from Captain William F. Ma- 
o-ee, who commanded an India merchant vessel. He died in China 
about 1825. Manchester street, from Captain Isaac Manchester, a 
large proprietor of real estate in the neighborhood. Manning street, 
from Reverend James Manning, LL.D., the first president of Brown 
University., and a representative in congress from this state. Marion 
street, supposed to be in respect to General Francis Marion, of revo- 
lutionary fame. Marshall street, from Hon. John Marshall, of the 
United States Supreme Court. Mason street, from the late James B. 
Mason, who was at one time a member of congress from this state. 
Mathewson street, from the late John Mathewson and his ancestors, 
whose immense landed property made them wealthy. Messer street, 
from Reverend Asa Messer, LL.D., a president of Brown University, 
who died in 1836. Morris street, from the late William Morris or his 
ancestors, who owned real estate there for many years. Moulton 
street, from Sullivan Moulton, formerly a dry goods dealer in this 
city. Mumford street, from Henry G. Mumford, for many years a 
surveyor of highways. Nash's lane, from John Nash, many years 
since a manufacturer of soap and candles in that locality. Oliver 
street, from the late Oliver Carpenter, who, with his wife, was a 
large landholder in the vicinity. Olney street, from Colonel Jeremiah 
Olney, a distinguished officer in the revolutionary war, and who re- 
sided on this street. He was appointed by General Washington, 
when president, the first collector of the port of Providence, which 
office he held until the embargo law of 1808 was passed, when he re- 
signed. Orms street, from Colonel Orme, through whose land the 
street was opened. Page street, probably from Benjamin Page, whose 
estate was upon the corner of Potter and Broad streets. Parade 
street, from land given to the town by the late benefactor, E. K. Dex- 
ter, who directed that the land should be forever used as a public 
parade ground. Parker street, from Thomas M. Parker, a chair manu- 
facturer. Parsonage street, from proximity to the parsonage for 
many years occupied by Reverend James Wilson, a well known pas- 
tor of the Benevolent Congregational church. Peck street and Peck's 
wharf, from the late Lewis Peck, a wealthy hardware merchant, who 
lived on the corner of Weybosset and Peek streets. Perkins street, 



\ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 397 

from Stillman Perkins, formerly a member of the New England Butt 
Company. Perry street, from Commodore Perry. Pettis street, 
probably from the late Captain James Pettis. Phillips street, 
from Reverend William Phillips. Pierce street, from Thomas 
Pierce, who owned property near by. Pitman street, from Hon. 
John Pitman, United States District Judge. Pike street, from 
Asa and Jonathan Pike, extensive lumber and coal dealers in 
that vicinity. Polk street, from President Polk. Pond street, 
from the ponds which formerly existed in its neighborhood, many 
of which, because of the advance in value, have been filled up. 
Potter's avenue, from the late Charles Potter, a large land holder in 
the vicinity. Potter street, from Phinehas Potter, an alderman of the 
city, who owned and occupied the estate at No. 124 Broad street. 
Power street, from the ancestors of the late Nicholas Power, for 
many years a merchant of this town and a member of the firm of 
Blodget & Power. Pratt street, from Peter Pratt, a counsellor of ex- 
tensive practice, and at one time a representative in general assem- 
bly, who lived on this street. Prince street, from Orland W. Prince. 
Randall street, from Doctor Stephen Randall, who owned property 
and lived near the junction of North Main and Randall streets. 
Richmond street, from Colonel Barzillai Richmond, father of Wil- 
liam Richmond, who with others laid out the street over what was 
then called Cow-pen point, to Ship street, from which point it was 
afterward extended. Ridge street, so named from its location on the 
ridge of land which slopes either way from it. Sabin street, from 
James Sabin, who lived somewhere in the vicinity. Saunders street, 
from Arnold Saunders, who owned real estate there. Scott street, 
from the late Asa Scott, who for many years resided upon it. Sekell 
street, from the Sekell family, several of whom for many years owned 
real estate and resided in that neighborhood. Shamrock street, from 
the great number of Irish people and other foreigners residing upon 
it. Smith street and Smith's hill, from Colonel Henry Smith, at one 
time a prominent politician. Stewart street, probably from Archi- 
bald Stewart, a Scotchman, once a merchant of Providence. Snow 
street, from Reverend Joseph Snow, Jr., pastor of the Beneficent 
Congregational church, and afterward of the Richmond Street 
church. He died in the year 1803, in the 89th year of his age. Spen- 
cer street, probably from the late Christopher V. Spencer, who owned 
land in the vicinity. Stampers' street, from Stampers' hill, where it 
is said a party of the early settlers, by running and stamping and 
like violent demonstrations, frightened away a party of hostile In- 
dians who were skulking near. The name "Stampers" has ever 
since attached itself to the locality. Thatch street, from the thatch 
beds abounding in its vicinity. Thayer street, from Doctor William 
Thayer, an active and prominent citizen of Providence three-quarters 
of a century ago. Thomas street, probably from Thomas Angell, 



398 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

who was a large owner of real estate in the vicinity. Throop alley, 
from Doctor Amos Throop, who about seventy-five years ago occu- 
pied the mansion house afterward occupied by Zachariah Allen, No. 
97 North Main street. Thurber's lane, from the late Samuel Thur- 
ber, a worthy citizen of Providence, a paper maker, who died about 
forty years since, at an advanced age. Transit street took its name 
from the circumstance that the transit of Venus was observed from a 
temporary observatory erected on this street, June 3d, 1769, by Doc- 
tor Benjamin West, Joseph Brown and other distinguished and sci- 
entific gentlemen. Trenton street, probably from the battle field of 
Trenton, N. J. Walling street, from Henry F. Walling, a civil en- 
gineer. Walker street, from Ephraim Walker, an early inhabitant 
•of the town, who built and occupied the three-story house at the cor- 
ner of Westminster and Walker streets. Ward street, probably from 
Henry Ward, at one time secretary of state. Waterman street, from 
the late Nathan Waterman, or his ancestors, who w T ere among the 
first settlers of the town. Wayland street, from Doctor Francis Way- 
land. Westminster street, probably from the street of that name in 
London. Weybosset street, said to be named from Weybosset hill, a 
name given by the Indians to a hill which rose near the junction now 
known as Turk's head. The land at that spot was owned by the 
father of the late Jacob Whitman, an active merchant of Providence 
about seventy-five years since. Wheaton street, from the late Doctor 
Levi Wheaton, a distinguished physician of this city a half century 
since. Williams street, from Roger Williams, whose six-acre lot ad- 
joins it. Whipple street, from the Hon. John Whipple. Wickenden 
street, from Reverend William Wickenden, one of the early pastors 
of the First Baptist church in this town. Wilson street, from Rev- 
erend James Wilson, for thirty-five years pastor of the Beneficent 
Congregational church, and who died in ]839, in the 80th year of 
his age. 

That a considerable part of the ground upon which many of the 
streets in the business part of the city are built was once flowed by 
the tide has already been hinted at. Mention has been made of 
some of the streets on the east side of the river that have been re- 
claimed from the water. On the west side the original shore line 
described many coves and indentations which have been obliterated 
by the process of filling in. Beginning at the railroad depot, we may 
notice that all that great structure stands where in primitive days 
fishes swam, boats sailed and several feet of tide water flowed. The 
shore line from the northwest swept around a curve about where the 
soldiers' monument now stands, and struck the line of buildings 
fronting on Exchange place, about where the palatial front of Butler 
Exchange now rears its iron columns and pilasters in conspicuous 
relief. Trending here a little to the south of east, it followed a line 
nearly straight to about the corner of Washington row and West- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 399 

minster street. Thus all the space from the city hall across to and 
beyond Canal street was open water, while the eastern third of the 
"blocks facing Exchange place was land under water. At the foot of 
Westminster street the land made something of a point into the 
river, the shore receding again after passing the point already spoken 
of at the corner of Washington row. The trend was then south- 
westerly, cutting through nearly the middle of all the blocks on the 
south side of Weybosset, and running nearly parallel with the 
•course of that street till it passed Orange street. A sharp indenta- 
tion was then described, reaching to Weybosset street, where Dorr- 
ance street now is, so that all of Dorrance street that extends below 
Weybosset is built on land once under water. From that point the 
shore line again pushed outward in a southerly direction until it 
passed Pine street, when it made an angle to the westward, and fol- 
lowed the course of that street and a little to the southeast of it until 
Richmond street was reached. Following nearly on the west line of 
that street until some distance beyond Clifford street, it swept around 
to the eastward and crossed Eddy street, making a point and takirg 
a southerly course just before reaching Dyer, which street it crossed 
in a diagonal line. It then ran nearly parallel with Eddy street, a 
short distance below it, until it had crossed South street. It then 
took a southwesterly course, crossing diagonally Eddy, between 
South and Point; Richmond, at the crossing of Point; Chestnut, be- 
tween Point and Manchester; Parsonage, at the corner of Lake, and 
Hospital, at the junction of Manchester place. Just beyond the 
crossing of Hospital and Langley streets it reached the head of a 
•cove, and thence returning southeasterly made a curve, crossing 
Eddy, Crary, Allen's avenue and Henderson street, and so back again 
across Eddy, in the vicinity of the Rhode Island Hospital. 

Before dismissing this general review of the city in the past we 
wish to present a picture of Providence, in regard toits material and 
industrial condition especially, as afforded by statements made about 
the year 1846. A writer at that time said: "The great changes 
wrought have been effected within the last twenty years. About 
that time past our population was 15,000; now it is not far from 
40,000. Then about $20,000 was raised by taxes; this year the sum 
will be $125,000; then our bank capital was about one million and a 
half, now it is nearly eight millions; then $3,000 were expended for 
the public instruction of 800 children; during the last year, according 
to the mayor's address, the average number taught in our public 
schools was 5,227, at an expense to the city of $23,288. Land which 
was then seldom bought in less quantity than acres now brings 
handsome prices when divided into small house lots. And if the 
same progress in population, business and wealth shall be made for 
the coming twenty years, those who are now purchasing, at evening 
auctions, building lots in ' Potter's Woods,' instead of being laughed 



400 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

at for their folly, will be found to have made investments not less re- 
munerative than those of the sagacious gentlemen who were inter- 
ested in the celebrated ' Field Purchase.' 

At that time, 1846, there were established in the city manufactures 
of cotton and woolen cloths, dyeing and bleaching and print works, 
wood screws, stoves, ^team engines, railroad iron, wire, edge tools, 
bolts, rubber shoes, lacings, lumber, soap and candles, engraving, 
butt hinges, brass ware, weavers' reeds, cotton and woolen machin- 
ery, and jewelry. These various manufactures employed upwards of 
five thousand hands. Sixty-five- steam engines were employed in 
furnishing power for the work. During that year 518 buildings were 
erected in the city, 333 of which were dwelling houses. Among the 
important importations during that year were: 25,996,650 feet of 
lumber, 725,782 bushels of corn, 92,786 barrels of flour, 61,766 bales 
of cotton, 70.384 tons of coal, 1,700 tons of bar iron, 14.000 tons of 
pig iron and blooms, 130 tons of cast and German steel, 95,067 bush- 
els of oats and 5,379 bushels of rye. 

Returning now to a review of the city at the present time, we may 
say that during the past quarter of a century Providence has under- 
gone many important changes in its material aspects. And in no other 
particular is this more emphatically true than with reference to its 
street arrangements and buildings. Old, low-browed, dingy struc- 
tures that once lined its principal thoroughfares, have to a large ex- 
tent disappeared and in their places may be seen substantial build- 
ings of brick, stone and iron, that bear evidence of the increasing 
wealth and prosperity of the city, and in most instances to its more 
cultured and refined architectural tastes. The city has now some 
1,300 streets, well paved, and for the most part lighted at night. 
They are generally narrow, and extremely irregular in course, and 
short in length. This condition accounts for the great number of 
them, which will probably exceed that of any other city in the 
United States. The chief streets in the center of the city radiate 
from Market square. The principal business streets are Westmins- 
ter, Weybosset, High, Broad, North Main, South Main and Dorrance. 
On the east side, Benefit, Hope, Cooke, Waterman, Angell and other 
streets contain many fine private residences. On the west side Elm- 
wood, Broadway, and parts of Cranston, High and Washington 
streets also present many attractive residences. The streets of 
Providence aggregate in length a distance of some six hundred miles. 
Several fine bridges span the river, one of which, and the oldest, 
called Great bridge or Weybosset bridge is handsomely paved and 
of great width. The first frail bridge on this site was thrown across 
the river in 1660, repaired by Roger Williams in 1668, and afterward 
swept away by a freshet about 1719. A second bridge was built, but 
this was destroyed by a freshet and gale in 1761. A third, which 
was eighteen feet wide, was erected by a grant of £1,000 from the 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 401 

general assembly, and the avails of a lottery for the draw. The fine 
bridges south of Weybosset — Crawford Street bridge and Point Street 
bridge — are of late construction. The latter was opened in October, 
1872. It is a fine iron structure, with a steam draw, spanning the 
river about half a mile below Weybosset bridge. It is 548 feet long, 
and its construction cost $150,000. Washington bridge crosses See- 
konk river at India point, and is supposed to have derived its name 
from a wooden statue of Washington that adorned a bridge occu- 
pying this site, which was built by John Brown in 1793. The bridge 
and statue were carried away by a freshet in 1807. It was replaced 
by another having a draw 38 feet wide. The present structure was 
built mostly in 1886, and was opened for travel February 12th, 1887. 
Central bridge, more familiarly known as Red bridge, crosses the 
Seekonk about three-fourths of a mile above the last mentioned. It 
is an iron bridge, 390 feet in length, and the present structure was 
erected in 1872, superseding a plain wooden one which was also 
painted red, and had stood for many years. Besides these there are 
some thirty-four other public bridges in the city. The first bridge 
over the Moshassuck was erected in 1662, near the dwelling house of 
Thomas Olney, Jr., under Stampers' hill. It was near the present 
Mill Street bridge. The Muddy Brook bridge connected the Wey- 
bosset peninsula with the main land. It was near the present cros- 
sing of Weybosset and Dorrance streets. Many of the streets have 
curious Indian names, and others have names that suggest the kindly 
and hospitable sentiments of the early inhabitants, being given in 
respect to many desirable virtues. A noticeable feature of the 
streets is their cleanliness. Under the direction of an efficient and 
vigilant official superintendence the principal thoroughfares are 
swept and washed, and nearly all the streets are kept in good order. 

The city is claimed to be, and doubtless is, one of the very health- 
iest as well as one of the most beautiful cities in the Union. Instead 
of lying on a dead level plain, it rises in gentle acclivities in 
every direction; is pleasingly diversified by hill and valley; is 
finely divided by the river on which it was originally settled, 
and' has near its center a water area, known as the Cove Basin, 
into which the tide regularly ebbs and flows, it being the real 
head of the western arm of Narragansett bay. The move- 
ment of the water by tidal action carries away the accumulations 
which might otherwise become noisome and unhealthy. The eleva- 
tions of the surface reach the height of 78 feet on the west side and 
204 feet on the east side. It is in truth a naturally well drained 
city, but within recent years a complete system of sewerage has been 
adopted and constructed at great expense, and an abundant supply 
of very pure, soft water has been obtained and introduced, at con- 
siderable cost, from Pawtuxet river. 

In 1840, half a century ago, the expenses of the city were annually 
26 



402 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

as follows: For public schools, in addition to the amount received from 
the state, $13,000; support of poor, in addition to income from Dexter 
donation fund, $5,500; interest on the city debt, $12,500; fire depart- 
ment, $4,500; for highways, including surveys and paving, $12,000; 
for the city watch, $5,500; for lighting streets, $2,500; for salaries, 
$4,365; for police, public buildings, pumps, etc., $2,000; for contingen- 
cies and miscellaneous, $4,000; total expenses for the year, $65,865. 
The city debt then amounted to $232,379.92, which bore interest, 
part at 5 and part at 6 per cent. The population then was 23,172. 
The expenses of the city government for similar items for the year 
ending September, 1888, were: for public schools, $262,895.22; support 
of the poor, $12,479.49; interest on the city debt, $479,803.82; fire de- 
partment, $146,917.89; highways, including sidewalks and curbing, 
$226,689.97; police department, $236,690.79; lamp department, $142,- 
177.81; for salaries, $68,485.86; for public buildings, including city 
hall and asylums, $83,411.13; for contingencies, $53,141.06; total 
expenses for the year, $2,544,846.75. The city debt, September 30th, 
1888, was $10,005,417.40; of which $8,974,688.22 was secured by bonds 
and the balance was floating. 

The Brook Street district is a section of the city bounded by Trav- 
erse street on the west, Wickenden and Bower streets on the north, 
vSeekonk river on the east, and India street on the south, which was 
taken by the city, under an act of the general assembly passed at its 
January session, 1873, for the purposes of grading and draining it 
and other portions of the city. This section was a rough elevation, 
occupied by unsightly tenements, and stood in the way of the desired 
improvement and drainage of surrounding property. At the Janu- 
ary session of the general assembly in 18S2, an act was passed author- 
izing the city to sell and convey any of the land so taken under the 
previous act. Since the passage of this act a large portion of the 
buildings and land has been disposed of, the ground having been 
handsomely graded and sewered. The amount paid for land and 
buildings was $969,898.21; of which there has been returned in sales 
and rents $427,350.72. The cost of grading was about $130,000. The 
net expense of the district to the city, excepting interest on loans, 
up to September 30th, 1888, was $857,412.48. The neat public square 
known as Tockwotten Park is in this district. It commands a fine 
view down the bay. 

The amount required for public charity in this city is very small 
for the size of the city. During the year 1888 the entire expenditures 
of the overseer of the poor were $12,526.04. The number of poor 
persons helped by the department each year since 1882 was: 1882, 
1,903; 1883,2,104; 1884, 2,813; 1885, 2,290; 1886, 2,175; 1887, 2,369; 
1888, 2,107. A wood yard, in which men are given temporary labor 
to enable them to earn the means of helping themselves for the time 
being, is maintained. Since its establishment in 1878 it has received 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 403 

lodgers during each year as follows: 1878, 1,266; 1879, 1,143; 1880, 
634; 1881, 603; 1882, 1,135; 1883, 1,205; 1884,1,498; 1885, 1,352; 1886, 
1,886; 1887, 1,464; 1888, 1,710. 

Various efforts have been made, beginning with the very early 
years of the settlement, to preserve a complete and accurate record 
of vital statistics. The year following the settlement by Roger Wil- 
liams, that is in 1637, the town records were commenced. The first 
and second volumes of these records contain the records of town 
meetings, deeds of land, marriages, births and deaths, and other 
transactions and events, extending from the date mentioned to the 
year 1731, the arrangement, however, being much confused as to 
chronological order. From these volumes we learn that the first 
birth thus officially recorded was that of Stephen, the son of Gregory 
Dexter and Abigail, his wife, the said Stephen having been born the 
" first day of the 9th M., 1647." On the next page follow the names 
of the children of Roger Williams and Mary, his wife, as follows: 
Mary, born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the first week in August, 
1633; second, Freeborn, born in Salem, "The latter end of October, 
1635;" third. Providence, the first white child ever born in the town 
which has ever since borne the name, was born in " the latter end of 
the month September, 1638;" fourth, Mercy, born in Providence, 
"about the 15th of July, 1640;" the fifth, Daniel, was born " about 
the 15th of February, 1641-2;" and sixth, Joseph, was born "about the 
beginning of the 10th month, December, 1643." 

The first record of a death to be found in these old volumes is as 
follows: " Nicholas Power, inhabitant of this town, deceased this life 
the 25th of August, 1657." "The custom of recording "Intentions 
of Marriage " is by no means a recent invention. Records of this 
kind begin as early as October 27th, 1660. The social guardians at 
that early period wisely determined that marriage obligations should 
not be hastily assumed. To make the matter more sure these " In- 
tentions" were required to be twice recorded. The first record of 
this kind, the date of which has already been given, is as follows: 
i- John Steere hath this day declared his intention of Marriage with 
Hannah Wickenden." A few years later came the custom of not only 
recording but publishing marriage intentions, by posting the an- 
nouncement in a public place in the town. The publication require- 
ment was continued until a comparatively recent date. The first 
record of a marriage thus officially preserved is as follows: "Stephen 
Seebere & Deborah Angell were according to the laudable custom & 
law of the Colony married by me this fourteenth of November, Anno, 
1668, John Greene, Assistant in Providence." Up to the year 1731 
there are recorded 395 births, 90 marriages and 31 deaths. But these 
numbers are doubtless far below the actual facts. Efforts were fre- 
quently made to secure more perfect compliance with the laws in 



404 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

regard to?returns of vital statistics, but for many years those efforts 
were a partial failure. 

The first volume exclusively devoted to births, marriages and 
deaths, was begun in 1713 and it lasted until 1765, with meanwhile a 
considerable degree of irregularity. It contains, however, the records 
of 794 births, 705 marriages and 35 deaths. The second volume ex- 
tends from 1765 to 1825, and contains the records of 1,466 births, 318 
marriages and 283 deaths. The third volume reached from 1825 to 
1843, and contains the record of 321 births, 779 marriages and 43 
deaths. Volume four, extending from 1843 to 1849, contains 80 
births, 1,432 marriages, and only four deaths. Volume five, extend- 
ing from March, 1849, to June, 1850, ended that series of records, and 
after that a new system was inaugurated, in which the various records 
were kept in different books. 

After the creation of the office of city registrar, which began July 
1st, 1855, it was found that various churches in the city had records 
of marriages and a few births and deaths, which had never been 
placed upon the city records. These various records were obtained 
by Doctor Snow, then city registrar, and were copied in the fifth 
volume. The records thus gathered contained the names of 1,196 
children born, 8,159 persons married, and 1,255 deaths. The act 
establishing the office of city registrar was passed at the May ses- 
sion of the assembly, 1855. It went into operation on the first day 
of July, of that year. The first incumbent of the office was Edwin 
M. Snow, M.D., whose efficient conduct of the office secured his con- 
tinuance in it for a long term of years. The books beginning soon 
after the opening of the office up to the present time show about 
eighty thousand births, sixty-seven thousand persons married, and 
seventy-three thousand deaths. 

During the year 1888 there were 3,131 births in the city, which 
was an increase of 168 over the number for the previous year. 
The population of Providence at this time was estimated in official 
reports at 123,000. The number of births was about equally divided 
between the sexes. Statistics during thirty-three years show that 
of the total number of children born, 37,271 were males and 35,231 
were females. The number of colored children born here in 1888 
was 124. The colored population of the city is about 4.000. Of the 
births in 1888, 1,243 were of American parentage and 1,273 were 
of foreign parentage, of which the predominating nationality was 
Irish, there being 547 of Irish parentage, 288 of English, Scotch 
and Welsh, 121 of British American, and the balance distributed 
among the Italian, German, Swedish, Portugese and other nation- 
alities. The average number of children to each mother during 
thirty-four years has been about three and two-thirds. During that 
period— 1856 to 188S— there were 860 cases of plurality births in 
the city, of which 850 were of twins, nine were of triplets, and one 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 405 

was a case of quadruplets — four boys. In the latter case, a very- 
unusual one, the father was an American and the mother British 
American. 

The number of marriages in Providence during the year 1888 was 
1,349, being an increase of 13 over the number for the previous year. 
Of these 640 were cases in which both parties were natives of the 
United States, and the remainder of mixed or foreign nativity. These 
marriages were conducted in ceremony by clergymen or officials as 
follows: Roman Catholic, 539; Baptist, 179; Free Baptist, 48; Metho- 
dist, 153; Episcopalian, 165; Congregational, 103; Unitarian, 26; Uni- 
versalist, 31; Presbyterian, 15; United Presbyterian, 14; Evangelical 
Advent, 7; Advent Christian, 2; Christian, 34; Hebrew, 11; Latter 
Day Saints, 2; New Jerusalem. 2; Free Religions, 1; Disciples of 
Christ, 2; Church of Jesus Christ, 2; denominations not specified, 9; 
judge of the supreme court, 4. Of the persons married 1,563 were 
natives of the United States and 1,135 were born in foreign countries. 
During the year 1888 there were 2,608 deaths in the city of Provi- 
dence, being four less than in the previous year. During the thirty- 
three years then completed the average annual rate of mortality was 
one death to 50.86 of the population, or 19.66 deaths in each 1,000. Of 
all the causes of these deaths consumption was the most frequent, 
nearly fourteen per cent, of the deaths in 1888 being from that cause 
alone. The number of deaths from some of the most frequent causes 
during the year was as follows: Cholera infantum, 127; consumption, 
359; diphtheria, 98; typhoid fever, 103; diseases of the heart, 203; 
pneumonia, 208. 

During the year 1888 there were erected in the city 372 dwelling 
houses, at an aggregate cost of $1,214,100; 17 manufactories and 
workshops, at a cost of $357,825; IS office and business buildings, 
costing $286,800; 3 public municipal buildings, costing $40,000; 4 
public assembly buildings, at a cost of $12,100; two school houses, 
costing $52,000; 8 stores, at a cost of $1,975; 13 store-houses, at a cost 
of $16,275, and 13 other buildings, at a cost of $44,705, making a grand 
total of 450 new buildings, valued at $2,025,7S0; to which may be 
added additions and alterations of other buildings, the total number 
of which was 167, and the cost $130,770, making a total value of 
$2,156,550 as the year's work in building up the city. 

The lighting of the public streets of the city is accomplished by 
2,590 gas lamps, 1,010 naptha lamps, 608 gasoline lamps and 236 elec- 
tric lamps. In charge of these lights the city employs 67 men; pays 
for gas $60,549.30; for electric lights, $40,746.84, and for all expenses 
of lights a total annual sum of $144,016.98. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PROVIDENCE CITY— PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND WATER WORKS. 



The Old State House.— Providence County Court House.— The City Hall.— The Old 
Market House. — The Custom House. — The Old State Prison. — The Old Arsenal. — 
Public Water Works. — Sockanosset Reservoir. — Pettaconset Pumping Station. — 
Hope Reservoir and Pumping Station. — The High Service. — Fruit Hill Reservoir. — 
The Sewerage System. 



IN its public buildings Providence can boast of the finest in the 
state, as well as some of honorable antiquity. One of the most 
interesting buildings in the city, frcm a historical point of view, 
is the old state house, which was also for many years used as a court 
house. It occupies the former site of the old colony house, which was 
burned in 1758, the site being a very pleasant one, on a slope upward 
to the east from North Main street, and extending to Benefit street. 
The erection of this building was begun in 1759 and completed in 
1762. It is a plain, two-story building of painted brick walls, and its 
sober architecture tells us of the sober and practical times in which 
it was built. Its walls look substantial, and are trimmed with stone 
facings. Its size on the ground is about 40 by 70 feet. The old 
colony house, which preceded it on the site, was built in 1731. The 
present building was more generally known as the court house, origi- 
nally from the fact that the colony legislature was called the general 
court, and latterly from the fact that it was used as a place for hold- 
ing courts of law. This use of it continued until the year 1877, when 
the new court house was ready for occupancy. The erecticn of the 
old state house cost ,£51,556, Os., lid., " old tenor." Notable scenes 
have occurred within its walls. The house is indeed redolent with 
revolutionary memories, and these are suggested by the cannon, 
one on either side of the walk as you approach the main entrance. 
From its balcony the declaration of independence was read, and seven 
years later the proclamation of peace, while to both these documents 
the shouts of an enthusiastic populace assembled in front answered 
loud and long. In this house President Washington was officially 
received in August, 1790, and it was on the steps of the front en- 
trance that Lafayette, amid the throngs of spectators who cheered 
him as he passed up the walk between two lines of white-robed, 
flower-wreathed young ladies, met his old comrade in arms, Colonel 
Stephen Olney, and embraced him in such sympathetic greeting as 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 407 

to move the hearts of all spectators of the scene. While the short 
May session of the assembly is held at Newport, the long session of 
January is held here. In 1881 the interior was remodelled and hand- 
somely fitted up. The first floor contains the hall of representatives, 
the second the senate chamber, office of the secretary of state, the 
state library and governor's room. Among the interesting relics of 
the past that may be seen here are a collection of battle-flags, 24 
vState flags, 35 guidons and tw^o revolutionary standards, represent- 
ing all the military organizations of the state exceptirg the 9th and 
10th Infantry Regiments. Portraits in oil adorn the walls of the 
rooms, among which are those of ex-governors and other notables, 
and in the secretary of state's room may be seen a celebrated full- 
length portrait of Washington by Gilbert Stuart. Here are also pre- 
served the " Gaspee " commission, the state charter of 1663, under 
which the commonwealth was governed until 1842, and the deed of 
the state house lot. 

The Providence County court house, one of the most elegant 
buildings, in architectural proportions, design and finish, to be found 
in New England, is located at the corner of College and Benefit 
streets. It occupies what w r as formerly known as the old town house 
lot, a site which has been used in part for public purposes for nearly 
a century. The land was condemned and taken for public use as a 
site for a court house by act of the general assembly passed March 
9th, 1875. On the following day Messrs. Amasa S. Westcott, Edwin 
Darling and Thomas P. Shepard were elected commissioners to build 
a new court house on the site, and instructed to report plans and 
estimates at the same session. This being done they were, on the 
30th of the same month, authorized to proceed and empowered to 
build the court house substantially according to the plans submitted. 
Ground for the building was broken July 30th, 1875. The corner 
stone was laid amid imposing ceremonies, conducted by the Grand 
Lodge of Masons, May 15th, 1876, an oration on the occasion being 
delivered by Hon. John H. Stiness. The building having been ccm- 
pleted, was appropriately dedicated December 18th, 1877. At the 
dedicatory exercises a large audience was present, embracing the 
members of the general assembly, the bar, and other gentlemen 
prominent in public and private business life. At the close of an ad- 
dress by Hon. Amasa S. Westcott, chairman of the building commis- 
sion, he delivered the keys to Governor Van Zandt, who, after re- 
sponsive remarks, handed them to Christopher Holden, Esq., sheriff 
of the county, who received them with appropriate remarks; a dedi- 
catory prayer was offered by Right Reverend Thomas M. Clark, 
bishop of the diocese of Rhode Island; and Hon. Thomas Durfee, 
chief justice of the supreme court, pronounced an oration. This 
was followed by an address from Hon. Abraham Payne, a collation 
and post-prandial remarks by Governor Van Zandt, Hon. George A. 



408 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Brayton, ex-chief justice, Hon. Zachariah Allen, Bishop Clark, Sena- 
tors Henry B. Anthony and A. E. Burnside, James C. Collins, Esq., 
Nicholas Van Slyck, Esq., and General George Lewis Cooke. 

The edifice is large and lofty, of a somewhat irregular but unique 
and impressive style of architecture, of the modern Gothic order. 
Several kinds of stone and brick, such as Quincy granite, Connecti- 
cut brown stone, Danvers face brick, dressed brown stone, polished 
granite, etc., have been used with very fine effect in its exterior walls 
and trimmings, and from the front, on Benefit street, rises a majestic 
tower, from the upper windows of which an extensive view is ob- 
tained of the city and its surroundings, and of the harbor and bay. 
The edifice is exceedingly well constructed for all the purposes for 
which it was designed, and great attention has been paid to warming, 
light and ventilation. A first-class clock, said to be one of the finest 
in the country, has been placed in the tower, at a cost of $1,800, and 
electric time dials are found in all the important rooms of the build- 
ing. The clock tower is 200 feet high. About the building much 
carving is noticeable, particularly upon the corbel of the oriel win- 
dow on College street,.facing Market Square, and around the capitals 
of the polished granite columns at the porches. The interior of the 
building is handsomely fitted up, and comprises rooms for the com- 
mon pleas and supreme courts, offices of the judges, clerks of the 
courts and other county officers, waiting rooms and other apartments. 
On the second floor is a law library, ceiled throughout, and capable 
of accommodating 50,000 volumes. The cost of the building, includ- 
ing furniture, was $253,253.70. To this add the cost of the land, and 
the entire expense is swelled to about $400,000. 

It would be an exhibition of base ingratitude, and as unnatural as 
base, were the people of Providence not proud of their city hall. It 
is indeed the finest and most imposing building in the city. Nor 
can many cities of America boast of a better one. The interest with 
which it has been visited, and the favorable criticisms which it has 
universally received from strangers and citizens alike, both as to its 
completeness of architectural design and its spacious and convenient 
accommodations for the transaction of municipal business, are the 
highest tribute to the efforts of the committee who secured the plans, 
the architect who designed, and the commissioners who supervised. 
The first definite action toward the erection of a city hall was taken 
in the form of a resolution by the city council November 10th, 1845, 
to the effect that such a building was needed, and appointing a com- 
mittee to secure plans and estimates. The committee reported in the 
following January, but the plans were immature, and from that time 
to 1853 various resolutions were passed by the council, appointing 
committees to secure a location. February 13th, 1854, a committee 
was directed to purchase the land on which the city hall now stands, 
and the purchase was effected on the 22d of April following. Again 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 409 

definite action was delayed until March 26th, 1874, when the city 
council appointed a committee and empowered them to offer a prize 
of $1,000 for the best plan and estimate for a city hall to be built on 
the lot bounded by Dorrance, Washington, Eddy and Fulton streets. 
This committee secured a combination of plans, modified to meet 
their requirements, and on the 8th of October, 1874, the modified 
plans having been approved, the city council appointed James Y. 
Smith, George H. Corliss and William G. R. Mowry, commissioners 
to build the city hall. They organized on the 12th, and proceeded at 
once to set the work in motion. The services of Mr. S. F. J. Thayer, 
of Boston, were secured as its architect. The corner stone was laid 
with appropriate ceremonies by the Masonic fraternity June 24th, 
1875. The occasion was celebrated by a Masonic parade and an ad- 
dress by Mayor Thomas A. Doyle and an oration by General Horatio ' 
Rogers. The box, containing a long list of current articles, was 
placed in the stone which lies on the corner of Washington and 
Dorrance streets, and is directly beneath the section of the plinth 
moulding adjacent to the corner section which extends on the Wash- 
ington street side. There is so much of historic suggestion in the 
following passage from the oration of General Rogers, delivered on 
this occasion, that we here present it. 

"Our ancestors were simple men with frugal habits, and the vari- 
ous accommodations from time to time provided for our public 
affairs, afford at once an indication of their character, and an illus- 
tration of the growth of the place. In our earlier years the town 
meetings were held in the open air. The annual town meeting in 
June, 1676, we find, was holden ' before Thomas Field's house, under 
a tree by the waterside,' near what is now the corner of South 
Main and Crawford streets. Later, the Friends' meeting house was 
called into requisition. In 1730, the town united with the county in 
building a modest county house, 40 by 30 feet square, conditioned 
that the town meetings should be holden there. After resorting to 
various expedients, however, for a place for holding town meetings, 
the town council meanwhile meeting at private houses and public 
taverns in a very itinerant sort of way, the old town house on the 
corner of College and Benefit streets was purchased, in 1794, of the 
Congregational society, for the meetings of the town, and at the 
same time the town directed the town cleik to keep his office in the 
market house chambers, and the town council to hold its meetings 
there. Thus matters continued for more than half a century. At 
last, to make room for tl^, public authorities, the Masons were ousted 
from the third story of the market house, which they had been per- 
mitted to add in 1797. A little over 20 years ago, this lot on which 
we stand was procured, and it was proposed that a city hall should be 
erected here. Forthwith arose a grand municipal uproar, and the 
question of a city hall, like a veritable apple of discord, convulsed 



410 HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 

the councils of the city. One measure of opposition to the project 
was the expulsion of the butchers from the basement and first floor 
of the market house, and the adaptation of the whole building to public 
u'533. This device quieted the opposing factions for a season, but the 
vexed question soon again agitated the community. Two years ago 
the city council, not without the strongest opposition, voted that this 
lot should be cleared by a certain' day, while the last council firmly. 
and courageously brushed all obstacles aside, ordered and accepted 
plans, elected commissioners, and directed that the city hall should be 
built, to use its own phrase, 'forthwith.' Thus ended one of the 
most bitter and protracted controversies ever known in this com- 
munity." 

Work was commenced and carried forward without delay. The 
ground upon which the building stands is of artificial formation. 
Soundings and borings developed the discovery that the safest levels 
varied from 17 to 47 feet below mean high water mark. The ques- 
tion of providing an adequate sub-structure to sustain the immense 
weight of 3(3,000 tons, which is the weight of materials in the build- 
ing, was one not easily to be disposed of, but it was successfully 
accomplished. The foundations are composed of 3,128 piles, driven 
into hard-pan and cut off at 2^ feet below high water, thus secur- 
ing their constant submersion, a condition of permanency. Above 
this and to the sidewalk level are walls of block granite. The su- 
perstructure is of cut granite, backed by a vaulted brick Avail in all its 
external parts, and in its interior by similar walls of brick alone. 
These are generally of great thickness. The floors throughout are 
built with iron beams or girders, rolled beams for the smaller, 
and girders of plate and angle iron for the larger spans. The roof 
and dome are unique, but not experimental in their construction. 
Upright rafters carry purlins of T iron, in which are fitted slabs of 
concrete. These are covered with slate and copper according to 
their slope. The general plan of the building is simple and organic. 
It is in shape a rectangle of 134 by 160 feet, divided by four inter- 
secting walls, forming the central hall in the middle and business 
apartments on the outer lines. The architecluial character of the 
building is a simple rendering of the renaissance; adopted because of 
its natural tendency toward symmetrical arrangements. In its ex- 
terior decorative work has been sparingly used, but when used care- 
ful drawings and models were prepared, to adapt the detail to the 
hard, unyielding character of the materials, It is built in cut granite, 
having its main entrance from Dorrance s'Lrcei. Viewed from any 
point on Exchange place it presents a striking appearance, present- 
ing the idea of great strength and massive dignity rather than 
diversified ornamentation. It is surrounded by a sidewalk com- 
posed of granite blocks from five to six feet in width and from IS to 
21 feet in leneth. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 411 

The basement, entered by doors on each of the four streets sur- 
rounding the building, is occupied by the police department, tcaid 
of public works, superintendent of health, superintendent of public 
schools, and the sealer of weights and measures, and is plainly but 
elegantly finished in oak. Beneath the basement is a cellar contain- 
ing the four 50-horse-power boilers designed to heat the building, 
the shops connected with the water department, and the machinery 
for operating the elevator. The main or first floor is reached from 
the street by a broad flight of steps on Dorrance street. Within, 
the apartments are arranged about a hollow square, the central part 
of the building being devoted to spacious corridors, with floors of 
white marble and wainscoting of variegated marbles, in which black 
and gray predominate. On the landing, part way up a broad flight 
of white marble stairs, which at this point divide and reach the cor- 
ridor above on either side, we are confronted by a bronze tablet 
bearing this historic inscription. 

Corner Stone Laid 

June 24, 187."). 

Commissioners from 1874 to 1876: 

James Y. Smith, 

George H. Corliss, William G. R. Mowry. 

Commissioners from 1876 to 1878: 

William G. R. Mowry, 

Henry G. Russell, William M. Bailey. 

Dedicated 

November 14th, 1878. 

Thomas A. Doyle, Mayor. 

Samuel J. F. Thayer, Architect. 

From these stairs one has an unobstructed view of the dome to 
its glass and iron covering, and by which the central part of the 
building is well lighted. The other floors are reached by stairs on 
one side of the building, while an elevator, run by the use of water, 
occupies the other side. The corridors are supported by six polished 
granite pillars and surrounded by massive iron balustrades. At the 
right of the main entrance on the first floor is the executive depart- 
ment, comprising the outer or mayor's clerk's office and the public 
and private offices of the mayor. These offices are sumptuously 
furnished. The remainder of the first floor is occupied by the de- 
partments of the treasurer, auditor, tax assessors, recorder of deeds 
and city messenger and the reception room. The latter room is 
finished in mahogany and furnished throughout with great elegance 
and taste. Splendid mirrors adorn either end of the room, and the 
walls are covered with embossed leather of beautiful design. The 
remaining rooms on this floor, as well as in the rest of the building, 
are finished, with one exception, in oak, and are supplied with every 
convenience, among which should be mentioned the impregnable 
safes of the Corliss patent in the treasurer's vaults, which are a marvel 



412 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of mechanical ingenuity. The second floor contains the chambers 
of the common council and the board of aldermen, occupying the en- 
tire Dorrance street front, the municipal court room, the law depart- 
ment, the offices of the city clerk and committee rooms. The alder- 
men's chamber is suitably provided with desks and is beautifully 
finished in mahogany. A private staircase communicates from this 
with the mayor's office directly below. The council chamber is a 
spacious and lofty room, 58 by 46 feet on the floor and 36 feet high, 
and is lighted at night by a 50-light chandelier. The desks of the 
members are separated by a railing from the seats of the audience, 
near the entrance and under the balcony, which is entered from the 
story above. Upon the walls hang the portraits of all the mayors of 
the city from its incorportion to the present time. On the third floor 
are the city engineer's department, the offices of the superintendents 
of lights and of public buildings, and the room of the committee on 
claims. The janitor's rooms and fire-alarm battery room are on the 
fourth floor. Speaking tubes and electric annunciators connect the 
offices of the mayor and messenger with every other office in the 
building, and electric clock dials are stationed throughout, while the 
building is supplied with abundant telephonic connection with the 
outside world. The total cost of the building was $1,034,521.84. 

The City Building, the old market house, now occupied by the 
board of trade, is for antiquity one of the most important public 
buildings of the city. Aside from its historic associations, it has ro 
claim to any particular notice. Its position is conspicuous, standing 
as it does on the east side of Market Square, upon which it seems to 
look with grim and sombre mien. Mention has already been made 
in a previous chapter of the erection of this building. It was built 
by lottery in 1773, and a third story was added by St. John's Lodge 
of Free Masons, in 1797, for their own use. The building was occu- 
pied in part for the use of the town, but the lower story was let to 
different market dealers, finally being occupied by meat dealers 
altogether, but the gradual absorption of different parts of the build- 
ing by the various departments of the city government at. last 
crowded out every other occupant. After the removal of the muni- 
cipal offices to the new city hall, however, the building was leased 
to the board of trade, by whom it is now occupied. 

The custom house, on Weybosset street, is a fit type of the solidity 
and permanency of our National Union. It is a structure of pleasing 
architectural proportions, is built of granite, and belongs to the gov- 
ernment of the United States. It is three stories high, and was 
erected at a cost of about $225,000. It was completed and opened in 
1857. Upon the upper floors are the internal revenue office, the 
United States court room, and rooms for the judges and other gov- 
ernment officials. The lower story is devoted to the uses of the post 
office department. This department rearranged and refurnished its 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 413 

quarters in 1880, putting in at that time, among other improvements, 
over 1,500 brass letter boxes secured by Yale locks. The business 
office and registered letter department is open from 9 a.m. to 6 P.M., 
except Sundays and legal holidays. The general delivery and letter 
carriers' department is open from 7 A.M. to 7:30 p.m. On Sundays 
the general delivery and carriers' window are open from 11 a.m. to 
1 p.m. only. 

The old state prison, on Gaspee street, north of the cove, is a 
massive granite structure, two stories in height. The location is 
also known as Great point. The erection of the buildings was begun 
in 1837, and they were completed during that and the following year, 
and were first occupied November 15th, 1838. The prison building 
is 48 by 93 feet. A corridor ten feet wide runs through the center, 
on each side of which are cells for the prisoners. The house for the 
warden is 48 feet square, and is connected by a smaller building with 
the prison. This is of common stone, while the walls of the prison 
are of granite. The prison yard is 122 feet by 241, and is enclosed 
by a stone wall 15 feet high. The county jail, a building 27 by 66 
feet and two stories high, also adjoins the keeper's house. This was 
added in 1839. The prison building was erected at a cost of $51,500. 
Owing to the unhealthy conditions of the locality the prison and jail 
were built on the state farm at Cranston, some six miles from the 
city, and the prisoners were removed to their quarters there in 1S78. 

The old arsenal on Benefit street, near Meeting street, is a gloomy 
structure of plastered stone, with two castellated towers on the corn- 
ers of the front. It was built for a state arsenal in 1840, and was 
used for the purpose for a time. Since the munitions and arms have 
been distributed to different parts of the state the building has been 
leased to the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery. 

Repeated attempts were made to get the city to adopt some plan 
for supplying its people with water by a system of public water 
works, but the element of opposition to the project repeatedly 
showed itself too strong. In 1853, 1856, 1864 and in May, 1866, the 
citizens voted adversely on the question. But on the 9th of July of 
the year last mentioned the city council appointed a committee to 
examine and again report upon the subject. Under their direction 
preliminary surveys were made by J. Herbert Shedd, a civil engi- 
neer, then of Boston. After thorough investigations an exhaustive 
report was made, setting forth four different plans and estimating 
the cost of each. These plans were the Scott's pond, the Pawtuxet, 
the Ten-Mile river and the Pawtucket plans. February 15th, 1869, 
the taxpayers voted in favor of adopting the Pawtuxet plan, an act 
having previously been passed by the general assembly authorizing 
them to introduce water works at their option. On the 27th of Oc- 
tober following the city council elected Moses B. Lockwood, Charles 
E. Carpenter and Joseph J. Cooke water commissioners for three 



414 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

years. They organized and proceeded with the work, employing 
Mr. Sheddand competent assistants as engineers to carry forward the 
enterprise. Mr. Lockwood died May 13th, 1872, and the vacanc}' 
thus caused was filled by the election of Mr. William Corliss. Near 
the close of the three years, for which the commissioners were orig- 
inally elected, their term was extended nine months, but on the 27th 
of February, 1874, they were re-elected as a new board, to act until 
their successors were chosen. 

Immediately after the organization of the department the neces- 
sary surveys were made, lands purchased or condemned, and in the 
spring of 1870 the construction of temporary pumping works and 
Sockanosset reservoir, and the laying of pipes were ecmmenced and 
vigorously pushed forward. As the first grand result of the work 
Pawtuxet water flowed into the city on the 18th of November, 1871, 
and the event was appropriately celebrated twelve days afterward. 
A steam pumping station had been erected on the banks of the Paw- 
tuxet, which was capable of raising 200,CC0 gallons an hour. A con- 
duit in one bank of the Sockanosset reservoir, connecting the inlet 
with the outlet chamber, could be used through which to supply the 
city; the pumping engine was connected with the reservoir by one 
line of force main, and the reservoir with the city with one line of 
leading main; and distribution pipes to the length of about 30 miles 
had been laid. The first service stop was opened December 1st, 
1871. After the introduction of water the other important features 
of the works were constructed as rapidly as circumstances would per- 
mit. These were the Pettaconset and Hope engine houses and en- 
gines, and Hope reservoir. The estimated cost of construction of the 
works on the Pawtuxet plan was $4,477,035.08. The growth of the 
city and the demands of that growth have carried the wcrk beyond 
the original plan, so that the total expense of construction of the 
works up to June 30th, 1889, amounted to $5,431,278.71. The total 
number of service stops opened to that time was 14,767, of which 
about 1,000 were not then in actual use. The average daily consump- 
tion of water by the city is about 7f million gallons. The total num- 
ber of fire hydrants is 1,314. 

The Pettaconset pumping station is situated on the Pawtuxet 
river, about six miles from the city hall. The erection of temporary 
works was begun in 1870 and completed in 1871. The lands pur- 
chased and taken comprise the " Aldridge farm," containing about 97 
acres, measuring to the middle of the river, the bulk of which lies 
in the town of Cranston, about one-half an acre lying in the town of 
Warwick. On the farm is an old dwelling house and barn and three 
neat one and a half story cottages. The temporary engine and 
boiler house, already mentioned as being erected in 1871, stands on 
the bank of the river, and in it is a Worthington engine, capable of 
pumping five million gallons in 24 hours. A permanent fire-proof 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 415 

engine house of Danvers pressed brick and Westerly granite, with 
slated iron roof, was built in 1873 and 1874, and in it was erected an 
engine, of a capacity of about 9,000,000 gallons. A standpipe 
was erected in connection with it to a height of 186 feet. Be- 
neath this house a bed of quicksand of great depth was found, and 
the unstable bottom, affected by the motion of the engine, caused 
the standpipe to settle, and in 1879 an attempt was made to strengthen 
it, by driving piles about the foundation of the pump. Forty piles, 
about 25 feet long and ten inches in diameter, were driven, and the 
results were partially satisfactory. The engine house is 129 feet in 
length, and the boiler house connected with it is 179 feet in length. 
The width of the former is 56 feet and that of the latter 55 feet. The 
walls of the engine house are 49 feet high. An additional engine 
house was built near the bank of the river in 1881 and 1882, in which 
an engine of about 9,000,000 gallons capacity was placed. Both 
house and engine were erected by George H. Corliss. A coal house 
was erected in 1885. Between the pumping stations first erected and 
the river is a large basin 30 feet deep, from which w 7 ater is pumped. 
It was originally intended that this basin should receive the water 
from the river by natural filtration through the embankment, but 
the formation proved less porous than was supposed, and water could 
not be obtained in sufficient quantity by that means, so it was deemed 
expedient to connect the basin with the river by pipes through the em- 
bankment. Two lines, of about 950 feet each in length and of 36 inch 
diameter, of force mains are laid in this tract. A strip of land 50 
feet wide and about 380 feet long is used as a road from the northerly 
part of the " Aldridge farm " to the Pontiac road. Connected w 7 ith 
the water works there is also a tract in Warwick, known as the 
" Rhodes farm," of about 235 acres, extending from the Pawtuxet 
river across the Stonington railroad and the Greenwich road to Duck 
pond. Adjoining this tract is another of 83 acres, known as the 
" Chace farm," also in Warwick. 

The line of force mains, two iron pipes 36 inches in diameter, 
after leaving the "Aldridge Farm " and crossing the Pontiac road 
under a dry bridge, extend a distance of 3,324 feet to the Sockanos- 
set Hill cross road, and run along that road to the New London turn- 
pike; crossing the turnpike they are laid in the cross road until 
within about 200 feet of the reservoir embankment they enter the 
lands of Sockanosset Hill reservoir and so continue to the inlet cham- 
ber. This reservoir is about one mile from the pumping station. 

At the time of the freshet in February, 1886, the water in the 
Pawtuxet river at the Pettaconset station reached an unprecedented 
height, submerging the basements of the engine houses. By the 
same freshet the bridge on Reservoir avenue, over the Pocasset 
river, which supports the large mains, was washed away, and the 
safety of the pipes for a time was seriously endangered. When the 



416 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

bridge was rebuilt, during the same year, these pipes were raised 
and permanently secured in a position beyond the liability of accident 
from another freshet. 

The vSockanosset reservoir, on Sockanosset hill, is in the town of 
Cranston. The lands purchased and taken for the purpose comprise 
a farm of 101 acres, on the westerly side of the cross road, as that 
road was formerly located, a lot of about three acres, and a tract of 
about 13 acres, both on the westerly side of the same road, and about 
12 acres on the easterly side of said road. The reservoir covers 
about 14 acres, embracing a portion of the farm, a portion of the old 
cross road, a portion of the last named tract, and the whole of the 
three-acre lot. It has a capacity of about 51,000,000 gallons. A stone 
cottage was erected near the inlet chamber, and is occupied by the 
keeper of the reservoir. The building of this reservoir was begun 
May 3d, 1870. A brick conduit passing through the embankment, 
connects the inlet and outlet chambers independently of the reser- 
voir. This reservoir is located about five and a half miles from the 
heart of the city. It is the feeder of Hope reservoir and the high 
service pumps, and is the most important reservoir in the system. 
Its plan is pyriform, to suit the character of the ground. It is 
about 1,000 feet long, and about 850 feet wide at the wide part. The 
height of the water above mean high tide in Providence river is 180 
feet, 6 inches. The embankment is of earth, 19 feet high above the 
bottom of the reservoir, and 15 feet wide at the top. The high water 
line is four feet below the top of the embankment. The inlet cham- 
ber is at the south end and the outlet chamber at the northeasterly 
extremity. Over each of these chambers is a neat and substantial 
gate house, built of stone and covered with a slated roof. The 
30-inch force mains are continued through the embankment, termi- 
nating in separate cells within the inlet chamber, from which the 
water which enters can be turned either into the reservoir or into the 
conduit leading directly to the outlet chamber. The outlet chamber 
has three similar cells, connected by 30-inch pipes through the em- 
bankment with the leading mains to the city. 

Two leading mains of 30-inch iron pipe extend from Socka- 
nosset reservoir into the city, making connection with Hope reservoir 
and with the distributing mains of the city. In 1874 a second line 
of 30-inch leading mains was laid from the Sockanosset reservoir by 
the side of the first to the junction at Greenwich and Public streets. 

Hope reservoir is located in the eastern part of the city, within 
the square enclosed by ( )lney, Thayer, Barnes and Brown streets. 
The lands purchased and taken for the purpose comprise about 18 
acres. The reservoir has a capacity of about 76,000,000 gallons. At 
the northwesterly corner of the reservoir lands, on Olney street, 
stands the high service engine house. This is a fine building of 
Westerly, Concord and Ouincy granites, and Danvers pressed brick. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 417 

with iron roof partly slated and partly tinned. Two pumping en- 
gines have been erected in it, each having a capacity of 5,000,000 
gallons^in 24 hours. One of these was erected by George H. Corliss, 
and the other by the Providence Steam Engine Company. 

In addition to the force main and leading main lines already 
described, there have been laid 6,855 feet of 20-inch pipe; 31,605 feet 
of 16-inch pipe; 59,125 feet of 12-inch pipe; 14,758 feet of 10-inch 
pipe; 156,820 feet of 8-inch pipe; and 719,228 feet of 6-inch pipe; 
making a total of all sizes, including force and leading mains, of 
about 209 miles of pipe. Connected with and for the purposes of 
the water works, the city owns land in the village of Pawtuxet, situ- 
ated partly in the town of Cranston, and partly in Warwick. It was 
purchased of the American Wood Paper Company, December 8th, 
1870, for the sum of $50,000. It consists of the water privileges on 
both sides of the river, which at this place is the dividing line be- 
tween the two towns mentioned. The city also owns the cotton mill 
estate, in the same place, with a lot of land about 96 feet square; the 
Randall estate adjoining, containing about 9i acres, all on the 
Cranston side of the river; and two lots of land adjoining each other 
on the Warwick side of the river. A wooden cotton mill which stood 
on this property when it was purchased, was destroyed by fire on 
the evening of January 15th, 1875. Also, about 22 acres on Olney's 
hill, in the town of Lincoln, was purchased for the location of a high 
service reservoir. Of this land about 15^ acres were conveyed to 
the city by George W. Himes, July 30th, 1875; 6 acres by George W. 
Olney, August 31st, 1875; and about one-half acre by Orin Smith. 
October 30th, 1876. 

A considerable part of the city lies so high that it cannot be 
served by gravitation from the reservoirs. It therefore requires a 
supplemental means of supply, which is known as the "high ser- 
vice." This is maintained by constant pumping, by steam power, 
into the mains to meet the varying demands. These pumping works 
are located at Hope reservoir or " Station," the pumping station be- 
ing on Olney street, near the reservoir. Mention has already been 
made of this house and the two engines which it contains. The first 
was erected by George H. Corliss in 1873, and the other by the Provi- 
dence Steam Engine Company, after designs furnished by A. F. 
Nagle, in 1875. These engines receive the water from the low- 
service main and force it directly into the distributing main as the 
demand varies. Arrangements have been made to secure a high 
service by means of gravity from a large reservoir, and the work is 
rapidly going forward, and will probably be completed before this 
volume is delivered to its readers. For this purpose land in North 
Providence was purchased to the extent of 30-J acres. The high ser- 
vice reservoir is located on Fruit hill. Land for this reservoir and a 
road leading to it was purchased in quantities and of grantors as fol- 

27 



418 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

lows: 24^ acres of Stephen B. Olney, April 8th, 1886; 2^ acres of 
Thomas H. Smith, June 19th, 1886; a little more than an acre of 
Walter S. Seamans and wife, July 14th, 1886; 1J acres of Walter W. 
Whipple, July 26th, 1886; about ■§ of an acre of Carleton, Norwood & 
Co., July 23d, 1886, and half an acre of Charles Peckham, July 15th, 
18S6. The land having been purchased, the work of connecting - the 
Hope pumping station with the proposed high service reservoir on 
Fruit hill was pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The details of 
a reservoir were worked out as thoroughly as practicable. Its capacity 
is about 25,000,000 gallons and it covers about seven acres. The ele- 
vation of the mean water lines of this reservoir will be about 274 feet 
above mean high water in Providence river, 112 feet higher than 
the mean water lines of Hope reservoir, and 94 feet higher than the 
mean water lines of Sockanosset reservoir. A 24-inch pipe line con- 
necting this with Hope pumping engines is laid, running through 
the following streets and avenues: Olney, Camp, Lippitt, North 
Main, Stevens, Charles, Ashburton, Webster, Delhi, Chalkstone, 
Smith and High Service. 

The total expenditures for the construction and maintenance of 
the water works up to September 30th, 1888, as shown by the books 
in the office of the board of public works, was $6,726,172.41. The re- 
ceipts for rent, labor, material, etc., to that date, were $544,950.21. 
There had been received for water supplied $3,915,544.66. The total 
receipts on account of the water works had been $4,460,494.87. The 
balance of expenditures thus left was $2,265,677.54. 

The city is well served by a system of sewers devised by Civil 
Engineer J. Herbert Shedd, and adopted by the city in 1872. Up 
to January 1st, 1889, there had been constructed over 58 miles of 
sewers of all sizes, from S-inch pipes up to brick oval sewers 66 by 72 
inches in diameter. The total number of catch basins connected 
with them was 2,095 and the number of manholes 3,028. The total 
number of house connections was 5,238, taking the sewage of about 
54,000 people. Some of the newer sections of the city are yet without 
sewer connections. 



CHAPTER XV. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— BENEVOLENT AND REMEDIAL INSTITUTIONS. 



The Dexter Donation. — Dexter Asylum. — Butler Hospital for the Insane. — The Rhode 
Island Hospital. — Home for Aged Women. — Home for Aged Men. — The Children's 
Friend Society. — St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum. — Association for the Benefit of Col- 
ored Children. — Various Benevolent Societies. — The Homeopathic Hospital. — 
Women's Christian Association. — The Little Sisters of the Poor. — St. Vincent de 
Paul Society. — St. Elizabeth's Home. — Public Charities in the Past. 



CONSPICUOUS among the institutions of Providence for the care 
of its helpless and indigent people stands the magnificent 
benefaction of Dexter Asylum and the Dexter donation. To 
begin with the origin of this princely benefaction we must turn back 
to the philanthropic life whose close gave it birth. Ebenezer Knight 
Dexter died August 10th, 1824, in the 52d year of his age. He was 
educated a merchant, and pursued his business with such strict at- 
tention and was rewarded with such successful results that he was 
able to retire with a fortune at an early age. For several years pre- 
vious to his death he held the office of marshal for the district of 
Rhode Island. This office during the time of the embargo was one 
involving considerable perplexity and arduous duties, as well as lia- 
bility to make enemies in the faithful discharge of his duties. Yet 
he so carefully and skillfully managed the office that he held the 
esteem and respect of his fellow townsmen and the confidence of the 
government. By his last will he gave the greater part of his property, 
amounting by estimated value to $60,000, to his native town, to be 
appropriated to the support of the poor. The freemen of the town, 
in town meeting on the 22d of November following his death, by 
vote accepted the donation, approving the conditions under which it 
was granted, and pledging the town to the faithful performance of 
the trust thus placed in their hands. The following is the extract 
from his will which contains the bequest spoken of: 

" Seventeenth. — Feeling a strong attachment to my native town, 
and an ardent desire to ameliorate the condition of the poor, and to 
contribute to their comfort and relief, I give, grant, and devise to 
the aforesaid town of Providence, in fee simple forever, my Neck 
Farm in Providence, lying southerly of the Friends' Yearly Meeting 
School estate, together with all the buildings thereon, to be appro- 
priated to the accommodation and support of the poor of said town, 



420 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

in manner hereinafter mentioned, and for no other use or purpose 
whatever. Provided, however, and this devise is upon condition that 
said town shall, within five years after my decease, erect a building 
or buildings on said farm, suitable for the use and accommodation of 
the poor of said town, and shall, under their own management and 
direction keep and maintain the same for that sole use and purpose 
forever; and provided also, and this devise is upon this further con- 
dition, that said town shall within 20 years after my decease, erect 
all around upon the exterior lines of said farm, leaving, however, 
suitable passage ways into the same, a good permanent stonewall, at 
least three feet thick at the bottom, and at least eight feet high, and 
to be placed upon a foundation made of small stones, and as thick as 
the bottom of the wall, and sunk two feet deep in the ground. I 
hereby authorize said town, however, to exchange at anytime before 
the building of said wall, such parts of said farm as they may think 
best, for other lands adjoining, for the purpose of straightening the 
lines of said farm or throwing into better shape, but for no other 
purpose. 

"Eighteenth. — I also give, grant, devise and bequeath to the afore- 
said town of Providence, in fee simple forever, for the use of the 
poor of said town, as hereinafter mentioned, all the rest, residue and 
remainder of my estate, both real and personal, not herein otherwise 
disposed of; the said town paying thereout, or out of the rents, profits 
or income thereof, at their discretion, the annuities aforesaid; and 
for the payment of which said annuities all the real estate herein de- 
vised to said town, except the said Neck Farm and said lot devised 
for a Training Field, is to stand charged and chargeable. And I do 
hereby give said town full power and authority to sell, if they judge 
it best, the whole or any part of the real estate herein devised to 
them, except the said Neck Farm and the said lot devised for a train- 
ing field, and to invest the proceeds of the sales thereof in bank or 
other stocks — the whole of said property and estate herein devised 
and bequeathed to said town to be kept together, and to constitute a 
permanent fund for the benefit of the poor of said town, and to be 
preserved entire forever: and until the said town shall have erected 
a building or buildings on said Neck Farm in the manner and for 
the purpose as is hereinbefore mentioned, the rents, profits and in- 
come of all the property and estate herein given and devised to said 
town, including the rents, profits and income of said Neck Farm to 
be added to said permanent fund and to constitute a part thereof; 
and when said town shall have so erected such building or buildings, 
and placed the same in suitable condition and under proper regula- 
tions to receive the poor of said town, then and from that time all 
the rents, profits and income of all the property and estate herein 
given and devised to said town, including the rents, profits and in- 
come of said Neck Farm, to be applied by said town to the support 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 421 

and maintenance of the poor of said town, in such way and manner 
as said town from time to time, at any meeting legally holden, shall' 
in their discretion direct, and for no other use or purpose whatever; 
provided however, that no vote of any town meeting in relation to 
any part or portion of the property or estate herein devised and be- 
queathed to said town, or in relation to the management of the same, 
or of the rents, profits or income thereof, shall be of any force or 
effect, unless forty freemen at least, be present at the time of passing 
such vote." 

The resolutions of the freemen of the town accepting the condi- 
tions of this bequest contain the following passages in regard to the 
benefactor: " That while they cherish his memory, with a pleasing- 
reference to such traits of his character as claim the respect of those 
who remember him, and of those who in future time shall hear of 
him, they will not forget that he has meritoriously acquired the titles 
of a public benefactor and a friend of the unfortunate; and that they 
will take pride in connecting with his name the recollection that in 
the bosom of their community was born and lived and died a citizen 
of such large and sagacious views, who by the energy of his benevo- 
lence and the influence of his example, has accomplished so much to 
render his existence a blessing to generations yet to come — a citizen 
who in the last solemn act of his life, in the progress of that scene 
which crowns the character of man and tries the secrets of his heart, 
evinced that he learned the true value and highest use of those riches 
which it sometimes pleases the Disposer of all good to make the 
fruit of industry and prudence, and to bless, as means of effecting 
good will to man." 

The funds accruing from this bequest, as well as the property be- 
longing to it, were denominated the Dexter Donation, and the man- 
agement of the property was placed in the hands of a board of com- 
missioners. Steps were at once taken toward building an asylum for 
the poor, according to the provisions of the will. In January, 1826, 
Isaac Brown, Caleb Earle and Truman Reckwith were appointed, a 
building committee, and under their supervision the work was car- 
ried forward to an early completion. The building was finished in 
1830, at a cost somewhat exceeding $43,000. Its location was on a 
range of high land about half a mile northeasterly from the market 
house, a spot that had been selected by Mr. Dexter himself. The 
building, fronting south, consisted of a central section £0 feet front 
by 55 feet deep, with a wing on either side, each 60 feet front and 45 
feet deep. The central basement is of granite, in courses, and the 
basement of the wings of natural faced stone. Above the basement 
the walls are of brick, crowned with an eave cornice of freestone. 
When first built the central section was three stories in height and 
the wings two stories, with an attic. A corridor divided the building 
lengthwise through the center, in each story, and a transept corridor 



422 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

divided the central section, extending from front to rear, making on 
each floor four rooms in the central section and six rooms in each 
wing - . Different rooms in different parts of the building were ar- 
ranged for the various wants and uses of its occupants, including a 
chapel in the third story. The architect of the building was Mr. 
John H. Greene. The plot of ground on which the asylum stands 
contains about 40 acres, and this was enclosed with a stone wall ac- 
cording to the will. The stone wall was finished in 1840, at a cost of 
about $22,000. It is 6,220 feet in length, and contains 7,840 cords of 
stone. On the west side, fronting on Hope street, the wall has since 
been lowered and finished with a capping of granite. The building- 
was first occupied in 1828, Mr. Gideon Palmer being placed in charge 
of the institution. The number of inmates received at first was 64, 
which number was increased considerably during a few years. In 
1842 it was 103; in 1847, 152; in 1875, 140, and in 1888, 75. The first 
superintendent, Mr. Gideon Palmer, remained in charge for nearly a 
quarter of a century. In 1852 Hollis Chaffin was superintendent, 
continuing- until 1872, when he was succeeded by Thomas E. Payson, 
who remained about five years. John M. Knowles was in charge of 
the institution in 1878, and he remains in the position in 1889. 

In 1868 an appropriation of $30,000 was made by the city council 
for the purpose of providing heating and laundry apparatus, and 
making some changes in the interior of the main building. In the 
following year the work of improvement and renovating the build- 
ing was continued until the entire building was materially changed, 
so that nothing remained of the original structure except the main 
walls and some parts of the inside woodwork. An expense of about 
$100,000 was involved in the alterations, and when completed it was 
claimed for it that this was the finest pauper building in the country. 
The annual expense of maintaining the institution, over the receipts 
of the farm, as shown by the last annual report, is about $13,000. 
Over $17,000 worth of farm products are annually sold, besides what 
are used in the institution. 

The Dexter Donation, of which the asylum is a part, comprises 
the following parcels of real estate, now in the possession of the city, 
besides the asylum property already described: The Tavern estate on 
North Main street, leased to J. B. Barnaby for 40 years from Novem- 
ber 1st, 1871; the lot and building next south of the Tavern estate, 
leased to Horace B. Knowles for 40 years from June 1st, 1874; the 
house and lot on Meeting street, leased to William V. Wallace for 40 
years from November 1st, 1871; four lots, each 40 by 150 feet, front- 
ing on Cranston street, also 48 lots, fronting on Harrison and Ham- 
mond streets, each 50 by 100 feet, being part of the Dexter farm, all 
of which are leased; the Dexter Training field, containing 9£ acres, 
situated west of Dexter street, reserved as public training ground by 
Mr. Dexter's will; a strip of land, formerly a thatch right, on the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 423 

north side of the Woonasquatucket river, containing 15,344 square 
feet; a parcel of land on Bacon street and on the south side of Doyle 
avenue, between Scott and Olney streets, called the " Dwight lands," 
a greater part of which is leased to different individuals; a lot on 
High street, having a front of about 78 feet, which is leased to James 
Hanley for 40 years from October 1st, 1868. Besides this the fund 
holds notes and bonds to the value of about $72,000. The annual in- 
come accruing from interest, rents, etc., amounts at about $15,000. 

The Butler Hospital for the Insane is situated in the northeast 
part of the city, at the corner of Butler avenue and North street. Its 
grounds consist of 140 acres, suitably divided into tillage and pleasure 
grounds. They are by nature beautifully diversified with ravines 
and wooded eminences, and are admirably adapted to the use for 
which they have been selected. On the east side they front on Seekonk 
river, which is here about a mile in width. This institution had its 
origin in a bequest of the late Hon. Nicholas Brown, of this city, who 
died in September, 1841. He directed in his will that $30,000 should 
be appropriated from his estate to aid in the establishment of a hos- 
pital for the insane, " where that unhappy class of our fellow-beings 
who are, by the visitation of Providence, deprived of their reason, 
may find a safe retreat, and be provided with whatever may be most 
conducive to their comfort and their restoration lo a sound mind." 
In 1844 Cyrus Butler, Esq., a venerable merchant of Providence, 
whose mind had long been impressed with the great desirableness of 
such an institution, offered to add to the bequest of Mr. Brown the 
sum of $40,000, on condition that an equal sum should be raised by 
subscription. The condition was speedily fulfilled by the contribu- 
tions of benevolent persons in the community. An act of incorpora- 
tion by the general assembly was passed in 1844, and the first meet- 
ing of the incorporation was held March 20th of that year. 

In 1846 the hospital building was begun, and during the following 
year it was completed. It was opened for the reception of patients 
December 1st, 1847. Since that time several important additions have 
been made. In 1856 a building to contain a steam engine and boil- 
ers, laundry, etc., was erected at a cost of $25,000, which was met by 
voluntary contributions of the members of the board of trustees and 
the then president of the corporation. Ray Hall was completed in 
1875, being the joint gift of Alexander Duncan and Robert H. Ives r 
and was named in honor of Doctor Isaac Ray, the superintendent of 
the hospital from its commencement to January, 1867. The building 
contains a museum, a reading room, billiard room and bowling alleys 
for the use of the patients. Its cost was over $28,000, which was 
wholly paid by the donors named. About 1876 large additions were 
made to the north wing, including the providing of rooms for 30 pa- 
tients, and involving the expenditure of $56,310.70. The greater part 
of this expense was met by the generous gift of $30,000 made by 



424 HISTORY OF PROVIDEN'CE COUNTY. 

Alexander Duncan, Esq., as a memorial to his son, who had recently 
died. In recognition of this generous gift the name David Duncan 
Ward was given to the new building. An additional tract of land, 
known as the " Grotto farm," was purchased in 187], improving the 
surroundings, and with ten acres purchased a few years later, bring- 
ing the area of the grounds up to the present liberal extent. 

The superintendent succeeding Doctor Ray was John W. Sawyer, 
M.D., whose service in the position began in 1867 and continued till 
1885. He was succeeded in 1886 by William B. Goldsmith, M.D., who 
held the position about two years. William A. Gorton, M.D., the 
present superintendent, has held the position since 1887. A bene- 
ficiary fund is in the hands of the trustees, amounting to $111,000, 
made up of the donations of different individuals, for the purpose of 
assisting poor patients to the benefits of the institution. In estab- 
lishing this fund Mrs. Elizabeth A. Gammell took the initiative with 
a princely gift of $50,000. Other contributors were Mrs. Elizabeth S. 
Bartlett, the family of William F. Weld, Thomas Withredge, George 
I. Chace, and many others. The officers at the opening of the hospi- 
tal were: Cyrus Butler, president; Benjamin Aborn, vice-president; 
Zachariah Allen, John C. Brown, Thomas Burgess, Francis Wayland, 
D.D., Rowse Babcock, Thomas R. Hazard, Robert Rogers, Amasa 
Manton, Richard Waterman, Alexander Duncan, trustees; Moses B. 
Ives, treasurer, and Robert H. Ives, secretary. Since its opening 
about 3,400 patients have been admitted, about one-third of whom 
have recovered. The usual number of inmates ranges from 150 to 
200. The present officers are: Amos C. Barstow, president; William 
Butler Duncan, vice-president; Jabez C. Knight, Rufus Waterman, 
Rowland Hazard, Royal C. Taft, Stephen Brownell, Daniel Day, Wil- 
liam Gammell, John Nicholas Brown, William Goddard, William G. 
Weld, trustees; Moses B. I. Goddard, treasurer; Charles Morris Smith, 
secretary; William A. Gorton, M.D., superintendent. 

The Rhode Island Hospital is located in this city, on Eddy street, 
between Lockwood and Dudley streets. It was opened for the re- 
ception of patients in 1S68. It had its origin in gifts by Mr. Robert 
H. Ives and others of his family amounting to $75,000. The institu- 
tion is substantially eleemosynary in its character. It is primarily 
designed to afford relief to the indigent class — to such as, without the 
ordinary comforts of a home, are suffering from any of the graver 
ills that flesh is heir to. Applicants of this character have the first 
claim to its beneficent ministrations. After these have been pro- 
vided for its doors are open to those who, in better circumstances, 
seek a temporary residence in it for the advantage of its skillful 
medical or surgical treatment, and to such a moderate charge is made, 
sufficient barely to cover the actual cost of board and attendance. 

The hospital structure consists of a central building connected 
by corridors with two large wings, each of which is ornamented by 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 425 

a tower. The wings contain the hospital wards and private rooms 
for paying patients. The central building contains the superintend- 
ent's rooms, the operating and instrument room, museum of anatomy, 
library, chapel and other departments. The staff of the institution 
is composed of 19 physicians, assisted by a consulting staff of 12 phy- 
sicians. These physicians attend about 4,500 outside patients annu- 
ally, and about 600 are annually admitted to the institution. There 
are endowments providing for about 50 free beds. A children's ward 
was opened February 15th, 1882, for children between the ages of two 
and ten years. A training school for nurses was also established in 
1882. The hospital is supported by the income of a fund of about 
$360,000, and by annual collections taken up in the city churches. 
Guarantors of deficiency holding regular shares in the responsibility 
make up any lack of income to meet current expenses. Contribu- 
tions to the founding and the fund for maintenance of the institution 
were made by philanthropic citizens of the city and other parts of 
the state. The building was erected at a cost of about $500,000, was 
four years in process of erection, having been begun in 1864. It is 
believed to be one of the most perfect in its plans and complete in 
its appointments, of any institution of its kind in the country. The 
superintendent in 1872 was Doctor C. W. Fabyan, with the title of 
admitting physician, assisted by Mrs. Eliza J. Pratt, matron and act- 
ing superintendent. Reverend Charles Nason followed as superin- 
tendent. In 1877 William T. Thurston, M.D., occupied the position 
of superintendent. He was succeeded in 1882 by Charles E. Wood- 
bury, M.D., as admitting physician and superintendent, who remains 
in charge of the institution at the present time. The present officers 
and trustees are: Royal C. Taft, president; John W. Danielson, treas- 
urer; John C. Pegram, secretary; Thomas P. I. Goddard, Henry G. 
Russell, Henry J. Steere, Robert I. Gammell, Arnold Green, Albert 
L. Calder, Eli W. Blake, John McAuslan, John H. Congdon, Samuel 
R. Dorrance, and the mayors of Providence and Newport, cx-officio, 
trustees. 

The Providence Home for Aged Women is located at the corner 
of Front and East streets, on a beautiful site, overlooking the harbor 
and bay. The origin of the institution shows honorable mention of 
Mrs. Eliza Rogers and Doctors Wayland and Hall, as among its act- 
ive founders. The association having for its object the providing of 
such an institution was organized March 19th, 1856. Its first officers 
were: Mrs. Joseph Rogers, president; Mrs. Matthew Watson, vice- 
president; Mrs. Amherst Everett, treasurer; Miss Maria M. Benedict, 
secretary; Reverend Francis Wayland, Amasa Manton, Robert H. 
Ives and Amos D. Smith, board of advisers. Plans were at once set 
on foot for purchasing the property and erecting a suitable building. 
A building already standing upon the lot purchased was temporarily 
used, while a more commodious one was being provided. The pres- 



426 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ent handsome brick edifice was completed in 1804. It is a four-story 
building - , and was opened for the reception of its guests November 
30th of the year mentioned. It is supported mainly by donations, 
collections and the income from an invested fund. The minimum 
age for admission to it is 65 years, and the entrance fee is $150. The 
number of inmates is about 50. The present officers of the institu- 
tion are: Mrs. Anna E. Nightingale, president; Miss Mary Grinnell 
and Mrs. T. J. Morgan, secretaries; Mrs. Emma L. Sackett, treasurer. 

The Home for Aged Men was established in 1874, at 64 Point 
street. The first officers of the institution were: Henry J. Steere, 
president; Mrs. James C. Bucklin and Jarvis E. Gladding, vice-presi- 
dents; Mrs. John P. Walker, secretary; Daniel A. Taylor, treasurer. 
Its object was to provide a comfortable home for aged men, such as 
the Women's Home provided for women. Its founding was the 
realization of suggestions made by Reverend Edwin M. Stone in his 
report to the Ministry at Large, about the year 1867. The actual re- 
sults were largely due to the encouragement and energy of Mrs. Mary 
A. Holden and Mrs. James C. Bucklin. The house at 64 Point street 
was rented and furnished, principally by the free-will offerings of 
friends, and was opened October 21st, 1874. It was only capable of 
accommodating 12 to 15 persons. An act of assembly incorporated 
the home in 1875. A lot for a building was donated by Mr. Joseph 
J. Cooke; a legacy of $25,000 for building purposes was left by Mr. 
vStephen T. Olney; and contributions were added from different 
sources — Mrs. Henry Gladding estate, $3,000; Mrs. Frances J. Vin- 
ton, $1,000; Mrs. George Hall estate, $5,000; Henry L. Kendall estate, 
$5,000; Joseph A. Barker, $1,000; Smith Owen, $500, and others in 
smaller amounts. But the most liberal gift of all was the handsome 
building and grounds at the corner of Chestnut and Clifford streets, 
which was made by Mr. Henry J. Steere, in which the institution is 
now pleasantly domiciled. There are usually 15 to 20 inmates. The 
present officers are: Henry J. Steere, president; James G. Vose, D.D., 
vice-president; S. C. Day, secretary; William Knight, treasurer; Mrs. 
Harriet G. Field, superintendent. 

The Children's Friend Society was organized in 1835, mainly 
through the philanthropic efforts of the late Mrs. Harriet Ware. Its 
object was " to provide for the support and education of indigent 
children, not otherwise provided for, and who for want of parental 
care are in a suffering or dangerous condition." The home was for 
several years established at the corner of Broad and Stewart streets. 
Mrs. Ware began her philanthropic work for the elevation and care 
of wretched and neglected children in 1832. Subsequently, with the 
idea of the present institution in mind, she advised with her friend, 
Doctor Wayland, who entered into the spirit of the plan with en- 
couragement, and a subscription of $600 was raised, a small house 
was rented, and on November 1st, 1835, she opened the house with 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 427 

one little boy under her care. The institution prospered, contribu- 
tions were received and the number of beneficiaries was increased. 
The home at present occupied was built about the year 1861. It is a 
commodious brick structure, standing at No. 47 Tobey street. Some 
1,000 children have been cared for by the society since its organiza- 
tion. The usual number in the home is about eight, while some 40 
more are placed in homes under the care of the society. Children 
from two to twelve years of age are eligible for admission. The 
institution was chartered by the assembly in 1836. The officers are: 
George I. Chace, president; Mrs. Mary R. Tibbitts, Mrs. Henry G. 
Russell, Mrs. Benjamin White, Mrs. William C. Chapin, Mrs. Adnah 
Sackett, vice-presidents; Mrs. M. A. Talbot and Mrs. Arba Dike 
Smith, secretaries; Mrs. Christopher Lippitt, treasurer; Mrs. C. F. 
T. Esterbrook, matron. 

St. Aloysius Orphan Asylum was founded in the year 1851. It 
occupied a small wooden building now standing in Winslow place, 
but then standing on the site now occupied by the brick building on 
Claverack street. At first children were received from neighboring 
cities into the institution. The asylum was moved into the convent 
building in 1856, and in 1858 the fine brick structure in which it is 
now domiciled was completed. The left wing of the building was 
added in 1865, making the building as it now stands. The institu- 
tion is under the charge of the sisters of mercy, and is supported by 
contributions from the various churches and individuals of the 
Roman Catholic denomination. About 250 children of both sexes 
are cared for in it. The handsome brick structure on Prairie 
avenue, in South Providence, was begun in 1860, and the children 
were moved into it at Easter, in 1861. 

The Association for the Benefit of Colored Children was organized 
in 1838, and incorporated in 1846. The late Mrs. Anna A. Jenkins 
was prominent in its organization. In 1847 a lot and $500 were pre- 
sented to the society on condition that a building should be erected 
upon it within two years. A subscription was opened and about 
$2,000 was raised. The institution was then known as the " Shelter," 
and occupied temporarily a building at 57 Wickenden street. The 
advisers to the board at that time were Reverend T. C. Jameson, 
Reverend Francis Smith, Samuel B. Tobey, M.D., David Andrews, 
Charles H. Dabney and Benjamin Dyer. In 1849 the building was 
erected on land given by Mrs. Jenkins, at No. 20 Olive street. This 
is still the location of the Shelter. It receives colored children be- 
tween the ages of three and twelve, who are neglected, and provides 
for them or places them in good homes, as far as practicable. The 
officers of the society in 1889 were: Mrs. Frank E. Richmond, presi- 
dent; Mrs. H. N. Lathrop, and Miss Caroline B. Weeden, secretaries; 
Mrs. Samuel H. Tingley, treasurer. Mrs. H. B. Buffington is matron. 

The Female Charitable Society, formerly called the Providence 



428 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Female Society for the Relief of Indigent Women and Children, 
had its origin as early as the year 1800. It was organized in April of 
that year, and in October, 1802, received a charter from the general 
assembly. Its object is to aid women, taking care of them when 
sick and finding employment for them when able to work, also to 
assist them in clothing and educating their children. Nearly five 
thousand individuals and families have been assisted by the society. 
The present secretary is Mrs. William Ames. 

The Providence Nursery is a recently organized society, having 
for its object the appropriate care and nourishment of sick infants, 
and its base of operations at 204 William street. It was organized 
about 1871. 

The Rhode Island Homeopathic Hospital is the outgrowth of 
efforts made by the Ladies' Homeopathic Aid Association, which 
was organized in 1874. In the course of several years a considerable 
fund was raised, which was largely augmented by the proceeds of a 
very successful state festival held in January, 1882. Thus the fund 
amounted to about $10,000. The hospital corporation was chartered 
in 1S82, and in 1884 negotiations were begun looking toward the 
purchase of the Nichols house and grounds, at 151 Olney street. 
The house and barn are of granite, and are said to have originally 
cost about $100,000, but were sold to the hospital corporation for 
$30,000. The site is a pleasant one, the grounds sloping gradually 
to their limits on the hillside and comprise about 10-J acres. Beauti- 
ful views of the surroundings maybe obtained from the upper floors, 
which are occupied by beds for patients. The officers of the hospital 
corporation in 1889 were: Charles E. Carpenter, president; Mrs. 
Mary H. B. von Gottschalk, secretary; George W. R. Matteson, 
treasurer; George B. Wilcox, consulting physician; George B. Peck, 
admitting physician; Waldo H. Stone, assistant physician; Miss 
Sarah W. McNamara, matron. 

The Irrepressible Society is situated in leased apartments at No. 
81 North Main street, having for its object the supplying needy and 
competent sewing women with work. Clothing is made by this 
means and the manufactured work is sold at yearly auction sales. 
The enterprise is in charge of a society of young ladies, which is 
regularly incorporated. One hundred or more women are thus given 
employment. The enterprise was started in 1861. The present offi- 
cers are: Miss C. Hartshorn, president; Miss H. H. Tyler, Miss E. 
A. Hoppin, vice-presidents; Miss Brownell, secretary; Miss J. W. 
Bucklin, treasurer; Rufus Waterman, auditor; Miss K. C. Greene, 
agent. 

Besides these there are in the city a large number of societies for 
the advancement of the material comfort of the poor, dependent, 
neglected or helpless classes. The more prominent of these we may 
give a passing notice. The Providence Lying-in Hospital was organ- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 429 

ized October 14th, 1SS4. It is situated on State and Field streets. 
Its present officers are: Oliver C. Wiggin, M.D., president; William 
M. Bailey, vice-president; D. Russell Brown, secretary; Charles C. 
Harrington, treasurer. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Children was organized in 1883. The Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals was organized October 29th, 1870. A Ladies' 
Auxiliary to this society was organized in 1872, and aids in various 
enterprises for raising funds. Its office is in room 23, 55 Westmins- 
ter street. The annual meeting is held the second Tuesday in April. 
Officers at present are: Christopher Blanding, secretary; Charles H. 
Thurber, general agent; Charles W. Bowen, treasurer. Mr. Thurber 
is also secretary and agent of the Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Children, which has its headquarters in Room 32, in the 
same building. The Montefiore Benevolent Association, a charitable 
organization, formerly known as the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent 
Association, was started in 1880, and has for its object the relief of 
all persons who are in distress. It was founded by Reverend Jacob 
Varsonger. The Rhode Island Indian Aid Association, having for 
its object the removal of oppression from the neck of the Indian and 
the aiding of missionary work among them, was organized in Febru- 
ary, 1884. The Society for Ministry to the Sick was organized by a 
company of ladies who gave much time to this benevolent work, 
in 1880. 

The Women's Christian Association was organized in April, 1867. 
It has a boarding house for young women at 66 Fountain street, a 
branch home at 96 Mathewson street, and seaside cottages atConani- 
cut Park, on the north end of the island of that name, which is com- 
prised in the town of Jamestown, a few miles from Newport. The 
association was incorporated by the general assembly in January, 
1870. It provides comfortable board and lodging for young working 
women whose earnings are small and who are in need of a Christian 
home. The house was purchased in 1873, and enlarged to meet the 
requirements of the enterprise, so as to be sufficient to accommodate 
45 boarders, at a cost of $31,000. In 1884 a legacy of $10,000 was left 
it by Mr. Henry L. Kendall, by which the debt remaining on the 
property was extinguished. The Conanicut Park cottages were pur- 
chased in 1882, and the Mathewson street branch was purchased in 
1884. An act of the assembly, passed in 1877, exempts the property 
of the association from taxation so long as it is used for the benevo- 
lent purposes mentioned in the charter. The present officers are: 
Mrs. J. L. Lincoln, president; Mrs. Elizabeth E. Andrews, Mrs. Royal 
C. Taft, Mrs. Thomas Lincoln, Mrs. John W. Danielson, vice-presi- 
dents; Mrs. Elizabeth B. S. Brown, treasurer; Mrs. Emory Lyon, 
secretary. 

The Women's City Missionary Society, an important local charity, 
was organized in 1867, "to assist the poor in efforts to help them- 



430 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

selves, and to engage in general missionary work in the city." To 
prevent imposture and misdirected charity careful investigations are 
made by committees in the different wards upon every case that 
comes before the society for help. The work of the society is sup- 
ported by annual subscriptions and donations. The principal offi- 
cers in 1889 were: Miss S. C. Durfee, president; Mrs. Charles F. 
Hull, Mrs. Gorham Thurber, Mrs. M. B. I. Goddard, Mrs. George I. 
Chace, vice-presidents; Mrs. Thomas J. Morgan, secretary; Mrs. 
Christopher Lippitt, treasurer. 

The Little Sisters of the Poor, a branch of the French order by 
that designation, was started here in 1881, by five " Little Sisters " 
from the mother house in Brooklyn. Its object is to receive and care 
for destitute persons of good character and above 60 years of age, 
without regard to nationality or creed. The General James mansion 
on vSlocum street was at first obtained, and this was opened March 
23d, 1881. The number of inmates soon increased to 45, and with 
this the limits of the capacity of the house was reached. Mr. Joseph 
Banigan, seeing the restricted condition of the enterprise on account 
of this limitation, with philanthropic zeal came to the rescue, and at 
his own expense erected a suitable and commodious building. This 
was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies May 29th, 1884, at which 
time the keys of the building, deeds for the land and insurance 
policies to the amount of $80,000 were formally presented by Mr. 
Banigan to the sisters. The building, situated on Main street, Wood- 
lawn, is four stories high above the basement, and is supplied with 
every improvement and convenience for the requirements of the 
institution. At the opening of the new home there were 64 inmates, 
24 men and 40 women. It now contains over 2C0 inmates, and is in 
charge of 14 of the little sisters and a mother superior. 

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic society, the head- 
quarters of the order being in Paris. Branches of it, composed of 
the young and married men of each congregation, are organized in 
nearly or quite every Catholic church in the city. At the weekly 
meetings of the local conference of each church cases of sickness or 
destitution within their borders are reported by the pastor, and mem- 
bers are delegated to investigate and afford relief. Funds to carry 
on the work are obtained by church collections, entertainments, a 
few subscribing members and general subscriptions. There are 
about three hundred members in the city, and under their direction 
there are made annually from two to three thousand visits, and some- 
thing like three thousand dollars are expended in relief of the poor. 
As many as 35 families are sometimes on the roll for support during 
the winter. 

vSt. Elizabeth's Home is located at the corner of Atlantic and Mel- 
rose streets. It was established in April, 1882, for the purpose of 
providing a home for women incurably sick or convalescent. Its 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 431 

aim is to meet the wants of a class for whom the hospitals do not 
provide, and who are unable to pay for necessary care and medical 
attendance. Though its objects are charitable those who are able 
are expected to pay.. It was established under the auspices of Grace 
church. Officers for 1889 were: Right Reverend Thomas M. Clarke, 
president; Miss N. A. Greene, treasurer; Mrs. J. H. Coggeshall, sec- 
retary. 

With all the numerous institutions and societies for the care of 
the poor, the sick and the unfortunate, supported by private or indi- 
vidual contributions, there remains but a light burden on the city 
corporation for the care of the poor. The last report of the overseer 
of the poor shows that during 1888 2,107 persons were assisted, more 
than half of whom were children. The number during the last 
seven years has increased only about two hundred. The entire ex- 
penses of the city for the care of the poor, under official recognition, 
during the year was $12,526.04, of which $5,702.28 was for out-door 
relief and $2,630.84 for maintaining the charity building and wood 
yard. 

In closing this chapter it may be well to look back to the condi- 
tion of public charities in the earlier years. We shall see that the 
town corporation as such bore a heavier proportionate burden when 
the poor were cared for, and if the burden was lighter the attention 
that the poor received was a cold comfort. We gather from "Staples' 
Annals" the following facts. In 1738 the plan of establishing a 
county work house was discussed and some steps were taken in that 
direction. The design, however, was not carried out. The project 
was renewed by a number of the towns in 1753. The assembly 
authorized these towns to erect such a one as they desired, and to 
appoint one man from each town to have the oversight and manage- 
ment of it. If this was ever established it continued as a joint con- 
cern but a short time. Out of it, in all probability, arose the "old 
work house," which formerly stood on the corner of Smith and 
Charles streets. That was a long, low, brick building, which offered 
little attraction or comfort to the unfortunate beings who were com- 
pelled to inhabit it. Its appointments and management were not at 
all likely to inspire feelings of pride for the provision made for the 
poor, or fear that it would increase the evils of pauperism. Some of 
the paupers of Providence continued to exist in it until the erection 
of Dexter Asylum in 1828. Long before that it had become a place 
rather of punishment than relief. In the rear of it, in 1796, the town 
erected their Bridewell. This was a small stone building, 32 feet by 
14, and ten feet high, intended for the detention and punishment of 
the lowest order of petty criminals. In 1803 it appears there were 41 
persons, of whom 26 were children, wholly dependent on the town. 
The most of these were boarded out. The support of these persons, 
with the partial supplies furnished to others, cost the town, during 



432 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the year ending June, 1803, $3,600. The committee, appointed then 
to consider the condition of the poor, recommended that, until an 
alms house for the poor, and a house of labor for the idle, the in- 
temperate and the disorderly should be erected, the overseers should 
continue the ordinary course of providing for the poor. They were 
directed to purchase a lot for a work house. This was done, and the 
"Sessions lot," so called, near the north end of the town, was pur- 
chased for that purpose. No alteration was made in the mode of sup- 
porting the poor until long after this. A few were consigned to the 
old work house, but the greater part were boarded out. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



CHURCHES OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 



Religious Matters in the Settlement. — First Baptist Church.— Friends' Society and 
Meeting House. — First Congregational Church. — St. John's Episcopal Church. — 
Beneficent Congregational Church.- — Richmond Street Congregational Church. — 
High Street Congregational Church. — Pilgrim Congregational Church. — Begin- 
nings of Methodism in Providence. — The Pine Street or Central Baptist Church. — 
Third Baptist Church. — Brown Street Baptist Church. — Union Baptist Church. — 
Fourth Baptist Church. — First Universalist Society. — Church of Sts. Peter and 
Paul. — Westminster Congregational Society. — Olney Street Congregational Church. 
— Grace Church. — Roger Williams Free Baptist Church. — Pawtuxet Street Christian 
Society. — Meeting Street Baptist Church. — Congdon Street Baptist Church. — Hope 
Street M. E. Church. — New Jerusalem Church. — St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. — 
Fifth, South and Friendship Street Baptist Churches. — Wesleyan Society.— St. 
Patrick's Church. — Seamen's Bethel. — Church of the Mediator.— Second Free-will 
Baptist.— Zion M. E. Church.— Bethel Methodist.— Jefferson Street Baptist.— Stew- 
art Street Baptist. — Free Evangelical Congregational. — Church of the Yahveh. — 
All Saints' Memorial Church.— Mathewson Street M. E. Church.— First United 
Presbyterian. — Broadway Methodist Episcopal. — Central Congregational. — Park 
Street Free Baptist Church.— St. Mary's R. C. Church.— St. Joseph's R. C. Church. 
— Church of the Messiah, Episcopal. — Trinity M. E. Church. — Church of the Im- 
maculate Conception. — Jewish Congregation. —Church of the Redeemer. — Christ 
Church.— Church of the Epiphany. — Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. — Greenwich 
Street Free Baptist. — St. Michael's R. C. — Church of the Saviour.— Sea and Land 
Mission. — North Congregational Church. — St. James' Episcopal Church. — Broad- 
way Baptist Church. — South Baptist. — Elm wood Congregational. — African Union 
Methodist.— Asbury Methodist Episcopal.— Mt. Zion M. E. Church.— St. Paul's M. 
E. Church.— Cranston Street Baptist.— St. Charles', French, R. C, Church.— Union 
Congregational. — Academy Avenue Congregational Church. — Advent Christian 
Church.— Plymouth Congregational. — Church of the Assumption, R. C— First 
Presbyterian. — Roger Williams Baptist.— St. Edward's, R. C. — Arlington Free 
Baptist.— St. Thomas', Episcopal.— Allen Mission.— Free Religious Society.— Latter 
Day Saints.— Union Am. M. E. Church.— Mount Pleasant Baptist.— Branch Avenue 
Baptist.— St. John's R. C. Church.— St. Theresa's R. C. Church.— Church of the 
Holy Name.— Our Lady of the Rosary.— Cranston Street M. E. Church. — Harris 
Avenue M. E. Church.— Ebenezer Baptist.— Swedish Mission.— Church of the 
Blessed Sacrament. — Ballou Universalist. 



THE religious element was in the settlement of Providence, as in 
that of every other New England colony, the ruling motive 
and most important factor. But in Providence this element 
assumed a phase which in all subsequent history has given it a posi- 
tion at once unique and conspicuous. There can be little doubt as to 
what were m general the religious tenets of the first settlers, or at 
least what had been their status before coming hither. At the time 
of their removal they were members of Plymouth and Massachusetts 
churches, which were Congregational in government, moderately 
28 



43-4 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Calvinistic in doctrine, and pedobaptist in ceremonial practice. The 
settlers did not cease to be members of those churches by their re- 
moval hither, nor did they in removing- hither constitute a church. 
They doubtless were early in the habit of assembling for public wor- 
ship, but there appears to have been no effort to form a church pre- 
vious to March, 1639. Among the first thirteen settlers were two 
ordained ministers, Roger Williams and Thomas James. Cotton 
Mather, whom we must regard as viewing the matter through some- 
what prejudiced Congregational eyes, says of the religious condition 
of the settlements of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: " I 
cannot learn that the first planters of this colony were agreed in any 
one principle so much as this, that they were to give one another no 
disturbance in the exercise of religion; and, though they have some- 
times had some difference among them as to the exercise of that 
principle also, I believe there never was held such a variety of reli- 
gions together on so small a spot of ground as have been in that col- 
ony. It has been a colluvies of Antmomians, Familists, Anabaptists, 
Anti-Sabbatarians, Armenians, Socinians, Quakers, Ranters— every- 
thing in the world but Roman Catholics and real Christians, though 
of the latter I hope there have been more than of the former among 
them; so that if a man had lost his religion he might find it at the 
general muster of opinionists." 

Two years or more after Williams came to Providence he received 
baptism by immersion at the hands of Ezekiel Holyman, and then 
administered the rite to Holyman himself and to ten others of his 
associates. This constituted the beginning of a church of the Bap- 
tist order, from which beginning has descended the First Baptist 
church of Providence, which to-day holds so conspicuous and honored 
a position among the institutions of the city. For a while Roger 
Williams was a pastor and leader of this early church, the exact dale 
of whose organization is unknown, but is well authenticated as hav- 
ing been a short time — perhaps a few months — prior to March 16th, 
1639. Very little is known of the previous religious history of the 
twelve persons constituting this church. They had come over as a 
part in the Puritan immigration, and probably were like the rest. 
Most, and perhaps all, had been members of churches in Massachu- 
setts. 

Roger Williams remained pastor of the little flock but a short 
time. His progressive views soon brought him to a position of doubt 
as to the validity of his own baptism, and consequently the authority 
of his action in the pastoral office. His baptism had been adminis- 
tered by one who could not claim apostolic succession and hence that 
baptism could not give him the spiritual authority which he felt that 
he ought to have for continuing in the pastoral relation. He with- 
drew from that office, and during the rest of his days remained with- 
out any regular connection as pastor, though he continued at divers 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 435 

times and places to expound and proclaim the doctrines of the Chris- 
tian religion. 

The church, however, remained and grew. Who the original 
twelve were is not known with definiteness, but coinciding records 
of other localities furnish partial information. The church in Salem 
excommunicated ten persons who had come to Providence, and all 
but two had been re-baptized. The ten persons thus dismissed were 
"Roger Williams and his wife, John Throgmorton and his wife, 
Thomas Olney and his wife, Stukely Westcott and his wife, Mary 
Holliman and Widow Reeves." Which of these were the two not re- 
baptized is not known. To these ten are to be added Ezekiel Holli- 
man, and probably Richard Scott and his wife. Chad Brown and 
Gregory Dexter and William Wickenden, who afterward became 
elders in the church, were with their wives received into the church 
soon after its beginning. 

The early ministers are supposed to have labored without any 
salary. This was so both from necessity and probably from convic- 
tion of opposition to the principle of a paid ministry. It was exer- 
cised by those who in character and gifts of "prophesying" were 
marked for it. Of those who exercised thus the functions of elder- 
ship, one of the most conspicuous was Chad Brown, who though he 
died within a dozen years after coming here, is still represented in 
name and blood, as he has been for many generations, by those who 
have been and are prominent in their support and honor of religion 
and letters in Providence. Gregory Dexter, one of his associate 
elders, survived him more than half a century, living to be 90 years 
old. William Wickenden, another, lived here over 40 years, a mem- 
ber and minister in the church. He died February 23d, 1670. Thomas 
Olney, another of this class, died in 1682, having laid the founda- 
tions of a name which has been a household word for many genera- 
tions. After serving the church for a while he withdrew, on account 
of the church having adopted the sacrament of the laying on of 
hands as an important sequel to baptism, a doctrine in which he could 
not concur. This was about the year 1652, and Mr. Olney was accom- 
panied by a number of dissenters, who agreed with him, and they 
formed another church, which continued till about 1718, when it dis- 
solved. Pardon Tillinghast, who joined the infant settlement and 
church in 1646, being then 24 years of age, continued here until his 
death, at the age of 96. Elder Tillinghast gave the church not only 
his services but their first house of worship. It was a rude affair, as 
history says, "in the shape of a hay-cap, with a fire-place in the mid- 
dle, the smoke escaping from a hole in the roof." It stood on the 
Town street, near the corner of Smith street, and gave the church a 
sort of lo^al habitation after meeting for 60 years out of doors and in 
doors wherever a place for the time being could be found. 

The eldership continued in the Brown family for three genera- 



436 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tions. From Chad it passed to John, his eldest son, who had married 
the daughter of Obadiah Holmes, who was whipped at Lynn. James, 
the third son of John, born in 1666, served the church in his turn, and 
died October 28th, 1732. With him was associated Ebenezer Jenckes, 
who succeeded Elder Tillinghast in 1719, and served the church till 
his death, August 14th, 1726. At about the time of the death of Mr. 
Jenckes a new meeting house was erected, which was raised May 
30th, 1726, and stood till the present one was built. It was about 40 
feet square, and stood so that at high water the tide flowed nearly up 
to the west end of the building. From the front door, which opened 
on Main street, an aisle extended to the pulpit, which was raised three 
or four steps from the floor, and on each side of the aisle benches 
extended north and south to the walls of the house, there being no 
box pews in the room. Benches were also arranged in the gallery, 
which was entered by narrow stairs from a door on the south side of 
the house. Mr. Jenckes belonged to a family who had been known 
as liberal friends of literature and religion. His father, a native of 
Buckinghamshire, England, was a pious man, and the first who built 
a house in the town of Pawtucket. His brother, the governor, a 
member of this church, was for a number of years ambassador of the 
colony to the court of St. James, and was distinguished not only by 
the urbanity of his manners and his intellectual endowments, but 
by the graces of religion. His son, Daniel Jenckes, who was for 48 
years an active member here, was for 40 years a member of the gen- 
eral assembly, chief justice of this county, and a munificent donor to 
the college and the church. 

John Walton ministered to the church for a time. He was a 
man of liberal education, and a physician as well. He led a party 
that favored the payment of ministers and the admission to 
communion of those upon whom hands of the church had not been 
laid. The party that opposed these sentiments prevailed and he 
withdrew, while the leader of the latter party, Samuel Winsor, be- 
came the minister of the church. Winsor was then 56 years old, and 
he continued in office 25 years, till his death, November 17th, 1758, 
being assisted for a time by Thomas Burlingame. Samuel Winsor, 
Jr., son of the former, was ordained in 1759, and continued in the 
ministry of the church and in the opinion of his father till the 
spring of 1771, when the opponents of his views became stronger, 
and he withdrew from the church, accompanied by the party who 
agreed with him. 

A new era in the history of this church begins with the location 
of Rhode Island College in this town, in 1770. The church was then 
about 130 years old. and though having a clear field from the start in 
a town which now numbered four thousand souls, it had but 118 
members. It had never paid its ministers, and on principle was op- 
posed to doing it. It discarded singing and music in public worship, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 437 

after the manner of the Quakers and the early Baptists in England. 
It was still rigorous for the laying on of hands, refusing communion 
to those who did not practice it, and held those liable to discipline 
who should " join in prayer without the bounds of the church." Cn 
the occasion of President Manning being invited to communion with 
the church, he not being in sympathy with these views, a protest was 
raised, but was over-ruled. Mr. Winsor, with the protesting party, 
withdrew and Mr. Manning was at once called to preach and admin- 
ister the communion. For 20 years, till three months before his 
death, he held this position, still president of the college and acting 
pastor of the church. He exercised his ministry with intelligence 
without looseness, with zeal without narrowness. He smoothed the 
passage of the church into a new order, reforming with moderation, 
and restoring the union of education with religion. The church 
went forward under his ministrations more rapidly than it had ever 
done before. Soon after his coming to the church it was resolved to 
build a " meeting house for the public worship of Almighty God, 
and also for holding commencement in." In the middle of Febru- 
ary, 1774, the orchard of John Angell was purchased for the site of 
the new house of worship, which w r as at once planned and built. It 
was dedicated on the 28th of May, 1775, having been erected at a cost 
of £7,000, equivalent to about $25,000. The Charitable Baptist So- 
ciety had also been organized. A great revival was in progress 
about this time, and President Manning estimated that about two 
hundred persons were converted, and that he baptized more than 
half that number himself, in less than a year. But the battle of Lex- 
ington turned the attention of all eyes to the great national conflict 
that was opening, and the work of the church was sadly obstructed 
thereby. The college was closed, and its hall used for barracks and 
hospital. Improvements in general were stopped, the painting of 
the meeting house was postponed until 1787, and the congregation 
was scattered. President Manning closed his pastoral service of this 
church April 24th, 1791, within three months of the close of his life, 
at the vigorous age of 53 years. In the mean time Mr. Manning 
wishing to give the church better service than was possible with him 
in connection with his college duties, urged the church to secure a 
pastor in his stead. This they succeeded in doing for a time in the 
person of Reverend John Stanford, an English minister, who began 
such pastorate about the first of January, 1788, and closed it Septem- 
ber 26th, 1789. 

The next minister was Reverend Jonathan Maxcy, who was or- 
dained September 8th, 1791, and just one year later resigned to be- 
come president of the college. This short pastorate was followed by 
the longest in the history of the church, that of Reverend Stephen 
Gano. This began in the summer of 1793, and continued 35 years, 
till his death in 1828. He was a nephew of President Manning, and 



438 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a son of Reverend John Gano. He had studied medicine, and for a 
time engaged in its practice. His ministry was remarkable for the 
great numerical increase of the church and the powerful religious 
awakenings by which it came. At the beginning of his ministry the 
church had 207 members; at its close it had 491. Eight years before, 
that is in 1820, the membership reached its highest point, then num- 
bering 648. In that year 147 persons were baptized. It was during 
the ministry of Doctor Gano that the church dismissed the rite of 
laying on hands which had held a place in the principles of the 
church since 1653, though for 40 years it had been gradually losing 
ground. On the second of December, 1808, the pastor brought the 
question to a decisive issue by offering his resignation if it was to be 
continued. It is needless to say the custom was abandoned. 

The next minister was Reverend Robert Everett Pattison. He 
was twice called to the pastorate of this church. His first term of 
service was from March 21st, 1830, to August 11th, 1836. His second 
term began December 10th, 1840, and ended on the first Sunday in 
April, 1842. His first ministry was a very successful one, and was 
followed by a long vacancy in the pastoral office. During his first 
ministry not only was the religious life of the congregation greatly 
invigorated, but the first important change was made in the meeting 
house. In 1832 the 126 square pews, with aisles crossing from door 
to door, were removed, and 144 long pews were put up. The second 
gallery at the west end, once set apart for colored people, was taken 
down; the high pulpit was altered and the sounding board over it was 
taken away; the chandelier and the Venetian window at the rear of 
the pulpit were kept; but this and the renovations which have fol- 
lowed quite altered the antique congruity of the house as it was. 
Two years later the organ, which had been proposed nearly a score 
of years before, was placed in the gallery, two generations after a 
minister had left the church because singing in public worship was 
" highly disgustful " to him. This was said of Mr. Winsor by a con- 
temporary. The organ was the gift of Mr. Nicholas Brown, the 
second of that name, who had been a liberal supporter of the church, 
as well as of the college which bears his name. Forty years before 
he had built a parsonage for the society. 

The ministry of Reverend William Hague, continuing but little 
more than three years, occupied the space between the first and sec- 
ond periods of Doctor Pattison. He was 29 years old, of fresh com- 
plexion, small figure and alert action. He had been pastor of the 
First church in Boston, and returned to that city after his ministry 
here. Brief as his ministry was here it brought increase to the 
church, and gave character and influence to its pulpit. Following 
the second ministry of Doctor Pattison came that of Reverend James 
Nathaniel Granger, which continued more than 14 years. He came 
here when 28 years of asre and died at the asfe of 42. He was of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 439 

serious, grave appearance, his marked qualities being sobriety, sol- 
idity and strength. He was commissioned to visit ard inspect the 
missions of American Baptists in India, which occupied many 
months of his time, after he had labored in this field about ten years. 
During his absence Reverend John C.Stockbridge occupied his pulpit 
and pastoral field for a year, and Reverend Francis Smith for a 
shorter period. After his return he resumed his pastoral duties with 
broken health and failing strength. He died January 2d, 1857. 
During three months in 1855 he was assisted by Reverend William 
C. Richards. In 1857 the lower part of the meeting house was recon- 
structed and greatly improved for the more social uses of the church, 
at an expense of $12,000. 

Doctor Francis Wayland, who 16 months before had resigned the 
presidency of Brown University, supplied the pulpit and did the 
pastoral work of the church for a year and more, though he declined 
to assume the office of actual pastor. During this time a very stir- 
ring revival visited the church. This was followed by the ministry 
of Reverend Samuel L. Caldwell, D.D., whose pastorate extended 
from 1858 to 1873. Reverend Edward G. Taylor, D.D., began his 
ministry here April 18th, 1875, coming here from New Orleans, and 
being then 43 years old. His ministry continued until 1881. Dur- 
ing the time the church increased in number from 381 to 547. Dur- 
ing this ministry a mission was begun at Mount Pleasant, which 
issued in the formation of a church — the fourteenth Baptist church 
in the city. Since the beginning of this century this church has 
contributed largely to the formation of several other churches: In 
1805, to the church in Pawtucket,and the Second, now Central church 
in Providence; in 1806, to the church in Pawtuxet; in 1820, to the 
Third church in Providence, and in 1855 to the Brown Street church. 
The pastorate of Reverend T. Edwin Brown, D.D., began February 
5th, 1882, and continues at the present time. During the 250 years 
of the life of this church it has had 20 ministers. Besides its pastors 
at least 62 ministers have been among its members. There have 
been 1,240 members added to it by baptism and 1,088 by letter from 
other churches in the last three quarters of a century. In the last 
hundred years it has received altogether about 2,900 members. The 
church now numbers 488. 

After the Baptists the next sect to find a place in Providence was 
that of the Friends. The first appearance of this sect in New Eng- 
land was in 1656. Persecuted as they were in every other colony of 
New England, the towns of Rhode Island received and comforted 
them in their sufferings, and the consequence was the adoption of 
their opinions by some of the inhabitants of almost every town at 
a very early period. Tradition says that Richard Scott was the first 
person in Providence to adopt their principles. His wife, Catherine, 
and two daughters, Patience and Mary, were also among the first 



440 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

members of the Friends' Society. All three of these women suffered 
corporeal punishment in Massachusetts, the wife as early as 1658. 
One of the daughters married Christopher Holder, whose name ap- 
pears more than once among those who suffered corporeal punish- 
ment in Massachusetts on account of their devotion to the principles 
of the Friends. In 1666 Thomas Burnyeate, a Friend from England, 
held a meeting in Providence, and in 1672 George Fox, the celebrated 
leader of that sect, held a meeting in Providence, " in a great barn, 
which was thronged with people." This was followed not long after- 
ward by the celebrated debate on 14 propositions, in which Roger 
Williams contended with great zeal against three English Friends — 
John Stubbs, John Burnyeate and William Edmundson. The debate 
was carried on three days at Newport and one day at Providence. 
Thus it appears the principles of the Friends were obtaining a foot- 
hold in Providence, though the data by which we may judge of their 
progress are very few and uncertain. In June, 1691, a record of the 
Rhode Island quarterly meeting indicates that an attempt was made 
to purchase " Sucklin's lot of land at Providence," doubtless for the 
purpose of a building site, and it is supposed that the purchase was 
made. From the same records it appears that a weekly meeting was 
established at Providence as early as March, 1701, and in the follow- 
ing year the project of building a meeting house was resumed. A 
subscription of ,£60 15s. toward the project was raised by 40 inhabit- 
ants of Providence, whereupon the quarterly meeting of Rhode Island 
resolved to proceed with the building of a house 30 feet square. 
Subsequent quarterly meetings agreed to an exchange of location for 
one near the dwelling house of Eleazer Arnold, and upon that site a 
meeting house was erected between June, 1703, and July, 1704. This 
house stood on a lot 7x12 rods, and its location was north of the pres- 
ent city, in the part of the then town of Providence which was sub- 
sequently set off as Smithfield, and it was afterward known as Lower 
Smithfield. 

In the beginning of 1718 Providence monthly meeting was set off 
from Greenwich monthly meeting, with which it had formerly been 
associated, and consisted of Providence and Mendon meetings. In 
1731 the name was changed to Smithfield monthly meeting. The 
proposition to build a meeting house in Providence town was pre- 
sented to the Smithfield monthly meeting in 1724, and being ap- 
proved and aided by the Rhode Island quarterly meeting, to whom 
it was referred, the house was built within a year or two from that 
time. Its original location was on Stampers hill, whence it was re- 
moved in 1745 to a site, according to later description, between South 
Court and Meeting streets. The deed of the lot was made in the be- 
ginning of the year 1727, the house having already been erected upon 
it. An addition was made to it in 1784-5. The town was accustomed, 
for a long time, to hold their town meetings in this house, and a 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 441 

school was for many years kept in the upper part of it. The present 
Providence monthly meeting was set of! from that of Smith field, 
already noticed, in 1783. The house already mentioned was after- 
ward removed to Hope street and converted into two dwellings, and 
the present meeting house, at the corner of North Main and Meeting 
streets, was built in 1844-5. The present number of Friends wor- 
shipping in the city is about 150. Among their recognized minis- 
ters are Phebe R. Gifford, Huldah M. Beede, Sarah K. Reynolds and 
Robert P. Gifford. 

Worship under the conduct of the Congregational order does not 
appear to have been regularly established previous to the year 1720, 
or about that time. The general principles laid down at the outset 
of the settlement, entirely separating the ecclesiastical from the 
civil functions of society, were quite too liberal to afford an attractive 
atmosphere for the Congregational element of that time. In 1721 an 
attempt was made to erect a house of worship by them. Doctor 
Hoyle, one of the most active and efficient of their number, visited 
the neighboring colonies and obtained pecuniary aid for the enter- 
prise, and, without the approval or consent of his associates, began 
the erection of a house on a lot of land near the junction of Pawtuxet 
and High streets. Dissatisfaction at this action was so great that 
after the house had been partially finished it was torn down. In 1723 
the society erected a house for worship at the corner of College and 
Benefit streets. This was afterward changed somewhat in model, 
and familiarly called the " Old Town House," it having been sold to 
the town in 1794. A more spacious and elegant house of worship 
was at once erected at the corner of Benevolent and Benefit streets. 
They began to raise this building on August 19th, 1794, on which 
occasion Doctor Hitchcock, the pastor of the society, delivered an 
address. The house, being completed, was dedicated August 16th, 
1795. The size of the house was 87 by 71 feet on the ground, and the 
front was ornamented with two spires of very symmetrical propor- 
tions. Mr. Caleb Ormsbee was the architect. The whole house was 
a beautiful copy of one of the most beautiful houses of worship in 
Boston. It was destroyed by fire on the morning of June 14th, 1814. 
The society immediately set about the erection of a still more spa- 
cious and elegant structure on the same site. The corner stone of 
this house was laid with appropriate ceremonies on the 29th of May, 
1815, and the house was dedicated on the 31st of October in the fol- 
lowing year. It is built of granite from the Waterman " snake-den " 
ledge in Johnston. Its size is 77 by 100 feet, including a vestibule of 
20 feet. The stone tower is SO feet high to the bell deck, and the 
spire reaches to a height of about 200 feet from the ground. The cost 
of the house exceeded $50,000. 

Previous to the settlement of any minister several clergymen 
from the neighboring colonies occasionally preached for the society. 



442 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Amono- these were a Mr. Dorrance, a Mr. Danforth and Reverend 
Samuel Moody, of York, Maine, who by permission of his own con- 
gregation preached at Providence three months. During this period 
he baptized 16 persons. The society had no settled minister until 
1728. In the spring of that year Josiah Cotton commenced preaching 
for them, and was ordained in the following autumn, 18 churches be- 
ing present by their delegates to assist at the ordination. The 
church was constituted on the same day, its original members being 
Cornelius Salisbury, Nathaniel Blague, William Randall, Joseph 
Bagley, Timothy Carpenter, Joseph Barstow, John Church, Thomas 
Pollock and John Taylor. Mr. Cotton remained in the pastoral 
charge of this society and church until 1747, when he was dismissed 
at his own request. Reverend John Bass "was called, after an inter- 
val of about five years had elapsed. He commenced preaching for 
this church in 1752 and continued until 1758, when he left the minis- 
try and commenced the practice of medicine. The church at this 
time was in a weak condition and its religious interest appeared to 
be suffering a decline. In 1761 its membership became more united r 
the whole number then being 11 males and 10 females. In 1762 the 
services of Mr. David S. Rowland were obtained, and he continued 
with them until 1774, when he asked and received his dismission. 
Doctor Lothrop, of Boston, served the church nearly the whole of the 
year 1775. After his return to Boston the revolutionary war broke 
up the society so much that they had only occasional preachers till 
the fall of 1780, when Enos Hitchcock became their permanent pas- 
tor, though he was not formally installed until October, 1783. His 
pastorate was terminated by his death, which occurred February 
27th, 1803. His biographer wrote of him: "The character of his 
mind, the working of his heart, the creed of his life, might be writ- 
ten in a line — ' faith, hope and charity, these three, but the greatest 
of these is charity.' ' He left a legacy exceeding $6,000 to the 
society. His immediate successor was Henry Edes, of Boston, who- 
was ordained in July, 1805, and was dismissed at his own request in 
June, 1832. The Reverend Edward B. Hall was installed November 
14th, 1832, and continued in the pastorate until 1865. After a va- 
cancy of a year or two Reverend Arthur M. Knapp became pastor in 
1868, continuing about three years. In 1873 Reverend C. A. Staples 
was in the ministry of this church, continuing to 1881. Reverend 
Thomas R. Slicer, the present pastor, was called to the pastorate in 
June, 1881. Two churches and societies have sprung frcm this one 
since its establishment. These are the Beneficent Congregational, 
from which the Richmond Street and the High Street Societies 
sprang, and the Westminster Congregational Society. In 1882 the 
covenant of this church was simplified so as to read: " In the love of 
the Truth, and in the Spirit of Jesns Christ, we join for the worship 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 443 

of God and the service of man." The present congregation numbers 
about 200 families. The society belongs to the Unitarian order. 

The fifth religious sect to gain any notable foothold in this town 
was the Church of England. No trace of Episcopalianism appears in 
Providence previous to about the year 1722, except it may be that 
Mr. Honyman, the Episcopal missionary of Newport, occasionally 
preached here. On one of these occasions he declared that " no house 
could hold the congregation, so that I was obliged to preach in the 
open fields." This was in 1722, when he exerted himself in gather- 
ing a subscription to erect a church. The sum of .£250 was raised 
here, to which was added £200 more in Newport, £100 in Boston and 
£200 in other places. An additional sum of £200 was borrowed, and 
the erection of a church proceeded. A building 62x41 feet and 26 
feet high was raised on St. Barnabas day, 1722. The largest single 
contributor to this building fund was Colonel Joseph Whipple, who 
gave £100. The church occupied the same spot on which St. John's 
church now stands. It was a remarkably neat and pretty church, 
and some time after its erection a steeple was added. In 1762 and 
in 1771, leave was given by the general assembly to raise money by 
a lottery, sufficient to repair the church and build a steeple, from 
which we infer that the steeple was not built until after that time. 
The first bell in Providence is said to have been hung in the steeple 
of this church. The house was pulled down in 1810. The corner 
stone of the new church was laid on the 5th of June, 1810, and the 
edifice being completed was dedicated on the 11th of June, 1811. The 
size of the building was 82x67 feet, with a chancel 16x34 feet. Mr. 
John H. Greene was the architect of this building, which was con- 
structed of natural-faced stone laid in irregular blocks. The first 
clergyman settled over the church here as a missionary was Rever- 
end George Pigot. He was sent by the Society for the Propagation 
of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, to Stratford, Conn., and in the fol- 
lowing year was settled over this church. He remained, however, 
but a short time, and was succeeded by Mr. Charro. The latter was 
dismissed from his charge on account of improper conduct. In Octo- 
ber, 1730, Arthur Brown became rector. He was highly esteemed 
by his congregation, and remained with them until 1736, removing 
then to Portsmouth, N. H. His successor in Providence was John 
Checkley, who came here in 1739. He was a native of Boston, re- 
ceived his education at Oxford, and was admitted to holy orders by 
the Bishop of Exeter. He appears to have been a man of somewhat 
eccentric character, but he continued in the discharge of his duties 
as rector here until his death in 1753. The pulpit was supplied for a 
time by different clergymen until 1756, when John Graves succeeded 
in the rectorship. He attended the service of the church until July, 
1776. He then declined to officiate unless he could be permitted to 
read the usual prayers for the king, but the patriotism of his hearers 



444 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

forbade his doing that, and as a consequence the church was closed 
most of the time during the war, except a part of the time, when 
Thomas F. Oliver officiated as lay reader. After the restoration of 
peace Mr. Oliver received ordination from Bishop Seabury, the first 
American bishop, and remained in this parish until 1786, when by 
their consent he left them to officiate among his friends at Marble- 
head. Mr. Graves died here in November, 1785. In September, 1786, 
Moses Badger succeeded to the rectorship, which he held until his 
death in September, 1702. Abraham L. Clarke succeeded him, com- 
mencing his labors in March, 1793. He resigned the rectorship 
March 14th, 1800. He was succeeded by Nathaniel Bowen, after- 
ward bishop of South Carolina. He entered upon the service of this 
church November 12th, 1801, and left it for St. Michael's church in 
Charleston, S. C, in November, 1802. Nathan Bourne Crocker began 
serving this church as lay reader October 24th, 1802, and continued 
in that capacity until May, 1803, when he was ordained and chosen 
rector. He remained until January, 1804, when ill health obliged 
him to resign. John L. Blackburne succeeded him in December, 
1805, and resigned in March, 1807. In the same month Mr. Crocker 
was again called to the rectorship, and he continued in that office 
until 1865, during some of the time in the last three or four years being 
assisted by L. W. Bancroft and Richard B. Duane. In 1866 Richard B. 
Duane became rector, and continued until 1869. He was succeeded 
in 1870 by C. A. L. Richards, who still continues rector of the church. 
St. John's church numbers about 400 communicants. 

While the First Congregational Society was under the pastoral 
care of Reverend Josiah Cotton a part of his church and congrega- 
tion became dissatisfied with his preaching, regarding it as destitute 
of sound evangelical principles and filled with "damnable good 
works." This dissatisfaction became so great that finally, on March 
7th. 1743, a number of them withdrew from the church, and began 
holding religious meetings by themselves. Among those who thus 
seceded were Deacon Joseph Snow, Benjamin Cary, Thomas Knowl- 
ton, Alexander McCrary, Solomon Searle, Peter Tefft, John Paine, 
Joseph Snow, Jr., who afterward became their minister, Ebenezer 
Knight, and Barzillai Richmond, together with 15 females. This 
company of worshippers have the honor of being the first to establish 
religious services on the west side of the river. Mr. Cotton said of 
them, " They set up a separate meeting, where they attended to the 
exhortations of a lay brother, who had been brought up in the busi- 
ness of house-carpentry." The lay brother alluded to was Joseph 
Snow, Jr., whom they elected to the office of pastor and teacher. 
Later on he was ordained, after some years of experience in the 
work, February 12th, 1747. The separatists were formally suspended 
from the First church March 25th, 1744. Soon after that date they 
began erecting a house for public worship. In this work Mr. Snow, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 445 

profiting- by his experience in house carpentry, led some of his prin- 
cipal members into the woods and there engaged in cutting and 
hewing timber for the house. May 29th, 1744, a lot of land was given 
them by Daniel Abbott, and upon this the house was erected. It 
was a wooden building, and originally measured 36x40 feet. As the 
congregation increased they enlarged it, first building a piece in the 
middle, then adding to the rear, and finally building a story under 
the house as the hill upon which it was originally built was removed. 
In 1772 the spire was nearly one hundred feet high. A bell was im- 
ported from England about 1760. In this meeting house George 
Whitefield, Robert Sandeman, Mr. Asbury, Mr. Murray and other 
eminent ministers held their audiences. It remained the meeting 
house of the society until 1808, when it was taken down, and in that 
and the following year the present stately edifice of the Beneficent 
Congregational church waserected. This buildingis of brick, having 
150 pews on the ground floor, and spacious galleries. The expense 
of erecting the house was paid by the sale of pews and a fund of 
nearly twenty thousand dollars in addition was realized. In the 
autumn of 1836 the house was materially improved, both externally 
and internally, at an expense nearly equal to its first cost. Its lofty 
dome and imposing facade were conspicuous attractions, which even 
in the light of present architectural progress have not lost their 
grandeur. 

In October, 1785, the general assembly granted a charter of incor- 
poration to six members of the church, under the name of the " Ben- 
eficent Congregational Society." The first meeting under it was 
held in April, 1786. Mr. Snow continued for many years the beloved 
pastor of this united people. In 1783, " the fair character and exem- 
plary lives " of those who had been suspended from Mr. Cotton's 
church in 1744, compelled that church to take off its censure and re- 
store them to full fellowship. The peace and harmony thus restored 
were soon broken by an unexpected complication or conflict of ideas, 
arising from the disagreement of the church and society in regard to 
the ordaining of a colleague with Mr. Snow. James Wilson, a native of 
Ireland, who had formerly been a Methodist, began serving the church 
asan assistant, May 27th, 1791. In October, 1793, he was ordained by 
the society, though in opposition to the wishes of a majority of the 
church. Upon this Mr. Snow and his adherents withdrew, and held 
meetings in Mr. Snow's house, forming a new religious society, which 
was afterward known as the Richmond Street Congregational 
Society. Previous to the ordination of Mr. Wilson the church 
agreed upon a constitution and adopted a covenant and articles of 
faith, the covenant being signed at first by 20 males and 8 females. 
Mr. Wilson, though only ordained as colleague, after the withdrawal 
of Mr. Snow, performed all the duties of pastor. He thus continued 
for many years. Having reached the age of 75 years his request for 



446 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

an assistant was acceded to, Reverend Cyrus Mason of New York 
being called for that purpose and was installed October 7th, 1835. 
He remained about one year, when, on account of ill health, his re- 
quest to be dismissed was granted. Reverend Mark Tucker, of the 
Second Presbyterian church in Troy, N. Y., was installed colleague, 
on the 21st of June, 1837. Mr. Wilson closed his labors and his life 
on the 14th of September, 1839, in the 80th year of his age. Doctor 
Tucker remained in charge as pastor until 184G, being followed by 
Reverend John P. Cleveland, D.D., in that year. He remained 
several years, and after him a vacancy occurred for two or three 
years. Reverend A. Huntington Clapp was installed in 1855, con- 
tinuing about ten years. He was succeeded by Reverend James G. 
Vose, who began his pastoral service about 1866, and continues at 
the present time. In the old vestry of this church was held the first 
Sabbath school regularly organized on the west side of the river, and 
more than twelve thousand children and older persons have shared 
in its blessings. The beautiful chapel which fronts on Chestnut 
street, was the gift of Henry J. Steere, Esq., as a memorial of his 
father, the late Jonah Steere, who was for many years a member of 
this church. The membership of the church is large, and its finances 
are in a prosperous condition. 

The Richmond Street Congregational church grew out of a dis- 
cord in the Beneficent Congregational church. At the time of the 
ordaining of Reverend Mr. Wilson, in October, 1793, a part of the 
church disapproved of him on doctrinal grounds, and being over- 
ruled by the majority, they withdrew, and set up worship by them- 
selves at the house of Mr. Snow, their pastor. They soon, however, 
commenced the erection of a house of worship. This was a wooden 
structure standing on the corner of Pine and Richmond streets, 
which was afterward known as "the old Tin Top," from the material 
with which the top of the spire was covered. It was dedicated Au- 
gust 16th, 1795, but was not completely finished until the autumn of 
1807, when Thomas Williams, then pastor of the church, solicited 
and obtained the means of finishing it from Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut. The bell was the gift of Mr. Williams, from his own re- 
sources. The house was abandoned by the society after the erection 
of a new house in 1827, and was afterward used by various new soci- 
eties from time to time. The old building was afterward used as a 
circus, and then as a brewery. The new house of worship erected 
by this church was dedicated January 1st, 1828. It was a frame 
building 65x75 feet, and had 110 pews on the lower floor. The ex- 
pense of its erection was met by the sale of pews. 

Mr. Snow continued his pastoral care of this church and society 
until his death, which occurred April 10th, 1803, he being in the 89th 
year of his age, and the 58th year of his ministry. After his death 
.the church and people were few and feeble as a body, and they re- 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 447 

ceived into their pulpit Joseph Cornell, a Baptist minister, whose 
services were offered to them. While he preached in their meeting 
house there was an unusual attention to religion. During that sea- 
son Mr. Cornell founded a Baptist church, and received into it a 
number from the remnant of Mr. Snow's flock, his measures being 
approved b}^ a large part of the congregation. He thus claimed the 
right to possess and occupy the meeting house. A few sisters of the 
church, however, held firmly for the prior and superior claims of the 
old church. They obtained for a short time the services of Reverend 
James Davis to preach in the meeting house, and while he did so 
Elder Cornell and his people held meetings in the town house. In 
September they applied to Reverend Thomas Williams, of Pomfret, 
Conn., to be their minister. In response to the call he came to Prov- 
idence January 1st, 1807, and began his labors of preaching the gos- 
pel and rebuilding the scattered church. His first audience consisted 
of twelve to fifteen persons, and from this small beginning, by hard 
and persevering effort, the congregation was increased until the aver- 
age attendance reached four to six hundred, the membership of the 
church being about one hundred. Mr. Williams continued in the 
service of this church with but little pecuniary support and without 
installation or settlement, until April 7th, 1S1G. During his minis- 
try the church adopted the covenant, the doctrinal articles and the 
articles of discipline which were afterward retained. The name was 
the Pacific Congregational church and a society was incorporated 
under that name in 1S08. While Mr. Williams was their minister 
Massa Basset made an organ which he offered to the society, to be 
used in public worship, and which they accepted against the avowed 
sentiments of their minister. 

Willard Preston was installed pastor of this church in July, 1816. 
His salary was $600 a year. He was popular for a time, and the 
church seemed prosperous, but contentions arose, which increased 
until a part of the church withdrew and formed a new church by the 
name of the Calvinist Congregational church. They had for their 
minister Reverend Calvin Park, and held meetings in a hall on Pine 
street. Mr. Preston was dismissed in 1821. The society and church, 
enfeebled by contentions and disorder, again called Mr. Williams, 
who served the church from July 2d, 1821, till August 5th, 1823. 
After this Reverend Elam Clark was ordained pastor, and served the 
church about one year. After this Reverend Albert Judson was 
employed by the Pacific Society about two years, without installation. 
During this time, in August, 1825, most of the members who had 
been divided during Mr. Preston's ministry became united under the 
name of the Union Congregational church, which then numbered 88 
members. Reverend Thomas Tileston Waterman was ordained pas- 
tor of this church December 12th, 1826. In the year 1S27 the society 
built the meetino- house on Richmond street. When the house was 



448 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dedicated the church and society changed their name to that of the 
Richmond Street Congregational church and society. Mr. Waterman 
was dismissed January 1st, 1837. Mr. Charles Turner Torrey was 
ordained in March of the same year, and remained almost twelve 
months. In December, 1838, Reverend Willis Lord was installed, 
and he continued in the ministry nearly two years. Their next pas- 
tor was Reverend Jonathan Leavitt, who was installed in November, 
1840. He continued in the pastorate until about 1863, when he was 
succeeded by Reverend Elias H. Richardson. The church during 
Mr. Leavitt's pastorate had about three hundred members. The 
house of worship was destroyed by fire October 13th, 1851, and re- 
built in 1852-3. Reverend Mr. Richardson continued until 1867, 
when he was followed for a short time by Reverend Nelson W. Mil- 
lard. A union between this church and the High Street Congrega- 
tional church was effected in 1868, and the two churches formed the 
Pilgrim Congregational church. The Richmond Street house of 
worship was transferred to the Free Evangelical church. 

The High Street Congregational church was organized Decem- 
ber 18th, 1834. It consisted of 40 members, who had mostly with- 
drawn from the Beneficent and Richmond Street churches. In the 
course of the first ten years they gained more than two hundred 
members. They erected a meeting house in the year of their organi- 
zation. It was a frame structure 80x50 feet, the cost of erection of 
which was met by a lease of the pews for 500 years. The society was 
incorporated in 1833. Successive pastors have been: Reverends Wil- 
liam B. Lewis, Nathaniel S. Folsom, Leonard S. Parker, installed in 
December, 1840, and continued till about 1844; succeeded for a year 
or two by Arthur Granger; William J. Breed, installed 1846; Samuel 
Wolcott, installed 1853, continued to 1859; Lyman Whiting, installed 
I860, continued to 1863; Stephen R. Dennen, 1865 to 1868, during 
whose time a revival occurred which gave more than one hundred 
conversions. This church dismissed 88 members to help form the 
Pilgrim Congregational church in 1868. 

The union of the Richmond Street and the High Street churches 
to form the Pilgrim Congregational church was consummated in 
August, 1868. The plan was in part to remedy the inconvenience 
felt by most of the Richmond street members on account of the loca- 
tion of their church, and in part on account of a growing demand on 
the part of the High Street church for a larger and more convenient 
house. The church was organized June 2d, 1869. The church edifice 
on Harrison street, a fine brick structure, was erected in 1874. Its 
first pastor was Reverend Thomas Laurie, D.D., who was installed 
November 24th, 1869, and remained until 1885. Reverend Nathan 
M. Harriman began serving the church about 1887, and after about 
two years was followed by Reverend J. M. Dickson, the present 
pastor. 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 449 

The first clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal church who 
preached in Providence were Freeborn Garrettson and Jesse Lee. 
The time of their first visits cannot be definitely determined, but 
they were probably soon after the revolutionary war. Bishop Asbury 
preached here in June, 1791. In 1798 Joshua Hall came to this place, 
tarried a few months, taught a school, and preached on Sunday even- 
ings and occasionally at other times. On the 24th of November of the 
same year he organized a church and formed a class for regular 
meetings. The church was composed of only five members. From 
that time forward meetings were regularly kept up, though for sev- 
eral years there was no regular preacher. The first baptism by a 
Methodist clergyman was performed by Reverend Joseph Snelling 
on the first of May, 1801, the person baptized being Diadama Tripp. 
The first celebration of the Lord's Supper by this church was August 
28th, 1801, Reverend John Finegan officiating, and five male and 
seven female members participating. The first quarterly meeting 
was held in the town house August 12th and 13th, 1803, on which 
occasions Reverend George Pickering preached. In the spring and 
summer of 1804 Reverend Erastus Kibby preached in the town 
house. The movement met with but little encouragement, and 
growth was slow in the infant church. In July, 1815, Van Rensalaer 
Osborn came to this place and preached in a school house near the 
corner of Pleasant and Middle streets. His preaching was attended 
with good results, and by the middle of September the church num- 
bered 33 members. Notwithstanding much opposition the outlook 
was now so promising that the work of erecting a church was under- 
taken. Through the efforts of Mr. Osborn $500 was raised by a sub- 
scription for the purpose, and the society purchased a lot at the cor- 
ner of Aborn and Washington streets, and erected a meeting house 
upon it. This house was dedicated June 8th, 1816. The church then 
had 111 members, and Mr. Osborn was stationed here by the Annual 
Conference. A board of trustees was incorporated by the general 
assembly, to hold the house and lot in trust for the Methodist Episco- 
pal church. Solomon Sias was stationed here in 1817 and 1818, and 
Moses Fifield in 1819. Bartholomew Otheman became pastor in 1820 
and 1821. The church was now so prosperous that a larger house 
was desired. Mr. David Field presented a lot at the junction of 
Chestnut and Clifford streets, and the corner stone of a new house 
of worship was laid upon it August 6th, 1821. The old house was 
sold and subsequently converted into a dwelling house. The new 
meeting house was dedicated on the first day of January, 1822. This 
was a wooden structure, 65x75 feet, with a gallery on three sides of 
it, with a large room under the east part for evening and conference 
meetings. A steeple and bell were afterward added. Successive 
pastors of the church were: Timothy Merritt (following Mr. Othe- 
man), Enoch Mudge, 1823-4; Daniel Webb, 1825; Asa Kent, Jacob 

29 



450 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Sanborn, David Kilburn, Jotham Horton, Jacob Sanborn, again; 
Aaron D. Sargent, Daniel Fillmore, Abraham D. Merrill, David 
Patten, 1841; Thomas G. Carver, 1849; S. C. Brown, 1853; Richard 
Livesay, J 855; George M. Carpenter, 1857; J. A. M. Chapman, 1859; 
John B. Gould, 1861; W. McDonald, 1863; Mark Trafton, 1866; I. G. 
Bidwell, 1867; J. W. F. Barnes, 1869; J. E. C. Sawyer, 1871; D. P. 
Leavitt, 1874; B. P. Raymond, 1877; A. P. Palmer, 1880; Joseph Hol- 
lingshead, 1881; C. L. Goodell, 1883; H. C. Westwood, 1886, and S. O. 
Benton, 1888. The church is now known as the Chestnut Street 
Methodist church. Its membership has been drawn upon to form 
the Power Street church and the Fountain Street Wesleyan Society. 
The church now has about 400 members in full standing, and its 
church property is estimated at $36,000, besides a parsonage valued 
at $7,800. Its Sunday school numbers about 300. 

The Pine Street, or Second Baptist church, was organized May 
1st, 1805. Its first members were: Jeremiah Ross, William West, 
Benjamin Ham, William Ham, Samuel Gorton, Reuben Burke, Chace 
Webb, Laban Lake, Thomas Reynolds, Nancy West, Francis Gorton, 
Mercy Webb, Sarah Lake, Abigail Jencks, Lillis Paul and Rachel 
Mason. The greater part of these had been members of the First 
Baptist church. Reverend Joseph Cornell became pastor of the new 
church at its formation. He was a native of Swansea, Mass., born 
February 11th, 1747, ordained in Lanesborough, Mass., in 1780. Self- 
taught, but possessing sound common sense, he devoted himself to 
the work with much zeal and a remarkable degree of effectiveness. 
His pastoral charge of this church continued until November, 1811. 
From that date to October, 1812, the church was without a pastor. 
During much of that time the pulpit was supplied by Reverend 
Elisha Cushman and students of the college. In October, 1812, Rev- 
erend Daniel D. Lewis commenced his labors as a pastor, but con- 
tinued with the church only a single year. For nearly a year after- 
ward Mr. Willey, an unordained minister, served as a regular supply. 
In December, 1814, Reverend Luther Baker became pastor of the 
church. During his ministry the church received large accessions, 
and also met with some severe trials. Their house of worship was 
destroyed by a severe storm and flood, which occurred September 
23d, 1815. A new house was soon built, at an expense of $10,000, 
which was dedicated November 14th, 1816. In September, 1819, a num- 
ber of members separated from the church and held worship in a 
school house, having for three years the services of Reverend Jesse 
Hartwell, and receiving additions by letter and baptisms of 19 mem- 
bers. In July, 1823, the seceding party proposed a reunion, and were 
restored to their former connection. Mr. Baker resigned his office 
May 26th, 1822. Mr. Peter Ludlow, having preached to the church 
with great satisfaction from December, 1822, was ordained as pastor 
August 28th, 1823, and continued his labors till September 29th, 1825. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 451 

In December of the same year he was succeeded by Reverend James 
M. Seaman, who relinquished his charge in August, 1828. In October 
of the same year Reverend Pharcellus Church, D.D., became pastor, 
and his labors for about six years were greatly blessed, the church 
receiving an increase of 109 members by baptism and 62 by letter. 
His labors closed June 18th, 1834. The next minister was Reverend 
John Blain, who began his labors here September 11th, 1834, and re- 
signed the charge February 28th, 1837. During his pastorate a 
powerful revival prevailed, and over two hundred were added to the 
church by baptism. Reverend John S. Maginnis assumed the pastor- 
ate October 9th, 1837, but in consequence of enfeebled health was 
compelled to relinquish it in March of the following year. The 
labors of Reverend John Dowling, D. D., began February 13th, 1839. 
During his ministry, which continued till May, 1844, great prosperity 
was enjoyed, with large accession to the membership. He was suc- 
ceeded September 8th, 1844, by Reverend Zabdiel Bradford, whose 
pleasing and useful labors were closed by death May 16th, 1849. 
Reverend Samuel W. Field commenced his labors as pastor January 
6th. 1850, and resigned the charge September 15th, 1859, after a 
longer term of service than any of his predecessors had given. Dur- 
ing the latter part of his pastorate a delightful revival was enjoyed, 
which added about fifty new members to the church. 

In 1857 the house of woiship now occupied by the Central Baptist 
church was completed at a cost of about $65,000. This large and 
comfortable church edifice stands at the junction of Broad and High 
streets. Reverend Heman Lincoln assumed the pastorate June 4th, 
I860. For eight years he labored with ability and zeal, and with re- 
luctance gave up the charge to answer a call to a professorship in 
Newton Theological Seminary. Reverend W. F. Bainbridge entered 
upon his labors January 1st, 1869. In 1870 a valuable contribution 
of membership was made toward the organization of the Cranston 
Street Baptist church. During the winter of 1871-2 an unusually 
large number of conversions took place. During the winter of 1877-8 
a large number were received into the church, partly as a result of 
the labors of D. L. Moody and George F. Pentecost. Mr. Bainbridge 
closed his ten years of service here December 31st, 1878. The church 
next called Reverend B. O. True, who entered upon his duties in Sep- 
tember, 1880. At the end of one year he resigned to accept a profes- 
sorship in Rochester Theological Seminary. Reverend Richard Mon- 
tague entered the pastorate in September, 1881, immediately after 
the retirement of Mr. True. During the year 1882 the church edi- 
fice was thoroughly renovated and improved. Early in the same 
year Reverend William F. Armstrong, a returned missionary, was 
employed by the generosity of Deacon J. C. Hartshorn to assist the 
pastor in missionary work, and for more than two years he did effi- 
cient service until, in the fall of 1884, he returned to the foreign 



452 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

field. Oaring the spring of 1884 a series of special meetings was 
held by the assistance of Reverend George C. Needham. Mr. Mon- 
tague resigned, on account of ill health, March 4th, 1887. During the 
remainder of the year no pastor was settled, but the pulpit was sup- 
plied a part of the time by Rev. E. G. Robinson, D.D., and Prof. E. 
B. Andrews, D.D. Reverend Thomas D. Anderson, the present pas- 
tor, accepted a call to this church, and began his labors in October, 
1887. The present membership numbers nearly 600. 

Members of the First Baptist church in early years living in the 
south part of Providence held religious services in the old brick 
school house on Transit street, and sometimes in private houses. 
This work was largely due to the energy and devotion of an elderly 
Scotchman, George Dods, who was one of the number, and whose 
conversion dated about 1805. Different ministers and students of 
Brown University preached to the congregations thus gathered. In 
1819 it was determined to build a meeting house, and before the end 
of May Mr. Dods had secured a subscription for that purpose amount- 
ing to $1,400. Isaac Peck and Oliver Mason purchased a piece of 
land on Tockwotten hill for the use of a Third Baptist church, and 
gave bond to convey it to such a church on receipt of $410 and in- 
terest. A plain building, 45 by 50 feet, was begun, and before its 
completion a vestry ample to accommodate a school was added. 
Religious interest revived in the old church in the spring of 1820, 
and 116 persons were added to the church by baptism. The meet- 
ings in the south section were crowded and the need of the new 
building was more and more apparent. Mr. Dods travelled far and 
fearless over the country to collect subscriptions and contributions 
to carry on the work of building. Sunday school was begun in the 
spring of 1820, holding its first sessions in the chambers of Jeremiah 
Tillinghast's barn, on Transit street, until the vestry was ready to 
receive it. This was conducted under the direction and leadership of 
" Father Dods," without any formal organization, but two years later 
William C. Barker was chosen its first superintendent. Sixteen per- 
sons were dismissed from the First church, at their request for the 
purpose, and November 9th, 1820, the Third Baptist church was duly 
constituted with these sixteen members: George Dods and Rosanna, 
his wife; Isaac Peek and Phebe, his wife; Simeon Barker and Phebe, 
his wife; William C. Barker and Phebe, his wife; Luther Bushee and 
and Lydia, his wife; Jeremiah G. Luther and Lydia, his wife; Gil- 
bert Seamens, Ambrose Gardner, Enoch Steere and Prudence 
Hariden. This church occupied its new and modest house, now 
the little house at 184 Transit street, with a noble elm at the back 
of it, where it was planted by the hand of Feather Dods, the hon- 
ored pioneer. For some time the church remained in attendance 
at the preaching- services of the old church, having no pastor of 
their own, but holding their own prayer and conference meetings. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 453 

Mr. Allen Brown, a licentiate of the First Baptist church, became 
their first pastor, being ordained January 31st, 1822. The meeting 
house being completed was dedicated on the 27th*day of the following 
June. But the young church was soon disturbed by conflict of doc- 
trinal opinions as to strict Calvinistic sentiments, and several import- 
ant members were cut off, among them the venerable Deacon Dods, 
who, after all his labors to establish the new church, was obliged to 
seek a spiritual home in the old First church, and there he spent the 
remainder of his days. Twenty-one years later the Third Church 
Society, in remembrance of his great services, allotted a pew free of 
expense to his widow so long as she should live. In 1824, the War- 
ren Association, to which the church belonged, declared that the 
Third Baptist church of Providence had departed from the principles 
on which it was constituted, and its reports could be no longer 
printed in the minutes. Accordingly for five years no mention is 
made of this church in the minutes of that association. Mr. Brown 
remained four years more as pastor, and resigned in January, 1828, 
after a service of six years. A period of ten months without a pas- 
tor then followed, after which the church secured the services of 
Reverend William Phillips, of Attleboro. His labors began in 
November, 1828. The church was now restored to its place in the 
association, and reported in 1829, 50 members. From this point 
there was steady growth during the pastorate of Mr. Phillips. In 
November, 1836, after eight years of service, the pastor removed to 
a charge in Charlestown, Mass., the church having increased to 190 
members, 140 of whom had been baptized by him. The largest ac- 
cession in any one year was 50, which was the first fruit of a 
protracted meeting held in 1832. Two brief pastorates followed — 
that of Reverend Joseph A. Warne, lasting about one year, and that 
of Reverend Myron M. Dean, covering 21 months. Under the for- 
mer the church increased to 210 members, and under the latter it 
continued to prosper, a great revival having begun when he resigned, 
in June, 1840. The protracted meeting which began in March, 1840, 
continued without abatement until about one hundred conversions 
were reported. After the resignation of Mr. Dean a student in Brown 
University rendered acceptable service, and after filling the pulpit 
for three months was invited to become pastor. His ordination, 
November 4th, 1840, began the long and signal service of Reverend 
Thorndike C. Jameson. Seventy-one persons were baptized that 
year, and in 1842, after a series of meetings held by Elder Jacob 
Knapp, 147 converts were baptized, mostly men. In 1844 90 conver- 
sions were reported, in face of the fact that the progress of the 
church had met with obstacles in the excitement of the " Dorr war," 
and the rage of Millerism. Later the church had some trouble be- 
cause of its members enlisting as soldiers in the Mexican war, which 
was considered as intended to extend the slave holding territory. 



454 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

This church was decidedly opposed to slavery and would have no 
fellowship with those who favored slave holding. It was also vigor- 
ous in its enforcement of discipline for offenses against the moral 
code. Not to mention the more flagrant infractions of morality, 
fellowship was withdrawn from persons who would not take the total 
abstinence pledge, or who were employed in stores, where spirits 
were sold; from some who went to theater or balls, or were chargea- 
ble with general worldliness, and from some who let their children 
go to dancing school; from men who did not properly provide 
for their families; from a runaway apprentice who left his debts 
unpaid; and from one person who would not make confession in due 
form and order. But discipline was suspended for some months in 
1849, when a great revival engrossed the attention of the church. 
Seventy-one persons were baptized, the membership of the church 
at that time reaching 481. Mr. Jameson, at his own request, was dis- 
missed December 1st. 1853. He was followed in a short time by Mr. 
James B. Simmons, a student from Newton Theological Institution, 
who was ordained July 12th, 1854. Prof. Henry Day, of the Univer- 
sity, supplied the pulpit awhile, before the ordination of Mr. Sim- 
mons, while he was completing his seminary course. The church, 
which had fallen off somewhat in numbers, now began again to in- 
crease in strength. In November, 1855, 46 persons were dismissed 
to join in the organization of the Brown Street church. 

The India Point mission, which for some time had been sustained 
by this church, had a Sunday school in a railroad building at the Point- 
When this was removed Pastor Simmons stirred the people to sup- 
ply its place, and a chapel was built. The church at that time em- 
ployed a colporteur for several months. 

Mr. Simmons resigned in September, 1857. Mr. A. K. Potter, a 
student in the university, supplied the church for a while in 1858. 
Mr. Jameson returned again in 1859, and resigned in October, 1861, 
having joined the Second R. I. Regiment as chaplain. Reverend A. 
J. Padelford took his place in January, 1862. He struggled against 
poor health for a time, but resigned November 2d, 1865. He was 
succeeded by Reverend Amasa Howard, of Wethersfied, Conn., 
within four months. Reverend Emerson Andrews, an evangelist, 
aided the pastor in the second year of his ministry, and 76 persons 
were baptized. The church then numbered 340 members. After 
three years of service Mr. Howard resigned, and Reverend J. C. 
Stockbridge, l).l)., was engaged in the spring of 1869, and he 
was with the church more than two years. Reverend George 
Thomas Dowling,of New Jersey, became pastor in December, 1871. 
He was very popular, and attracted many to his preaching, but at 
the close of July. 1873, he resigned to accept a call from Syracuse, 
N. Y. Reverend O. T. Walker, of West Meriden, Conn., began his 
labors as a pastor here in January, 1874. The meeting house and lot 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 455 

were sold to the city for purposes of improvement, April 5th, 1875 T 
and three weeks later the church decided to purchase the lot on 
which their new brick house of worship was soon erected. The ves- 
try of the new house was formally occupied April 2d, 1876, and the 
church was dedicated September 22d of the same year. Mr. Walker 
resigned July 31st, 1876, and after four months, during which the 
pulpit was occupied by Doctor Taylor and the paster of the Brown 
Street church, in Februrry, 1877, Reverend C. J. Jones became pas- 
tor, and he continued in the office seven months. In February, 1878, 
a plan of uniting with the Brown Street church was presented, which 
was speedily consummated, this church dismissing its membership, 
numbering 225, for that purpose. March 31st, 1878, the Third Baptist 
church was formally declared extinct, the Union Baptist church hav- 
ing been organized from the united membership of this and the 
Brown Street church. The Union Baptist church has occupied the 
house of the Third church. 

As early as the year 1844 it was proposed to establish a religious 
colony at a point midway between the First and Third Baptist 
churches. Reverend Horace T. Love headed the movement and 
raised a subscription of $15,000; the refusal of a lot on the southwest 
corner of Thayer and Power streets was secured, and the general 
assembly, in January, 1845, incorporated the Power Street Baptist 
Society. Here the project rested forabout ten years. A meeting to 
revive it was held at the house of L. D. Anthony, No. 56 George 
street, September 13th, 1855, composed of 13 members of the First 
and eight of the Third church. The result of a number of confer- 
ence meetirigs on the subject was that a church, called the "New 
Interest," was organized November 13th, 1855. Reverend W. C. 
Richards was chosen pastor at a salary of $1,5C0; Emory Lyon, clerk, 
and R. A. Guild, superintendent of the Sabbath school. The "New 
Hampshire Articles of Faith," and a church covenant were adopted, 
and other preliminaries adjusted. Armory Hall, on Benefit street, 
was hired and fitted up, and the first meeting was held in it Novem- 
ber 22d, 1855. The church was formally recognized by a council 
representing seven churches in Providence and one in Newport, on 
the 24th of the same month, and the pastor was installed on the fol- 
lowing day. The membership numbered 111, of whom 59 were frcm 
the First church, 46 from the Third and six from elsewhere. For 
many years the order of Sabbath services was Sunday school in the 
forenoon, followed by preaching forenoon and afternoon, and prayer 
meeting in the evening. An act of incorporation was passed by the 
general assembly in May, 1856, the name of Thayer Street Society 
being adopted as approximate, though no location had been definitely 
settled upon. 

A site on Waterman street, at the corner of Thayer, was pur- 
chased, and after much discussion and delay it was, in 1857, decided 



456 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

to build upon' it. This decision was thwarted by the financial de- 
pression of the time, and in the following winter the lot was ex- 
changed for one at the corner of Brown and Benevolent streets, at 
an additional expense of $7,000. Plans were speedily perfected, and 
the work of building went forward, the society meanwhile applying 
to legislature for a change of corporate name to Brown Street. The 
house, in course of time completed, was dedicated June 5th, 1860, 
the membership of the church having at that time reached 173. The 
corner stone had been laid September 2d, 1858. The building was 
built of Danvers pressed brick and freestone trimmings, with a base 
for a spire, which was never added. The audience room was 
designed to accommodate over 700. The building was in the 
Romanesque style, and cost about $45,000. The society was left in 
debt about $18,000, which was soon paid, largely by the liberality of 
Mrs. Joseph Rogers and Mr. George Hail, each of whom gave $6,000 
toward the object, and the remaining $6,000 was raised in smaller 
sums through the efforts of Professor Greene. The pastor, Mr. 
Richards, resigned in 1862, after a service of seven years. In 1863 
Reverend H. C. Graves became pastor, and the society purchased an 
organ at a cost of $3,100. The highest membership was reached in 
1872, when the church numbered 296. February 24th, 1874, the 
society came into possession of an endowment by bequest of Mr 
George Hail, amounting to $20,000, the income of which was to be 
appropriated to the support of Gospel preaching in this church. 
This generous benefactor died at Warren December 6th, 1873, in the 
81st year of his age. The resignation of the pastor took effect on 
October 1st, 1874, and in May, 1875, the pastorate of Reverend Elias 
H. Johnson began. In 1878 a union of this church with the Third 
church was effected, the new body being called the Union Baptist 
church, the name being first adopted by the Brown Street church, 
the other transferring its entire membership to this, the Union 
church taking possession of the house of worship formerly belong- 
ing to the Third church, the pastor and deacons of the Brown Street 
church being retained and their church property being sold, and the 
hours of worship of the Brown Street church being retained. The 
Third society transferred, for the nominal sum of one dollar, its 
property to the Brown Street society, who also assumed the debts of 
the other; the organ of the Third society was sold and the Brown 
Street organ plaeed in its stead, the Brown Street society retaining 
its organization, but after disposition of its property changed its 
name to Union Baptist Society. 

In this union of churches the old Third church was represented 
by 225 and the Brown Street church by 267 members, giving the 
Union Baptist church, at the beginning, April 4th, 1878, 492 members. 
The property of the Brown Street society sold gave funds sufficient 
to pay the mortgages, so that the Union society had a fair prospect 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 457 

of going forward without incumbrance. The Reverend Elias H 
Johnson continued the pastor until 1882, when he was succeeded by 
Reverend Joseph S. Swaim, who continued from 1883 to 1887. Rev- 
erend Frank C. Woods, the present pastor, entered that office in 1887. 
The present membership of the church is about 400. 

A house of worship being needed in the northerly part of Provi- 
dence, a number of gentlemen met on the 26th of April, 1820, for the 
purpose of consulting upon some plan for reducing such a want to 
its fulfillment. Benjamin Peck was chairman and Samuel Thurber 
clerk of the meeting. They appointed a committee to purchase a 
suitable lot and raise a subscription to build a house. By the 5th of 
June their work was well nigh done, so far as buying and paying for 
a lot was concerned. Another committee was appointed to raise 
money and build a house, and form the general plan of organization. 
This committee was composed of Dexter Thurber, Stanford Newel, 
Asa Pike, Samuel Thurber, Enos Angell, David Cole, Consider Mil- 
ler, Holden Pearce, Esek Esten, Jr., and Joseph Veasie. They pro- 
cured a charter of incorporation at the October session of the general 
assembly in 1S20. It was resolved that the meeting house to be built 
by them should be a Baptist meeting house, but no further sectarian 
limitations were placed upon it. The society was called the Fourth 
Baptist Society. An article of the charter declared that no subscrip- 
tion to any creed, article of faith, or covenant, should be required to 
constitute any person a member of the society, or of the church which 
might meet in the house, and that no person should be required to 
make any confession of faith other than a belief in the scriptures of 
the old and new testaments. The first meeting under the charter 
was held May 28th, 1821. A meeting house was completed in the 
summer of 1822, and was dedicated on the 26th of August of that 
year. It was a frame building, 47x67 feet on the ground, and having 
a projection 13x30 feet supporting the steeple, which was 90 feet 
high, and furnished with a bell. The expense of building it was in 
excess of $6,000. In January, 1825, the society received a grant of a 
lottery from the general assembly, from which they realized $2,000. 
The first settled pastor of this society and church wasZalmonTobey, 
who was invited here in February, 1823. Previous to that time the 
pulpit had been temporarily supplied by various ministers. Mr. 
Tobey continued with the society until April, 1833, when he was dis- 
missed at his own request. He was succeeded by Peter Simonson, 
who continued as pastor of the church until October, 1836. Thomas 
B. Ripley succeeded soon after, and continued until August, 1840. 
Francis Smith commenced his labors here January 1st, 1841, and was 
ordained on the 30th of March following. At that time the member- 
ship of the church was about 200. Mr. Smith continued as pastor 
# until 1854. He was followed by Reverend Abraham H. Granger, 
who was installed in 1854, and continued in the pastorate until 1876. 



458 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

He was followed in 1877 by Reverend W. W. Everts, Jr., who re- 
mained until 1881. Reverend James M. Taylor was pastor in 1882, 
and until May, 1886. He was followed by Reverend C. V. Hanson in 
1887, and by Reverend R. M. Martin in 1888, and he remains at the 
present time. The house of worship stands at the corner of Scott 
and Bacon streets. It was enlarged in 1850. An organ was placed 
in it in 184C. Later improvements have been made at a cost of about 
$25,000. The present membership numbers 371. This church has 
supported a prosperous mission near Branch avenue, where a church 
of 50 members was formed in May, 1886. It also supported a mission 
on Smithfield avenue, which in 1886, was removed to Pawtucket 
avenue. 

In the autumn of 1772, John Murray came to Providence bearing 
a recommendation from General James M. Varnum to Nicholas 
Brown. He preached in Mr. Snow's meeting house. After that date 
he visited the town occasionally for many years, preaching in differ- 
ent places. After him came Elhanan Winchester, Adam Streeter, 
Richard Carrique, and others, preaching the doctrines of the Uni- 
versalist faith. These meetings were often held in the " Old Town 
House." A religious society, under the name of the First Universal- 
ist Society in the town of Providence, was organized at the court 
house, April 10th, 1821, composed of the following persons: Rufus 
Waterman, Charles Hartshorn, Oliver Carpenter, Esek Eddy, Jere- 
miah Fenner, Sion Fenner, William A. Smith, Samuel W. Wheeler, 
Thaddeus Curtis, William Olney, Benjamin Snow, Rhodes G. Allen, 
Dutee Roberts, James Anthony, 2d, John Lassell, James Stestson, Lu- 
cius Dyer, Henry Brinldey,Asa Ferguson, Nehemiah Arnold, James 
W. Mitchell, John F. Sheldon, Calvin Thomas, William Calder and 
John Martin. An act of incorporation was obtained in October, 1821, 
on the petition of 53 members. Late in that year a call was sent to 
Fayette Mace, of Strong, Maine, to take the pastoral care of this flock. 
He began this work in the spring of 1822 and continued until the 
following January. David Pickering, of Hudson, N. Y., became pas- 
tor of this society in May, 1823, and was installed in June following. 
He continued with the society until the first Sabbath in October, 1835. 
November 30th of that year, William S. Balch, of Claremont, N. H., 
was called to the pastorate, and entered upon its duties March 5th, 
1836. He remained until November, 1841 , when he went to a new 
field in Xew York city. He was succeeded here by Henry Bacon, of 
Marblehead, Mass., who was installed March 17th, 1842. He continued 
until about 1850. Edwin A. Eaton was installed in 1852, and remained 
about six years, when a vacancy occurred for a period. Reverend Cyrus 
II. Fay was installed as pastor in 1858, and remained in the office ten 
years. After a vacancy of about two years Reverend Elmer H. Ca- 
pen became pastor for about four years. He was succeeded by Rev- 
erend Henry I. Cushman, D.D., the present pastor, about 1875. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 459" 

The society resolved, October 22d, 1821, to erect a house of worship 
on the lot which they purchased of Nathan Mathewson, on the cor- 
ner of Westminster and Union streets. The corner stone of this 
building was laid June 3d, 1822. A silver plate deposited in the stone 
bears the following inscription: " The First Universalist Society in 
Providence was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of 
the State of Rhode Island, at their October session, 1821. The corner 
stone of this edifice, designed for the service of Almighty God,, 
through his son Jesus Christ, was laid by Rev. Fayette Mace, on the 
3d June, A.D., 1822. John H. Greene, architect, Caleb Mosher,Zach- 
ariah Chafee, joint master-builders. The Lord reigneth, let the earth 
rejoice, Ps. xcvii, 1." 

The house was built of stone, and cost upward of $20,000. It was 
destroyed by fire, with several other buildings in the vicinity, on the 
evening of May 24th, 1825. On the following da}' the society held a 
meeting and determined to rebuild their house at once. The corner 
stone of a new house was soon laid, and the completed building, oc- 
cupying the same site as the first, was dedicated December 29th, 1825. 
It was built at an expense of $24,000 or upward. It was of brick, Ro- 
man-Ionic in style, and was furnished with a steeple in which were a 
clock and a bell. The site was exchanged for the present one at the 
corner of Washington and Greene streets, in lS72,the latter building 
having been erected in that year at a cost of $45,000. The church 
property is now valued at $126,000. There are 195 families connected 
with the church, which numbers 220 members. A Sunday school, es- 
tablished in 1825, now numbers 318. 

A few Catholics in Providence and its vicinity, as early as the 
year 1827, demanded the spiritual care of a priest. A few of this 
church had been in the town for years before, and probably mass had 
been said here as early as 1813 or 1814, and occasionally from that 
time forward. A building on Sheldon street was first used for this 
purpose, and it is said that Bishop Cheverus occasionally officiated. 
The building was demolished by the great gale of September, 1815. 
Priests were sent here from time to time, and in 1827 a permanent 
appointment was made. Reverend Robert D. Woodley was placed in 
charge of the Catholics of Providence, Pawtucket and Taunton. Me- 
chanics Hall was occupied until 1830, when the use of the town house 
was obtained. In 1832 a site for a church was purchased on the 
corner of High and Fenner streets, and in 1836 Bishop Fenwick 
offered mass in the basement. Under the zealous pastorate of Rev- 
erend John Corry the edifice was completed, and it was dedicated 
November 4th, 1838, under the name of the Church of Saints Peter 
and Paul. The states of Rhode Island and Connecticut at that time 
belonged to the diocese of Boston. The diocese of Hartford was es- 
tablished in 1844, and the Right Reverend William Tyler was con- 
secrated bishop. He was succeeded by Bishops O'Reilly and McFar- 



460 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

land. All these bishops resided in Providence. To the church a fine 
bell, weighing about a thousand pounds, was given by Messrs. Philip 
Allen & Son. An organ was placed in the church in 1841. The whole 
expense of the church and its equipments was about $12,000. In 1S72 
the diocese of Providence was established, and the Right Reverend 
Thomas F. Hendricken was consecrated bishop. Under the adminis- 
tration of Bishop Hendricken a movement was made for building a 
new cathedral church. Additional land was secured on the corner of 
Fenner street, the buildings upon it were removed, and a pro- 
cathedral was built on Broad street. The corner stone of the new 
cathedral was laid with imposing ceremonies on Thanksgiving day, 
1878, and from that time the work went on as the funds needed were 
contributed by the churches of the diocese and other friends. The 
new cathedral is one of the most imposing and massive structures of 
the city, and indeed has but few that can claim a place equal to it in 
grandeur of architecture, elegance of finish or solidity of structure. 
It is in the form of a cross, with the foot on Pond street and the head 
on High street. Its measurements are 120 feet on High street, 198 
on Fenner street and 130 feet on Pond street. The width of nave is 
50 feet and its height 74 feet. The massive towers on the front are 
156 feet high. The building is of brown stone, and its foundations 
are of the most solid character. The main floor is supported by 56 
iron pillars, resting on a foundation similar to the main walls. The 
basement is 15 feet high, and is lighted by 35 windows. This will be 
used by the young people of the congregation. The beauty and de- 
sign of the interior is not excelled by any church in the United 
States. Five circular paintings in the ceiling and above the altars 
were the work of the celebrated painter Lamprecht; the stained glass 
window, of the Pustats, of Innspruck; the cartoons, of Professor Kline, 
of Munich; the marble pillars, of Theis and Trueg, of Munich, and 
the statuary, of Sibyl & Birk, of New York; while the decorator was 
Bodes, of New York. The floor of the vestibule, aisles, porches, 
sanctuary and chapels are tiled with white American marble and 
white veined Italian marble. The marble wainscoting of the walls 
is gray Ophite for three feet, and red Wakefield marble panels. 
Twenty-six pillars of Ophite marble support the galleries and arches. 
On the pillar eapitals are 120 groups of statuary. Four large statues 
of the Evangelists occupy niches above the capitals of the four clus- 
tered pillars. The ceiling is composed of colored woods, divided into 
oblong panels, decorated in Mosaic patterns, and garnished with 
ebony, African wood and gold. The grand central feature of the 
ceiling is the painting of the Transfiguration, surrounded at equal 
distances by four smaller paintings of Peter and Paul, the patron 
saints of the church, and of Moses and Elias. The windows on the 
west side of the church are filled with scenes from the new Testa- 
ment, and those on the east side with scenes from the Old Testament. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 461 

The pews and confessionals are of light oak, stained in cherry. They 
will seat 2,000 persons and the treforium galleries 500 more. Five 
marble altars are of Gothic design, and cost $10,000. The organ, one 
of the finest in the city, cost $10,000. The building has been erected 
at an expense of nearly a million dollars. The first service to be held 
in the church was the funeral of Bishop Hendricken, to whose efforts 
the building owes its conception and execution. After many years 
of time and labor spent in collecting funds and looking after the 
progress of the work, he died June 11th, 1886, just as the great work 
of his life time was nearing completion. He was most fittingly buried 
in the new cathedral, with a wealth of ceremonial that was probably 
never before seen in this city. The funeral took place on Thursday, 
June 17th, and his remains were placed in the crypt under the main 
altar in the basement of the edifice. The parish of Sts. Peter and 
Paul has a cono-regfation of about 6,000 souls, and there are included 
within it two parochial schools and two academies. 

The successor of Bishop Hendricken, since 1877, has been Right 
Reverend Matthew Harkins, D.D. Other clergymen officiating in 
this parish have been as follows, with approximate year dates of 
their commencement in such service: Reverends James Feeton,1844; 
P. Mellon, 1850; W. Wheeler, L. A. T. Mangar, J. Hughes, O'Gor- 
man, 1853; Patrick O'Dwyer, 1854; John Smith, 1854; Patrick A. Gay- 
nor, 1855; Patrick A. Smith, 1856; J. Mulligan, D.D., 1857; Michael 
O'Neille, 1857; James O'Neil, P. Glennan, John Sheridan, 1858; P. 
Kelly, T. Quinn, Hugh Carmody, D.D., B. D. Coit, 1858; Charles Mc- 
Callion, 1858; P. J. O'Dwyer, Michael O'Reilly, 1864; J. O'Brien, 1865; 
Michael Tierney, Michael Fitzgerald, W. H. Brie, 1869; J. B. Reid, 
J. J. McCabe, 1870; H. F. Kinnerney, 1871: Robert J. Sullivan, 1872; 
James V. Brennan, William Madden, D. Driscoll, 1875; W. D. Kelly, 

F. O'Reilly, 1876; C. McSweeney, W. F. Higgins. P. P. Carlin, 1877; 
William Stang, 1879; Joseph McDonald, 1880; James Coyle, 1881; Jo- 
seph F. McDcnough, 1884: Michael Hickey, Charles J. Burns, 1885; 
D. Sheedy, 1886; W. P. Stang, I. J. Fitzpatrick, H. Conboy, 1887; 
Thomas F. Doran, E. Raftery, James A. Gleason, 1888. 

On Saturday evening, January 5th, 1828, twelve gentlemen met 
at the house of Nathan Hastings, Westminster street, for the pur- 
pose of forming a religious society according to the principles of 
the Unitarian faith. At this meeting there were present, Nathan 
Hastings, George Dana, Edward Draper, Henry S. Draper, Jonathan 

G. Draper, John C. Jencks, Seth Padelford, Lloyd Shaw, Samuel J. 
Smith, Stephen C. Smith, Samuel Stone, and Henry Westcott. The 
organization then formed adopted the name of the " Religious Asso- 
ciation." A committee appointed to secure a place of worship ob- 
tained the use of a building on the corner of Pine and Richmond 
streets, and on Sunday, January 13th, 1828, the first services for the 
new society were held. The services were conducted by Reverend 



462 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Samuel J. May, of Brooklyn, Conn. On the 18th of January the asso- 
ciation had 24 members; in the course of the next three months it 
increased to 07, the greater part of whom were heads of families. 
Many of the members had come from the First Congregational 
Society. 

The association immediately took steps toward building a house 
of worship and obtaining a pastor. Mr. Frederic Augustus Farley 
preached so acceptably during April as to induce a further engage- 
ment. Some time in May a lot of land on Mathewson street, was 
bought of Cornelius G. Fenner, for $6,045. The deed for this was 
executed July 7th, 1828. The name of the society was changed on 
the 20th of May, to the Westminster Congregational Society. Sixty- 
seven persons signed a petition for incorporation, which was granted 
at the June session of the general assembly. The first officers of 
this society, under incorporation, were: Nathan Hastings, president; 
George Dana, treasurer; and Henry Westcott, secretary. On the 
7th of July, a committee of seven was appointed to proceed with 
building a house of worship on the Mathewson street lot. About 
the same time a call was given to Mr. Farley to become their settled 
pastor on a salary of $1,000 a year. This being accepted, he was 
duly ordained on the 10th of September, the services being con- 
ducted in the house of the First Congregational Society. Most of the 
Unitarian churches of Boston, and of this section of New England 
were represented in the council of ordination. The sermon was 
given by Reverend Doctor William E. Channing. Very scon after 
this the work of organizing a church was begun. The preliminary 
steps were taken September 26th; a declaration of faith was agreed 
upon, and officers elected. Before the first communion, November 
2d, 18 signatures had been given to the declaration. The recogni- 
tion of the First church was also obtained, with the dismission of 
members from that who wished to join the new church. The work 
•of building was carried forward with such rapidity that in the spring 
of 1829 the meeting house was ready for consecration. Services of 
dedication were conducted March 5th. The house was erected at a 
cost of about $28,000. It was of the Ionic order of architecture, the 
walls of stone, covered with cement. Judge Staples said of it: 
' There is no church in the city which is more chaste in its style of 
architecture, or which exhibits more classic taste in its exterior, than 
this." Considerable expense was incurred in its finishing and fur- 
nishing, and when the house was completed there remained a con- 
siderable debt upon it. Various means were suggested for the ex- 
tinction of this debt, but it was at last determined to sell the property. 
This was done by the trustees on the 27th of July, 1830. Mr. Charles 
F. Tillinghast became the purchaser, for the sum of $11,200. Six 
months later the society voted to hire the house for five years, "at a 
rent of six hundred and seventy-five dollars per annum," Subse- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 463 

quently Mr. Tillinghast conveyed the property to aboard of trustees 
for five years, for $12,930. These trustees were to issue stock certifi- 
cates, and then to apply any money received to the payment of the 
certificates, assuming that within the five years all would be paid. 
By making vigorous efforts the result in practical effect was reached, 
and on the 11th of October, 1832, the property was conveyed to the 
society, and at the annual meeting, October 21st, 1833, the treasurer 
reported a surplus in the treasury. The connection of the pastor 
with the society ended on August 1st, 1841, after repeated presenta- 
tions of his resignation. The society was then free from debt, and had 
meantime put a new organ into the church and finished and furnished 
a vestry, and made other improvements, at a cost of over $4,000, in 
1836. 

Reverend Samuel Osgood, of Nashua, N. H., was called October 
18th, and accepting the call a few weeks later, was installed as pas- 
tor, December 2!»th, 1841. His salary was fixed at $1,200 for the first 
year, and $1,500 a year after that. Very soon after the installation 
of Air. Osgood the society engaged with lively interest in the enter- 
prise of public charity known as the " Ministry-at-Large." This was 
a philanthropic enterprise which had been instituted in Boston by 
the Reverend Doctor Joseph Tuckerman, in 1826. It had been 
brought to the consideration of the Providence public in 1836, by 
Reverend Mr. Hall, of the First Congregational Society. But it was 
not till the autumn of 1841, that the enterprise was fairly inaugurated. 
After careful discussion the two Unitarian churches of this city took 
the matter seriously in hand. A meeting was held in the chapel of 
the First church, December 4th, 1841, and four days later a constitu- 
tion was adopted. Reverend Henry F. Harrington was ordained as 
the first minister, January 19th, 1842, when the fellowship of the 
churches was extended Mr. Osgood. Mr. Harrington continued as 
minister till August, 1844, when he resigned, and Reverend William 
G. Babcock was appointed his successor. Mr. Babccck resigned in 
March, 1847, and Reverend Edwin M. Stone began his ministry on 
the first Sunday in May of the same year. Mr. Stone held the office 
until the first Sunday in May, 1877. January 2d, 1878, Reverend 
Alfred Manchester was installed as his successor. A chapel was 
bujlt for the ministry on the corner of Eenefit and -Halsey streets in 
1846, the work of religious instruction by preaching and in the Sun- 
day school having previously been done in a public hall. On the 
20th of September, 1871, the very commodious edifice since occupied 
by the ministry on Olney street was dedicated. So successful was 
this ministry, that in 1850 the Sunday school numbered 250, and dur- 
ing the next previous eight years no less than 2,000 children had 
been taught in it. In 1857 the whole number reported amounted to 
3,000; and in 1876 to 5,000, the number of children then in the school 
being 323. Mr. Manchester still remains pastor of this flock. About 



464 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1SS0 its name was changed to the Olney Street Congregational 
church. 

Reverend Mr. Osgood closed his labors with the Westminster 
church and society September 9th, 1849. On the following day an in- 
vitation was extended to Reverend Frederic Henry Hedge, then pas- 
tor of the Unitarian church in Bangor, Maine, to become their pastor. 
He was duly installed as such March 27th, 1850. All departments 
of the parish work were now carried on with care and vigor, and an 
encouraging degree of prosperity was enjoyed. Increased accommo- 
dations were provided for the Sunday school. Improvements were 
made in the vestry, and the salary of the minister was increased. 
Mr. Hedge closed his labors here September 30th, 1856. He was 
succeeded by Reverend Augustus Woodbury, who was previously 
pastor of the Lee Street church in Lowell, Mass., and was installed 
here April 2d, 1857. In 1860 the seating capacity of the meeting 
house was increased by the insertion of twelve pews in the center 
of the building at an expense of about $2,000. In 1866 a new room 
was furnished in the basement, at a cost of $1,000. In 1869 a new- 
organ, costing $6,000, was placed in the church. In 1873 the in- 
terior was greatly improved and renovated, at an expense of more 
than $10,000. Reverend Mr. Woodbury is still pastor of the church, 
which now has about 100 members, the society numbering about 150. 

The parish of Grace church was organized in May, 1829. It con- 
sisted of about 40 families, or 200 persons, including 31 communi- 
cants. In December, 1836, the congregation had increased to about 
140 families and 261 communicants. During the first year the 
parish was supplied by neighboring Episcopal clergymen. Rev- 
erend Samuel Fuller, Jr., officiated from May, 1830, to April, 1831; 
George F. Hawkins served a part of the year 1832, and John A. 
Clark, from October, 1832, to October, 1835. He was succeeded by 
Reverend Alexander H.Vinton. He was installed in April, 1836, 
and continued in the office until 1842. Reverend J. P. K. Henshaw 
was installed as pastor in 1842, and remained until about 1851. A 
vacancy then followed in the rectory. Reverend Thomas M. Clark, 
D.D., was installed in 1855, and remained in the office until 1867. He 
was succeeded by Reverend Day O. Kellogg, who served the church 
from 1868 to 1870. Reverend C. George Currie followed in 1871 
and 1872. Reverend David H. Greer ministered to this church dur- 
ing an extended period reaching from 1873 to 1S£8. He was fol- 
lowed by the present rector, Reverend Charles H. Babcock. 

The society first met for worship in the old Congregational 
meeting house at the corner of Richmond and Pine streets, known 
as the "Old Tin Top." In the year 1832 they purchased the Provi- 
dence Theater, at the corner of Westminster and Mathewson streets, 
and converted it into a commodious house of worship. It was 
made a handsome Gothic building, with appropriate tracery on the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 465 

windows and doors, and became an ornament to that part of the city. 
The parish received a charter of incorporation in June, 1829. It was 
originally established according to the doctrines, rites and usages of 
the Protestant Episcopal church of the United States. The number 
of communicants given in the parochial report for 1889 is 1,184. 
The Sunday school connected with the church numbers 627. The 
present handsome church, one of the conspicuous objects on West- 
minster street, was erected in* 1845 and consecrated in 1846. In 1861 
a chime of bells was placed in its tower. This is the only set of 
chimes in the city. They are 16 in number, and were hung March 
30th, 1861, and played for the first time on the day following, which 
was Easter Sunday. The bells were given by various individuals 
and corporations, whose names are upon each bell, including two 
military organizations, viz., the Marine Corps of Artillery and the 
First Light Infantry. The bell given by the latter was accompanied 
by the condition that chimes should be rung on the anniversary of 
Perry's victory on Lake Erie in the war of 1812, that is September 
10th of every year. The chimes are also rung on all national holi- 
days, as well as on the Sabbath. A handsome brick rectory was 
erected on Greene street in 1878. The church in 1879 held a jubilee 
in commemoration of its 50th anniversary, and a full report of it, 
with many illustrations, was published in 1880. 

The neighborhood of Christian Hill being remote from the loca- 
tion of Baptist churches, in December, 1829, a number of persons of 
that faith determined to have a congregation in that vicinity. They 
engaged a private room on High street, and engaged William C. 
Manchester for their minister. A church was organized on the 22d 
of March, 1830. It was composed of twelve persons, eight of whom 
were from the Six Principle Baptist church inScituate and the other 
four from neighboring towns. This was called the Roger Williams 
Christian Hill church: They subscribed to no written creed or cove- 
nant, but accept the Scriptures as teachirg them their duties of con- 
duct and belief. This denomination is known as the Free-will Bap- 
tist church. At the beginning, as their numbers increased, they pe- 
titioned for and received an incorporation in June, 1831. The 
church and congregation continued to occupy their hired room until 
1832, when they removed to a school house on Battey street, a few 
rods north of High street. About that time they began building a 
house on Burges street. This, a wooden structure, was built 70x45 
feet on the ground, with a handsome steeple, in which a bell was 
placed. It was dedicated December 25th, 1833. The church, in Sep- 
tember, 1830, united with the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Con- 
ference of the Six Principle Baptists. In 1835 that conference 
charged the church with the offense of using instrumental music in 
public worship. The church not denying the charge, it was sus- 
tained, and the communion of the conference was denied them un- 
30 



466 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

less they would relinquish the use of instrumental music. This the 
church refused to do, and withdrew from the conference, remaining 
independent until May, 1837, when they united with the Rhode 
Island Quarterly Meeting of the Free-will Baptists. Five years after 
this the congregation numbered over 200, there being 130 communi- 
cants. Elder Manchester continued to serve the church as its minis- 
ter until his dismission, July 7th, 1837. September 30th, 1837, L. D. 
Johnson, of Boston, Mass., became their pastor, and was installed. 
He was followed by Arthur A. Caveno, of Strafford, N. H.. who con- 
tinued a year. Reverend James A. McKenzie, of Newport, R. I., 
commenced his labors with them May 1st, 1840, and continued nearly 
ten years. Reverend Eli Noyes was installed in 1850, and served 
them for a time, after which a vacancy followed. Reverend G. H. 
Ball was installed in 1855. Their house of worship was destroyed by 
fire January 5th of that year. After that the congregation worshipped 
in Andrew's Hall on High street, while the work of building anew 
went on. The new building was constructed of brick, located on 
the corner of High and Knight streets. Reverend George T. Day 
was installed as pastor in 1857. He served for a period of about ten 
years. After this no settled pastor was engaged for a time. Rev- 
erend Albert H. Heath served from about 1871 to 1875; Reverend 
A. J. Kirkland, from 1877 to 1879; Reverend A. T. Salley, ]c c 8<> to 
1883; Reverend O. E. Baker, 1885 to 1888, and Reverend J. Malvern, 
1889 and to the present time. The church now numbers 450 mem- 
bers, and has over 400 children in its Sunday school. 

The Pawtuxet Street Christian Society was formed in the winter 
of 1833-4. A church of that denomination had been organized here 
20 years or more before that time, but being without a pastor, had 
become scattered and the organization died out. After this second 
attempt ministers from abroad were invited to preach to them. The 
meetings were held in private houses. After a time they engaged 
Elijah W. Barrows, of Connecticut, for a pastor, and established their 
meetings in the old meeting house of the Richmond Street Congre- 
gational Society, at the corner of Pine and Richmond streets. This 
was in April, 1834. Their numbers were still small, the congrega- 
tion varying from 40 to 80 persons. The church was organized in 
July, 1834, and consisted of 19 members. In November of that year 
they commenced the erection of a small chapel on a lot at the corner 
of Pawtuxet and Fenner streets, which they hired for the purpose. 
The chapel was dedicated about the first of January, 1835. Its cost 
was about $1,000, which they raised by sale of the pews. Elder Bar- 
rows continued with them until April, 1837, when he was dismissed, 
at his own request. After a few months Edward Edmunds, of New 
York, was engaged to succeed him. He was ordained elder of this 
church in November. In the summer of 1838 the chapel was enlarged 
so that it could accommodate over 250 persons. The lot at the north- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 467 

west corner of Pawtuxet and Fenner streets was purchased in 1S39, 
and the house was moved upon it. Mr. Edmunds resigned his office 
in April, 1840, and Benjamin Taylor succeeded him in June follow- 
ing. He continued with them one year. During this time the con- 
gregation increased so rapidly that the chapel was too small to 
accommodate them. In July, 1841, a new house of worship was be- 
gun, 47x70 feet in size. It was soon completed, at a cost of $10,000. 
Its seating capacity was sufficient for 700 persons. It stands at the 
corner of Broad and Fenner streets. John Taylor became pastor in 
June, 1841. At that time the church had about 200 members. Rev- 
erend E. D. Bates was installed pastor of the church in 1850, and re- 
mained two or three years. Reverend Albert G.Morton was installed 
in 1852. He remained until about 1857, and was succeeded in 1858 
by Reverend Ivory F. Waterhouse. He continued until 1861. Rev- 
erend B. F. Summerbell served the church, 1862-5; Moses B. Scrib- 
ner, 1866-9; T. N. McWhinney, 1870; Asa W. Coan, 1871-4; James 
Maple, 1875-8; C. A. Tillinghast, 1879 to the present time. The mem- 
bership of the church is at present about 200. 

In the year 1S19 a society of colored worshippers built a house 
called the African Union Meeting and School House. It stood on 
Meeting street, upon a lot given to them by the late Moses Brown. 
The design in its erection was to establish a building in which all the 
colored people of Providence might assemble for public worship, and 
in which a school could be kept exclusively for their children. It 
was supposed that denominational differences might be laid aside by 
them, and that they might unite in one common religious bond and 
forget all conflicting religious opinions. After considerable money 
had been raised outside of their own circle as well as within it, the 
work of building began in 1819. The building was a wooden one, 
50x4() feet, with a large room in the basement, suitable for a school 
room. This room was fitted for use in June, 1819. Meetings were 
held in it until August, 1821, when the upper part being finished, 
it was dedicated. The building cost upward of $2,000. Reverend 
Henry Jackson was a very active promoter of the enterprise. Na- 
thaniel Paul was their agent, and to him fell much of the work of 
collecting subscriptions. But the colored people were soon divided 
on sectarian lines. The different sects for a time, however, used this 
house. Perhaps the leading sect was the Meeting Street Baptist 
church, which was first recognized as a regular Baptist church and 
congregation December Sth, 1840. The church then consisted of nine 
persons, seven males and two females. In the course of a year or two 
it had increased to 33. The congregation numbered about 50. The 
church was at first independent, having no association with any other 
like body. An organization as a Free-will Baptist church had been 
effected in 1835. The house and lot after a time became the prop- 
erty of this church. In 1871, by order of the supreme court, the 



468 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

church was allowed to exchange the site on Meeting street for a lot 
on Congdon street, and by act of the legislature the name of the soci- 
ety was changed to the Congdon Street Baptist church. The present 
church edifice was built in 1871, at a cost of about $15,000. A vestry 
was dedicated April 21st, 1874. The present membership is about 
125. The first pastor was Reverend Jeremiah Asher, of Hartford, 
Conn., who was ordained at the time the church was organized. Suc- 
cessive pastors, with the approximate dates of their service, have 
been as follows: William B. Serrington, installed 1849; Chauncey 
Leonard, installed 1S53; William Thompson, installed 1857; Thomas 
Henson, 1861; Sampson White, 1863; Caleb Woodyard, 1867; Nicho- 
las Rickmond, 1869; William Jackson. 1870; J. W. Mitchell, 1879; J. 
L. Dart, 1885; Henry Scott, 1886; N. F. Drayton, 1889. 

The Power Street Methodist church was constituted in 1833, and 
consisted of about 50 persons, who were dismissed from the Chestnut 
Street church for the purpose of forming a new church. In 1S42 
their numbers exceeded 350. The church built a brick meeting 
house at the corner of South Main and Power streets, in size 75 by 50 
feet. It cost about $15,000, and was dedicated January 1st, 1834. This 
house was used until a larger one was erected on the coiner of Hope 
and Power streets. This was erected in 1874, at a cost of about 
$38,0(10, including the lot. It is at present occupied by the church. 
A vestry was added in 1883, and a pipe organ was placed in the church 
in January, 1886. This church has been blessed with a number of 
remarkable revivals, one of which resulted in the addition of more 
than one hundred to the church. The church is now known as the 
Hope Street Methodist Episcopal church. Its membership numbers 
223 in full communion. The Sunday school connected with it num- 
bers about the same. The pastors of this church have been: Charles 
K. True, David Patten, Jr., Hiram H. White, Asa W. Swineton, Abel 
Stevens, Daniel Fillmore, Charles McReding, Ephraim Stickney, 
1842; W. T. Harlow, 1844; H. C. Atwater, 1849; J. Howson, 1853; J. 
Lovejoy, 1855; James Martha, 1857; Thomas Ely, 1859; Henry Bay- 
lies, 1861; J. B. Could, 1863; George M. Hamlen,"l866; John Livesay, 
1867; James A. Dean, 1868; C. S. Macreading, 1869; John W. Willett, 
L870; A. J. Church, 1873; A. W. Kingsley, 1876; D. A. Jordan, 1879; 
W.V.Morrison, 1881; Thomas J. Everett, 1883; W. I. Ward, 1886; 
H. D. Robinson, 1888. The name was changed to Hope Street M. E. 
church in 1873. 

Public worship under the auspices of the New Jerusalem church 
were first held here, in the old town house, about the year 1822. But 
little progress, however, was made for several years. It is not known 
that there were any who held the doctrines of this church here prior 
to the year 1824. In that year Waldo Ames and George B. Holmes 
came to Providence to reside. They and Mrs. Holmes were the first 
to accept the teachings of Swedenborg. James Scott, of North Provi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 469 

dence, and Anson Potter, of Cranston, were converts to this faith 
some ten years later. In 1835 John F. Street, a member of the New 
Jerusalem church, came from Manchester, England, to reside in See- 
konk. He associated himself with the persons already named, and 
they began to hold meetings at each other's houses on Sundays. Mr. 
Scott and Mr. Potter went to Bridgewater, Mass., about 1835, and 
joined the church there. Public worship was now established here, 
Mr. Scott and Mr. Ames reading sermons furnished by Mr. Samuel 
Worcester, of the Bridgewater church. About 1840 a church was or- 
ganized here. Its membership was very small, probably not more 
than 20. John Prentice joined them about this time. He had been 
a preacher of the Congregational order, but had never been settled 
as a pastor. He was for a time their leader. Meetings were held in 
Union Hall every Sunday. They afterward met at the corner of Pine 
and Page streets. In 1870 they were holding meetings at 62 West- 
minster street. The church edifice now occupied by them, on the 
corner of Broad and Linden streets, was erected in 1870-2 at a cost of 
about $30,000. Pastors of this church have been: Reverends T. D. 
Sturtevant, Edward (3. Mitchell, F. H. Hemperly, 1872 to 1879; 
Charles Hardon, 1881; Warren Goddard, Jr., 1882 to 1888. The pres- 
ent membership is a little more than 100. 

Previous to 1833 a number of Episcopalians opened a Sunday 
school in the southerly part of the city. In the year mentioned they 
purchased a building which had been erected for an infant school 
room, removed it to Thayer street, and fitted it up for a place of 
worship. At Easter, in 1839, they invited Reverend Francis Vinton 
to be their rector. In the following year they erected a house of 
worship at the corner of Benefit and Transit streets. This is a rough 
stone structure, covered with cement; the expense of erection, to- 
gether with the organ that was plaeed in it, was about $13,000. The 
audience room contained 82 pews on the ground floor. It was con- 
secrated November 26th, 1840. The parish was incorporated in 
1839. The church was admitted into conference June 11th of that 
year, with 17 communicants. The corner stone of the present house 
of worship, on George street, was laid by Bishop Clark September 
21st, 1860. The house is built according to ancient Catholic custom, 
standing east and west, with the altar in the east end. It is of the 
middle pointed Gothic style of architecture. The material is stone 
from Smithfield, with trimmings, mouldings and pillars of brown 
stone from New Jersey and Connecticut. It is about 120 feet long, 
86 feet wide and 68 feet from the floor to the highest point of the 
roof. Six massive pillars of solid stone separate the nave from the 
side aisles. There are many memorial windows in the church, 
among them two consecrated to Bishops Griswold and Henshaw. 
The building is one of the most beautiful specimens of church archi- 
tecture in New England, and with the lot on which it stands cost 



470 HISTORY OF TROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

about $70,000. It was consecrated February 27th, 1862. In 18S3 the 
interior was renovated at considerable expense for new furniture 
and improvements, and was consecrated anew on St. Stephen's day, 
December 26th, 1883. In April, 1885, a guild house was begun on 
the eastern end of the church property, for the meetings of the par- 
ish societies, and is open every evening for the men and boys of the 
parish more especially, a reading room and library being maintained 
there by the Guild of St. Augustine. In 1885 a house on George 
street was purchased for a rectory. Reverend Francis Vinton, the 
first rector, has been succeeded in that office by John H. Rouse, 
George Leeds, Foster Thayer, 1841; Henry Waterman, 1844; James 
H. Eames, 1846; Henry Waterman, 1850 to 1873; Charles W. Ward, 
1876; James W. Colwell, 1878; George McClellan Fiske, 1885 to the 
present time.- The present number of communicants is 538. The 
Sunday school numbers 263. 

The West Baptist church was recognized as a distinct church in 
October, 1840. Two years later its membership had increased to over 
100. The members composing it were dismissed from other Baptist 
churches to unite in forming this. One object in forming this church 
was to pronounce more decidedly against the sin of slavery. In 
other matters it was in accord with other Baptist churches in the vi- 
cinity. The congregations of this church were held first at a private 
house on Pine street, afterward in the Green Street school house, at 
the corner of Washington street. In 1842 Archibald Kenyon was 
their pastor, but they were much without a pastor. This church, 
located in the west part of the city, was at first known by the name 
suggested by the locality, but its more appropriate title, soon after 
adopted, was the Fifth Baptist church. They scon began to agitate 
the subject of building, and a structure on Stewart street was erected 
in 1845. Its size was 38 by 60 feet, and it contained SO pews, with a 
seating capacity of 500. During the few years that this church main- 
tained a separate existence it was supplied with a pastor but part of 
the time. Among those who served it were Levi F. Barney, George 
R. Darrow and George E. Tucker. In 1854 it united with the South 
Baptist church to form the Friendship Street church. 

The South Baptist church was organized in 1847. The meeting 
house occupied by them was the private property of Deacon E. S. 
Barrows. It was situated on Point street, and had a seating capacity 
of 400. A flourishing Sunday school was carried on in connection 
with it. Reverend Bradley Miner was the esteemed pastor of that 
church. Pie was installed in 1851, and remained until the union of 
the church with the Fifth to form the Friendship Street church in 
1854. He died in October of that year. 

The Friendship Street Baptist church was formed in 1854, from 
the membership of the Fifth and South Baptist churches, those 
bodies having disbanded to form this union. The organization was 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 471 

effected December 28th, 1854. They purchased a lot on the corner 
of Friendship and Prince streets, the lot having formerly been occu- 
pied by Reverend Doctor Hall's society as a burial ground. Upon 
this lot they built the present substantial edifice, in 1854. The first 
pastor of this church was Reverend Austin H. Stowell, installed 
1855, and his successors have been: Moses H. Bixby, installed 1858; 
WilliamS. McKenzie, 1861; S. S. Parker, 1867; E. P. Farnham, 1878; 
Edward Mills, 1884; and Edward Holyoke, 1887. The church at 
present has 338 members. Mr. Thomas W. Waterman has been 
superintendent of the Sunday school since 1878. The school num- 
bers 447. 

The Wesleyan Methodist Society was formed in 1841, by a num- 
ber of persons who had been members of the Chestnut Street Metho- 
dist Episcopal Society. Their first place of meeting was at a school 
house on Pond street. The society was incorporated in January, 
1842, and in the same year they erected a house for public worship 
on Fountain street. This was a plain wooden structure, 65x46 feet, 
and cost $6,000. On the 25th of December, 1842, the society by a 
formal vote dissolved all connection with the Methodist Episcopal 
church, and became the first Wesleyan society formed in New Eng- 
land. The Wesleyan connection afterward extended to various parts 
of the country. The alleged reasons for their withdrawal were the 
friendly attitude of the Methodist Episcopal church toward slavery, 
and other points of objection in its ecclesiastical economy. Jotham 
Horton was their first pastor. He withdrew from the church in Jan- 
uary, 1843, and was succeeded by Lucius C. Matlack. Other pastors 
were: George F. Needham, 1844; J. M. H. Dow, 1851; William Kel- 
len, 1856; J. M. Carroll, 1857; Elisha B. Bradford, 1859. In 1856 it 
was called the Fountain Street Methodist church. At that time the 
church was declining, and their meeting house was sold to another 
Methodist society and was removed in 1859 to its present site on 
Broadway, and after being considerably improved became the home 
of the Broadway Methodist Episcopal church. 

Saint Patrick's (R. C.) church is the oldest Catholic church in the 
city. Steps toward its erection were taken in 1841 , the growth of the 
Catholic population in the north part of the city being so great as to 
demand more room for their religious services. A lot was purchased 
on Smith's hill, fronting on State street, one of the most sightly and 
pleasant locations in that part of the city. The corner stone was 
laid on June 13th, 1841. While the house was in progress the Catho- 
lics held services in Franklin Hall and Masonic Hall, under the min- 
istration of William Fennelly, pastor of the church at Pawtucket. The 
house was occupied for the first time December 25th of the same 
year, Dennis Ryan officiating. It was consecrated July 3d, 1842, by 
Bishop Fenwick. Reverend William Wiley, the first pastor of this 
church, commenced in this charge January 16th, 1842. The buildirg 



472 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and lot cost something over $17,000. It was supplied with an organ 
of superior tone, and a bell of 2,000 pounds weight. The building, 
constructed of stone, in castellated Gothic style, 7£x£5 feet on the 
ground, had a seating capacity of about 800. The congregation was 
then sufficient to fill it. Other clergymen associated with this church 
since Mr. Wiley have been: D.Tucker, John Stokes, Thomas Quinn, 
Patrick Lambe, Patrick Tully, M. J. Tully, Michael McCabe, Christo- 
pher Hughes, Stephen Sheffrey, Michael McClune, C. Dugget, John 
Harty, J. Tennian, William Galvin, William McNamara, Thomas J. 
Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Briscoe. Reverend Christopher Hughes, 
who was pastor from 1869 to 1887, erected a pastoral residence, a 
parochial school and a new convent, and secured for the church all 
the land between Davis and State streets, with the exception of one 
estate. The parish includes about 4,000 souls. 

In August, 1841, a number of persons who felt an interest in the 
seamen visiting this port, united themselves into a society with the 
design of erecting a meeting- house for their accommodation. This 
society numbered about 40. A house 45x70 feet was erected, and 
worship in it was begun in the autumn of 1841. Its cost was about 
$7,000. It stood at 93 South Water street. Regular Sunday services 
were maintained. The following preachers have been stationed 
over it approximately at the dates given: William Douglass, 1841 
Benjamin Taylor, 1844; John Orrell, 1851; George W. Kilton, 1854 
Philo Hawkes, 1856; David Knowlton, 1859; Charles H. Plummer, 1860 
Mr. Dow, 1865; Nicholas S. Chadwick, 1866; Charles M. Winchester, 
1868; J. W. Thomas, 1873; H. M. Eaton, 1877; J. E. Wolff, 1879; E. 
Burroughs, 1880 to about 1883, since which time no regular pastor 
appears to have been installed. 

The Church of the Mediator, sometimes called the Second Uni- 
versalist church, was formed in 1841, by a secession of some of its 
members from the First Universalist church. Tradition says that 
the party lines in the political agitation of those times were strictly 
adhered to in the formation of this society. The society at first met 
for worship in the old town house. In 1848 a new church edifice was 
erected on Broad street, at the corner of Eddy, and in 1849 the church 
was reorganized, bearing its present name. The fine brick structure 
on Cranston street, at the corner of Burges, was erected in 1869, and 
is valued at $65,000. The pastors of this church have been: I. N. 
Parker, William Jackson, James Gallager, 1843; Uriah Clarke, 1850; 
Theodore 1). Cooke, 1851; John G. Adams, 1860; Henry W. Rugg, 
D.D., 1867 to the present time. The society embraces 200 families, 
and the church has a membership of 230 members. The Sunday 
school numbers 310. 

The Second Free-will Baptist church was organized in September, 
L835, under John W. Lewis as their pastor. The church was organ- 
ized with ten members. Until November, 1840 ; the)' met for worship 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 473 

at the African Union meeting and school house. They then hired a 
hall on Middle street. In 1841 they erected a house for public wor- 
ship on Pond street. It was a small wooden building, 30x40 feet. 
The society was incorporated in January, 1842. The church at that 
time had about 60 members. About 1843, Luke Waldron succeeded 
the first pastor. He was succeeded by Edward Scott about 1850, and 
he filled a term of about 13 years. A vacancy followed his pastorate. 
Reverend William Crookes was the next pastor, in 1867. He was 
followed by John W. Dunjee, 1871; C. J. Carter, 1874; J.C. Plummer, 
1877; J. S. Collins, 1878; J. D. Veney, 1880; and B. Kirk, 1886. The 
church now has a membership of 164, and has 100 in the Sunday 
school. The superintendent is Frank V. Helm. The minister's sal- 
ary is $600. The church is located in the rear of 104 Pond street. 

The Zion (or African) Methodist Episcopal church was organized 
in 1837. The society was incorporated in 1838. It belongs to the 
Wesleyan Methodist church fraternity. The church in 1840 had 50 
members, in 1842 nearly 100. The present membership is about 250, 
and it has a Sunday school of about 300. They at first hired a build- 
ing to hold meetings in, but after a few years they obtained a small 
building of their own on Back street. The house at present occupied 
by them stands upon Gaspee street, and w r as built in 1858. Their 
successive pastors have been: Jehial C. Beman, William Serrington, 
Nathan Blount, Levin Smith, 1840; Daniel Vandevere, 1844; Joseph 
Hicks, 1849; Peter Ross, 1857; Joseph Hicks, 1861; George H. Wash- 
ington, 1863; John Smith, 1866; Thomas A. Davis, 1867; James H. 
Smith, 1869; Peter Ross, 1871; Robert H. Dyson, 1873; W. H. Turpin, 
1877; G. H. Washington, 1879; J. H. Anderson, 1880; R. R. Morris, 
1885; Nathaniel J. Green, 1888. 

The Second African M. E. church, called Bethel Methodist, first 
met as a distinct body in September, 1838. They built a meeting 
house on Meetings street during- the same vear. The societv was in- 
corporated in 1839. The congregation is small. Their successive 
pastors have been: N. C. W. Cannon, Jabez P. Campbell, 1841; Eli N. 
Hall, 1844; Henry Johnson, 1848; James D. Hall, 1853; Mr. Lewis, 
1858; George Rue, 1862; James Shreeves, 1864; J. H. W. Burley,1866; 
Francis J. Peck, 1868; J. H. W. Burley, 1869; E. T. Williams, 1871; 
William F. Dickerson, 1872; J. T. Hayslett, 1874; William J. Laws, 
1877; F. J. Cooper, 1879; George C. Booth, 1883; J. B. Stansberry, 1885; 
J. H. Jones, 1889. 

A colored Episcopal church, called Christ church, was organized 
from meetings held in a school house on Washington street in 1839. 
The society was incorporated in March, 1842. About that time they 
erected a small wooden church on Union street, where they held 
services according to the rites and usages of the Episcopal church in 
the Uliited States. S. G. Degrasse officiated in the pastoral office 
during- the summer and autumn of 1840. Alexander Crummell sue- 



474 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ceeded him for two or three years. James C. Riehmond followed 
about 1844. The pulpit was vacant after that, and the society ap- 
pears to have fallen into decline or extinction, but of the particulars 
concerning it we have been unable to learn. 

The Eighth Baptist, now called the Jefferson Street Baptist church, 
was organized in 1847. A meeting house had been built the previous 
year, on the corner of Davis and Common streets, which they pro- 
ceeded to occupy. Its size was 35x50 feet, and value $1,600; seating 
capacity, 300. During the first ten years the} 7 had an average con- 
gregation of 150. That neighborhood of the city contained then only 
about 180 families, and this and the Catholic church occupied the 
territory between them. The church moved to a site on Jefferson 
street about 1857, and adopted its present name. A new church was 
erected in 186S, at a cost of about $40,000, including the grounds. It 
is at the corner of Jefferson and Common streets, and is at present 
occupied by the church. The pastors of the church have been: Sam- 
uel Richards, Warren Randolph, 1852; Charles Keyser, 1857; J. G. 
Richardson, 1864; Justus Aldrich, 1871; A. T. Rose, 1872; S.D. Phelps, 
1875; N. B. Randall, 1877; L. L. Potter, 1880; W. C. Richmond, 1881; 
W. M. Mick, 1885; Franklin G. McKeever, 1888. The Sunday school, 
organized in 1846, now numbers 340. Horace F. Horton, the present 
superintendent, has held that office since 1873. The present mem- 
bership of the church is about 300. 

The Ninth Baptist church was called the High Street church un- 
til 1862, when it took the name of Stewart Street Baptist church, by 
which name it is now known. It was organized February 3d, 1851. 
A substantial brick church edifice was erected in that and the follow- 
ing year. It was dedicated in 1852. The house stands on Stewart 
street, at the corner of Pond, and measures 56x91 feet. It contained 
124 pews, and was furnished with bell, orchestra and organ, vestry, 
study and library rooms, and was finished in neat, yet elegant style 
from the beginning. Its seating capacity was 8( 0,\vhich at that time 
was a little in advance of the requirements. The church cost $36,000, 
the expense being met by Perry Davis, a recently ordained minister 
in the church. He was an earnest Christian, and the handsome 
church edifice thus generously built for the Stewart Street church 
was a noble monument to his support of the cause. Reverend Henry 
Jackson, after investigating the condition cf all the Baptist churches 
of the state under a commission from the Rhode Island Baptist State 
Convention, in his report to that body in 1854, said of this church: 
" The edifice is plain, and yet in some respects quite ornamental. It 
is more entirely finished than any church within my knowledge. 
The audience room is very imposing, and the whole structure is 
rarely excelled in simplicity, conveniences and durability. May a 
kind Providence succeed the desires of the genermis builder, and ac- 
cept at his hands this monument to His praise." Perry Davis was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 475 

himself one of the deacons of this church. The first pastor was 
Reverend George R. Darrow, and he has been succeeded in the pas- 
toral office by the following: James R. Stone, 1856; Asa Bronson, 
1860; Christopher Rhodes, 1862; Charles A. Snow, 1865; George \V. 
Holman, 1871; E. A. Woods, 1876; A. H. Sweetser, 1881; William L. 
Lisle, the present pastor, 1882. The church now has 333 members. 
The Sunday school, organized in 1850, now numbers 388. 

A new Congregational church was organized May 4th, 1843. It 
met in Westminster Hall for a number of years, and in 1853 moved 
to Franklin Hall, 23 Market square. About 1850 it adopted the name 
of the Fourth Congregational church. In 1861 it adopted the name 
of the Free Evangelical Congregational church, its meeting place 
then being- in Roger Williams Hall. About 1870 the handsome meet- 
ing house erected by the old Richmond Street Congregational 
church, in 1853, was transferred to this society, and it had a perma- 
nent home, which it has since occupied. This building, valued at 
$50,000, stands on the corner of Richmond and Pine streets, ard has 
been repaired and improved by this congregation. An ice water 
fountain, for the use of the public, has been placed in the yard. The 
membership is 376. The Sunday school numbers 274, with an aver- 
age attendance of 137. The pastors of this church from the start 
have been: Thomas T. Waterman, 1843 to 1850; Robert H. Conklin, 

1853 to 1860; James C. White, 1862 to 1866; Edward O. Bartlett, 1868 
to 1873; Edwin S. Gould, 1874; Henry H. Northrop, 1879; John H. 
Larry, May 20th, 1883, to the present time. 

The Church of the Yahveh, a church of Second Adventists, had 
its beginnings in 1842. Their meetings were held at first on Greene 
street. About 1850 they occupied New Market Hall, Broad street, at 
the corner of High. In 1858 they met at 156 Broad street, near Rich- 
mond. A house of worship was built at the corner of Pearl and 
Providence streets about 1877. It was dedicated in 1878. The church 
was at first called Second Advent, but in 1859 the name Church of the 
Yahveh appears to have been adopted. The first pastor was Reverend 
N. Hervey. During the first years of its existence it was much of 
the time without a pastor. Reverend George W. Burnham served as 
pastor from 1852 to 1855. Reverend Lemuel Osier was installed in 
1856, and has continued from that time to the present. The church 
is Evangelical in doctrine and Congregational in form. It has about 
375 members. 

St. Andrew's Episcopal church was organized in 1846. A plain 
wooden building was erected soon after on Hospital street, at the 
corner of Allen. The site is now occupied by the gasometer. In 

1854 the building was removed to a site near 151 Friendship street. 
In 1856 it was enlarged to nearly double its size. The society for 
several years had a struggle for existence, but about the year last 
mentioned a period of more prosperous life dawned upon it. Rev- 






476 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

erend Francis Peck was rector in 1850. For a few years the church 
was supplied by the Convocation. Reverend Daniel Henshaw was 
installed in 1855, and after a long and successful pastorate continues 
at the present time the honored rector of this church. The corner 
stone of the present church was laid by Bishop Clarke, June 29th, 
1869; the first service in it was held on Easter day, 1872; and the 
house was consecrated on All Saints' day in 1875. The building, with 
the lot upon which it stands, cost $15,500. It is located at the corner 
of High and Stewart streets, and is a handsome specimen of Gothic 
architecture, built of rough Portland stone. It has several beautiful 
windows, noticeably the large front window and that of the chancel. 
The massive doors, with their elaborate and ornamental hinges of 
brass, are of oak, as is most of the interior wood work. At the west 
end, facing the chancel, is a mural tablet in memory of the late 
Bishop Henshaw, father of the present rector, whose long and active 
service has clone so much to build up the church and maintain its 
prosperity. In 1858 Mr. Henshaw organized in this church the first 
boy choir in the city, and the third in this country. A Sunday 
school was formed at the beginning of 1860. About that time an 
evening service was established on High street, near Knight street. 
This was named St. Peter's Free Chapel Mission. It was carried for- 
ward until the erection of the present church, when both church and 
mission were united under the name of All Saints' Memorial church 
in 1872. The present number of communicants is about 400. The 
Sunday school now numbers 264. 

The Mathewson Street Methodist Episcopal, was organized as the 
Third Methodist church, October 19th, 1848. It had then 28 mem- 
bers, the most of whom came from the Power Street church. "Wor- 
ship was at first sustained at Hoppin Hall, Westminster street. In 
185o a lot was purchased on Mathewson street, and the work of build- 
ing a meeting house was begun. This was completed in 1851. Exten- 
sive repairs and improvements were made upon it about 1871. The 
church has been blessed with a number of revivals, and has been 
noted for its active and energetic participation in spiritual and moral 
works of reformation and enterprises. In promoting the federal 
cause in the late war this church during 1864 and 1865 contributed 
more than $3,000. The commodious brick edifice of this church was 
dedicated May 28th, 1851. The present number of full members is 
about 350. The value of the church building and lot is about $40,000. 
The Sunday school numbers 276. Successive pastors of this church 
have been: David Patten, Jr., 1849; William T. Harlow, 1852; Henry 
S. White. L855; Frederick Upham, 1857; Samuel C. Brown, 1859; 
Sidney Dean, 1861; J. H. McCarty, 1863; Seth Reed, 1866; Mark 
Trafton, 1868; E. F. Clark, 1870; D. A. Whedon, 1873; Sylvester F. 
Jones, 1878; W. F. Whitcher, 1879; W. T. Worth, 1882; Nicholas T. 
Whitaker, L884; Henry Tuekley, 1887; C. W 7 . Gallagher, 1889. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 477 

The First United Presbyterian church was organized as the Asso- 
ciate Scotch Presbyterian church, in May, 1849, with 22 members. 
Its first place of meeting was in Brown Hall, on South Main street. 
The church which is at the present time occupied by them was built 
in 1848. It stands at Broadway and Hicks street. In 1859 it was called 
the First Presbyterian church.. Later it has been known as the 
First United Presbyterian church. The first pastor was Reverend 
Joseph Sanderson. He was installed in 1850, but remained only a 
short time. The church was without a pastor for two or three years. 
Andrew Thomas was installed in 1S5G, but served only a short pas- 
torate. James Gubby was installed in 1858, and George A. Magee 
followed in 1859. Reverend John P. Robb was installed in 1860, and 
served the church about thirteen years. Reverend M. S. McCord 
commenced his pastorate about 1875, and continues at the present 
time. The church has about 250 members. 

The Broadway Methodist Episcopal church had its roots in the 
Federal Street M. E. church, which was organized April 28th, 1851. 
The congregation had been gathering during the previous year, and 
meetings were held at the corner of Federal and Dean streets. The 
present building, located on Broadway, was purchased from the Wes- 
leyans in 1855, and in 1859 it was removed to its present site and en- 
larged, at a cost of $2,000. After this church began to occupy the 
old Wesleyan church on Fountain street it took .the name of Foun- 
tain Street M. E. church, and when it was moved to Broadway about 
1859 it assumed the present name. The successive pastors of this 
church have been: Jonathan Cady, 1853; William Kellen, 1850; J. 
M. Carroll, 1857; Elisha B. Bradford, 1859; William F. Farrington, 
1861; Henry S. White, 1862: C. H. Payne, 1863; John B. Gould, 1866; 
V. A. Cooper, 1867; J. E. C. Sawyer, 1869; Henry D. Robinson, 1871; 
J. E. Hawkins, 1872; George W. Miller, 1875; D. A. Whedon, 1876; 
E. F. Jones, 1878; C. L. Goodell, 1880; C. B. Pitblado, 1883; E. F. 
Clark, 1886; G. W. King, 1888. The present number of members in 
full communion is 286. The church property is valued at $25,000. 
The vSunday school numbers about 250. 

The Central Congregational church was organized March 18th, 
1852. A handsome brick meeting house was built on Benefit street, 
near College street, in 1852. During the same year Reverend Leon- 
ard Swain was installed pastor of the church. He afterward received 
the degree of D.D. He filled a long and useful pastorate, extending 
to 1870. After a considerable vacancy his place was supplied by Rev- 
erend George Harris, Jr., whose pastorate extended to 1883. Rever- 
end Charles W. Huntington began ministering to this church about 
1885 and continued to 1887. His successor was Reverend Edward C. 
Moore, the present pastor, who was installed January 4th, 1889. The 
church edifice has an imposing freestone front, surmounted by two 
towers. A fine Rosevelt organ of three manuals of 58 keys each and 



478 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a pedal of 27 keys, 51 stops, and 2,374 pipes, was dedicated April 4th, 
IS82. A chapel, called the Blackstone Park chapel, has been built 
by this church within the last year or two. Besides a Sunday school, 
the second Sunday service is held in it. The membership now is 
471. Last year the .church contributed nearly $2,000 to foreign mis- 
sions, and over $3,000 to home missions. The Sunday school num- 
bers 434. 

The Park Street Free Baptist church was organized as the Third 
Free-will Baptist church, in 1851. It then had 16 members. The 
church held meetings in Brown Hall, 27 South Main street, and about 
18.")."), purchased a house on Constitution hill, opposite 289 North 
Main street. A house of worship was erected on the corner of Park 
and Jewett streets, in 1868, at a cost of about $20,000. A mission 
was established about 1876, at 30 Hardenburg street. A notable re- 
vival occurred in 1885, which numbered 50 conversions. The present 
membership of the church is 184. The Sunday school numbers 166. 
The following pastors have served the church: William Archer, 
1852; James McKenzie, 1856; Joshua A. Stetson, 1859; Joshua Thayer, 
I860; Ammi R. Bradbury, 1862-7; Charles S. Perkins, 1868; S. G. 
Woodrow, 1873; J. M. Brewster, 1875; John T. Ward, 1883; Ernest 
Wesley, 1889. 

Saint Mary's Roman Catholic church embraces in its parish one 
of the largest congregations in the city, numbering 8,000 souls. It 
has rapidly increased since it was first started as a mission. The 
corner stone of a modest wooden building was laid in 1832. This 
stands on Barton street. It was not formally opened until 1853, when 
Reverend John Quinn, D.D., was appointed pastor. He was an 
energetic man and pushed forward the enterprises of the church 
with commendable vigor. He soon built a pastoral residence, which 
is still used. He had the old church removed in 1863, and under bis 
direction the building of a new one was begun in 1864. It was dedi- 
cated July 11th, 1869. On the death of Father Oninn he was buried 
by the door of the church. Father Sullivan, his successor, opened a 
parochial school in the old church building, and purchased an estate 
adjoining the church property on Broadway as a convent and acad- 
emy for young ladies, first occupied by the Ladies of the Sacred 
Heart, but later by the L T rsuline Nuns. The church celebrated its 
thirtieth anniversary on Sunday, August 21st, 1882. Reverend Robert 
J. Sullivan is the present pastor, having occupied that office since 
1874. Other clergymen assisting in this church have been: James 
O'Reilly, 186(5; J. S. Flynn, 1867; Michael McClune, 1869; Edward 
Mungen, 1871; Thomas F. Galvin, 1872; James Murphy and P. J. 
Keane, 1875; George Mahoney, 1877; James O'Sullivan, 1880; William 
B. Meenan, 1882; Thomas F. Murphy, 1883; John C. Tennion, 
William Kennedy, 1885; Thomas L. Kelly, 1887. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 479 

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church stands at the corner of Hope 
and Arnold streets. The first steps toward founding this church ap- 
pear to have been taken in 1851, when a hall was secured, on Benefit 
street, and services were conducted there by Reverend James K. 
O'Reilly. The site of the present church was obtained on Hope 
street, the ground having been previously used as a burial place. A 
church edifice was soon after erected, and this was dedicated in 1853. 
Reverend Hugh Carmody was the first resident pastor of the church. 
He was installed in that office in 1854, and continued two or three 
years. During the time he built a parochial school on the north side 
of the church, facing on Hope street. The school was taught by the 
Sisters of Mercy. The next pastor was Father Peter Browne, who 
was installed in 1856, and continued about six years. He converted 
the parochial school into a pastoral residence. In 1863 he was suc- 
ceeded by Father Peter Kelly, who remained about four years, and 
during the last year of his term was assisted by Reverend James 
McCarton. During the time of Father Kelly, above mentioned, the 
church took fire, and was so much damaged that a considerable part 
of it had to be rebuilt. The next pastor was Reverend Daniel Kelly, 
who began in 1867, and continued about ten years in the pastoral 
office. He died February 17th, 1877, and was buried in the southeast 
corner of the churchyard. His parishioners afterward erected a monu- 
ment over his remains. Father Kelly was assisted in 1869 by Rever- 
end Joseph O'Keefe, in 1870-72 by William Halligan, in 1875 by 
James Beaven and W. D. Kelly, and in 1876 by the former. The 
Jesuit order was introduced in the diocese in 1877, and this church 
was made the field of their occupation. Under this order Reverend 
John B. Bapst, S.J., was the first missionary. He took charge in 1877, 
and continued two or three years. During his time here he was as- 
sisted by Reverends J. Beaven, Michael Cooke, W. Cleary, S.J., James 
Teehan, S.J., and Fathers Gaffney and Brie. Since then a large brick 
parochial school has been erected — about 1885 — opened to boys and 
girls, and a large sacristy has been added at the rear of the church. 
The building and grounds have otherwise been very much improved, 
the interior of the church having been entirely decorated anew. The 
parish now numbers between five and six thousand souls. Reverend 
W. B. Cleary, S.J., became pastor in 1880, and continued till 1884, 
meanwhile being assisted in part by Reverends Brie and Noonan, 
Thomas M. Sheerin, John B. Nagle and Hamilton. Other pastors and 
assistants since 1885 have been Reverends Fred W. Gockeln, Father 
McKinnon, Patrick H. Breman, Henry Kavanagh, A. Keating, James 
Noonan, W. R. Cowasdin, John B. Nagle and Father Hamilton. 

The Church of the Messiah, Episcopal, was organized at Olney- 
ville in 1855. The first pastor was Reverend Benjamin B. Babbitt, 
who was installed in 1855, and remained about four years. He was 
succeeded by Reverend William H. Mills, who was installed in H58, 



480 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and remained three or four years. Reverend James Mulchahey was 
pastor for a while about 1862. He was followed by Reverend Fran- 
cis J. Warner, in 1863-4; E. M. Porter, in 18G5, and Reverend B. W. 
Atwell, in 1866-7. After a short vacancy Reverend Delancey G. 
Rice came to the church about 1869. His coming was attended with 
a new output of energy, and a season of more successful and prosper- 
ous movement followed. The church was located where it remains 
at the present time, at the corner of High and Valley streets. Mr. 
Rice officiated as rector of this church until about 1883, when he was 
followed by Reverend Thomas H. Cocroft, who has retained the rec- 
torate until the present time. The church wardens are Joseph Gough 
and Edward M. Winsor. The church is in a prosperous condition. 
The present number of communicants is 320. The Sunday school 
numbers 382. 

Trinity Methodist Episcopal church was organized in April, 1859, 
with 35 members. Services had previously been conducted for a few- 
months by Reverend Andrew McKeown in Lester Hall, on Cranston 
street, beginning early in 1858. A Sunday school had been formed 
in January, 1859. A new house of worship was built at the corner of 
Broad and Bridgham streets in 1S65, at a cost of about $40, (00. The 
church has been very active and spiritually prosperous during its 
career. It now has 640 members in full connection and about 50 pro- 
bationers. Its church property is valued at $42,000. The Sunday 
school numbers 994 scholars, and has a library of 1 ,700 volumes. The 
successive pastors of this church have been: William McDonald, 
1859; Henry S. White, 1861; William F. Farringtcn, 1862; James D. 
Butler, 1863; D. H. Ela, 1866; V. A. Cooper, 1869; George L. West- 
gate, 1871; E. M. Smith, 1874; D. P. Leavitt, 1877; G. W. Anderson, 
1880; J. Benson Hamilton, 1883; C. L. Goodell, 1886: Edward R. 
Thorndike, 1889. 

The Church of the Immaculate Conception was established in 
what was then the town of North Providence in 1857. Reverend Ed- 
ward J. Cooney was the pioneer who gathered the church. The re- 
gion was then sparsely inhabited, and the country rough and uncul- 
tivated, but he pursued his mission with the enthusiasm of a true 
pioneer, who can see in the rough field of nature the foundation for 
a teeming population in the future years. His expectations in this 
direction have already been in a measure realized. The section was 
made a part of the city by the annexation of the Tenth ward in 1874. 
A church was built on West River street, and Father Cooney, who 
was installed as its pastor in 1858, served in that office more than 20 
years. It is a remarkable coincidence that his death should have 
taken place at the very hour when the corner stone of the great 
cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul was beinglaid with impressive cere- 
monies in the presence of the ten thousand assembled spectators. 
This was Thanksgiving day, 1878. During his time he had built the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 481 

church, the parochial school adjoining, the parochial residence oppo- 
site, and the convent and academy adjoining, taught by the Sisters 
of Charity. From 1867 forward Father Cooney was assisted, for 
periods of varying duration, by Reverends P. A. Gaynor, Father Mc- 
Mullen, M. McCabe, J. J. Reynolds, Francis McSweeney, T. Briscoe, 
William Lowergan, Thomas Grace and Louis Deady. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1879 by Reverend John Keegan, who continued until 1883. 
He was assisted by Reverends James Daly, Louis Deady, John 
O'Connell, John E. Gormley and Daniel Driscoll. Reverend John J. 
Maguire, who has been pastor since 1884, has done much toward im- 
proving the church property, and has redecorated the interior of 
church and school house. He has been assisted by Reverend John 
W. McCarthy. The parish now includes about COCO souls. The So- 
ciety of the Children of Mary, connected with it, is one of the largest 
in the diocese. 

The first Jewish congregation in this city was incorporated at the 
May session of the legislature of 1855. A few of that denomination 
had resided here for many years. After the Spanish and Portuguese 
Jews were driven out of Newport by'the British army in the revolu- 
tion, a few of them came to Providence, but they were not strong 
enough to organize a synagogue. They passed the years in reor- 
ganized seclusion until the time of which we have spoken. They 
were fortified in the meantime by accessions of German, Russian and 
Polish Jews. Two classes appear among them, the Orthodox and the 
Reformed; the former holding with more strict conformity to the 
ritual of their fathers, while the latter yield a little in some points to 
the progressive spirit of the century. The Russian, Polish and some 
Germans claim to belong to the former class, while other Germans 
belong to the latter. The incorporation of 1855, of which we have 
spoken, was granted on ,the petition of Joseph Stern, Solomon Pa- 
reira. Abraham H. Goodman, David de Young, M. Marks, Henry Solo- 
mon and Isaac Fish. Their corporate name was Sons of Israel. The 
men named, together with a few of their associates, held services in 
their own residences, and afterward in different halls in the city. In 
1859 they were at 56 Weybosset street; in 1861 at 42 Broad street; in 
1873 in Music Hall Building. While struggling for years under the 
Orthodox ritual they were not able to strengthen or to infuse new 
life into their congregation. Their religious leaders during those 
early years were: Moses Cohen, 1858; Lazarus Kantrowitz, 1859; 
Abraham Jacobs, 1862; Moses Jacobs, 1866; Abraham Jacobs, 1867; 
A. Pearlman, 1869; Hermann Bleichrod, 1871; Herman PflaumJS73. 
The Orthodox, whose organization we have thus far noticed, hold the 
old forms of ritual, saying their prayers in Hebrew only, but giving 
their discourses in German, with heads covered, worship with their 
faces toward Jerusalem, and keep the women apart from the men in 
their congregations. The Reformed congregation have prayers in 

31 



482 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

both Hebrew and German, discourses in English, and men and women 
sit together, though they still worship with their faces toward Jeru- 
salem. This congregation organized about 1872, under the name 
Sons of David. They worshipped at 143 Canal street, and later at 37 
South Main street. Their rabbi have been: Isaac Rosenberg, 1872; 
A. N. Coleman, 1876. In 1877 the two divisions were united, as the 
congregation of Israel and David. Succeeding rabbi were: Jacob 
Voorsanger, 1878; Marx Moses, 1879; M. Rodenberg, 1880. From the 
time of the union in 1877, the congregation has been more successful. 
They then leased the little chapel at the corner of Page and Pine 
streets, remodelled it at considerable expense, and occupied it as a 
place of worship until 1882, when they secured the hall at 98 Wey- 
bosset street, which they, have since used. The present rabbi, Doc- 
tor M. Sessler, has urged the matter of building a synagogue, and by 
the help of other friends the work seems likely to be accomplished 
at an early day, such a building being now in process of construction. 
The congregation Sons of Israel at present consists of 45 members, 
has a Sabbath school of 65 children, a Bible class of 45 members, and 
as its auxiliaries, a Ladies' and Young Sons of Israel Society. 

The corner stone of the new Jewish synagogue was laid with 
ccllemonies by the Masonic fraternity, September 23d, 1889. It is 
located on a lot at the corner of Friendship and Foster streets, pur- 
chased during the year, at a cost of $6,500. The lot is about 40x90 
feet. The building is of the Romanesque style of architecture, con- 
structed of Springfield brick with brown stone trimmings. The 
height of the building is 48 feet. Math a tower 78 feet. It will be 
lighted with cathedral tint windows, upon which are Hebraic tablets 
in scriptural design. The building will seat about 500 persons. In 
the rear of the pulpit will be placed the Ark of the Covenant and 
other symbols of the church, including the tablets and the urn of 
sacred oil. The cost of the building is about $14,000. 

The Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal, was organized April 5th, 
1859. Thcv immediately set about building a church. It was done 
during the same year, and cost about $12,000. It was the first free 
Episcopal church in the city, and this element is secured in perpetu- 
ity by the conditions of title under which the property is held. The 
church stands on North Main street, near Lippitt. Reverend Charles 
H. Wheeler, the first rector, was installed in 1860. He maintained a 
roctorate extending a quarter of a century, down to 1885. He was 
succeeded in 1880 by Reverend Frederick J. Bassett, the present rec- 
tor. The wardens are George D. Briggs and C. B. Manchester. The 
present number of communicants is 250, and the Sunday school num- 
bers about the same. 

Christ church, Episcopal, was organized in 1865. The church is 
the outgrowth of a mission, which previous to Easter, 1867, was in 
charge of the Bishop Seabury Association of Brown University. At 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 483 

that time Reverend Samuel H. Webb became rector, and he still re- 
tains that office. The first edifice stood at the corner of Eddy and 
Oxford streets, and was built in 1867. The present' house of worship, 
occupying the same site, was consecrated in September, 1889. The 
architecture of the church is mainly Gothic. The building is about 
100x8(> feet, with a tower 120 feet high. Upon a granite base the 
walls are of Danvers pressed brick, with brown stone trimmings. 
The church will seat about 800 persons. The house has a number of 
elegant memorial windows, as well as many other features of artistic 
ornamentation and elegant finish. The cost of the building and 
organ was about $30,000. The church now has 240 communicants. 
The Sunday school numbers 250. The wardens are William J. Cross- 
ley and George W. Dickinson. 

The Church of the Epiphany was organized in 1875. It had been 
maintained as a mission under the name of the Holy Cross from 
about 1870, when it was in charge of Reverend F. Coggeshall, Jr. Its 
location is at Elmwood, near the corner of Potter's avenue and 
Greenwich street. Reverend Charles S. Newbold was the first rec- 
tor. He was followed by Reverend J. M. C. Fulton about 1880. In 
that year the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of $10,000. 
The church sustains a mission at Auburn, organized in 1885. Rev- 
erend Henry Bassett became rector about 1883, and continues at the 
present time. The church has 211 communicants. A flourishing 
Sunday school of 420 is maintained by it. The church wardens are 
Edward D. Bassett and William Halton. 

St. Paul's Episcopal church was organized as St. Gabriel's Mission 
in 1871. It is located at No. 10 Carroll street. The first rector was 
Reverend C. W. Perry, 1871-2. His successor was Reverend James 
W. Colwell, 1873 to 1877. He was followed by Reverend John C. 
Brooks for a short period about 1878. Reverend A. B. Carver com- 
menced his rectorate about 1880, continuing five years. During the 
latter part of his term the church moved to its present house on 
Carroll street, near Orms. Reverend Isaac T. Bagnall became rector 
about 1885, and continued to 1887. He was succeeded by Reverend 
Samuel Snelling, who still remains in the office. The present church 
wardens are William Foster and William Staples. The present num- 
ber of communicants is 138. A flourishing Sunday school connected 
with this church numbers 155. 

The Greenwich Street Free Baptist church was organized August 
15th, 1870. Its original membership was 15 in number. They im- 
mediately set about the erection of a house of worship on the corner 
of Greenwich and West Friendship streets, which is still occupied 
by them. It was completed in 1871 at a cost of $16,000. The first 
pastor was Reverend J. Mariner, who began his service in 1871 and 
continued about four years. He was followed by Reverend C. A. 
Bickford, from 1876 to 1878. Reverend Lewis Dexter became pastor 



484 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

about 187S, and continued some four years. He was followed by 
Reverend Hector Canfield in 1882. The church was repaired and 
greatly improved in 1882 and the following year, and again a year 
or two later, the expense aggregating about $6,000. Mrs. Phebe 
vSwarts presented the church with a pipe organ in 1885. Reverend 
E. W. Ricker began ministering to this church in 1885, and remains 
at the present time. The vestry was re-seated in 1888. Other li- 
censed ministers connected with this church, besides the pastor, are 
M. N. Davison and W. N. Patt. The present membership is 249. The 
Sunday school numbers nearly as many. 

A mission was established by the Roman Catholics on Prairie 
avenue in 1857. It was called St. Bernard's church. In 1859 Vicar- 
General O'Reilley purchased a meeting house that had once been 
occupied by the Baptists, and after renovating and improving it, dedi- 
cated it to the patron saint as above. Reverend Bernard V. Coit be- 
came its first pastor, continuing from 1860 to 1863. He was succeeded 
by Reverend Daniel Mullen, who continued about a year and a half. 
Reverend M. A. Wallace, D.D., LL.D., became the pastor in 1865, 
and after a long term of honored service he remains at the present 
time. His assistants for varying periods have been: Reverends 
James Fitzsimon, 1871; P. Petrarra, 1875; W. J. Wiseman and George 
Mahoney, 1876; Bernard Boylan, 1877; James K. Beaven, 1878; M. 
O'Hare, 1880; Michael J. Cook, 1881; J." Redding, 1884; Thomas E. 
Kenny, 1885; P. P. McKenna, 1886; W. J. Galvin, 1887. The growth 
of the church in 1867 demanded greater accommodations. An ad- 
ditional lot was purchased in the rear, and the old church was moved 
upon it, where it still remains as a part of the asylum institution, 
and a new church was immediately commenced on the former site. 
On its completion this was dedicated by Bishop McFarland, the name 
St. Michael's now being adopted. A sacristy has since been added, 
and also a parochial residence has been built on Prairie avenue, at 
the right of the church. The parish includes about 4,000 souls. 

The Church of the Saviour was organized in 1863. It obtained 
possession of the old church on the corner of Benefit and Transit 
streets, which had been occupied by St. Stephen's church, but was 
vacated in 1862 by their removal to their new church on George 
street. The first rector of the Church of the Saviour was Reverend 
Leander C. Manchester, who continued from 1863 to 1866. He was 
followed by Reverend Amos Skeele, who served from 1868 to 1875. 
Reverend John C. Hewlett was rector from 1876 to about 1882. He 
was followed by Reverend H. U. Munro, who continued till 1888. 
The present rector, Reverend Edwin L. Drown, began in 1889. The 
membership of the church embraces about 150 communicants. The 
Sunday school numbers 120. Messrs. A. W. Mathewson and Charles 
H. Mumford are the church wardens. 

The Union Sea and Land Mission has been in operation since- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 485 

1SG4. It is unsectarian, and services are conducted in the open air, 
■either on the wharves or on shipboard. In its early history it occu- 
pied Pioneer Hall, and since 1881 has had headquarters at 108 John 
street. Reverend Charles H. Plummer has, from the year 1864, been 
superintendent of the enterprise. 

The North Congregational church had its beginning in the 
Charles street Congregational Sunday school, which was organized 
September 7th, 1856, in a chapel near the Corliss Engine Works, un- 
der the care of the Central Congregational church. The Charles 
Street Congregational church was organized June 6th, 1865. Rever- 
end George Huntington was the first pastor, beginning in 1867, or 
about that time, and continuing several years. Reverend Henry T. 
Arnold was minister in 1875 to 1877. In the latter year Reverend 
Adelbert F. Keith began preaching for this church as a supply. 
After several years passed in this way he was installed as pastor July 
9th, 1883. The new church building on Walling street was in that 
year occupied. The name of the church was changed to its present 
form in January, 1880. Mr. Keith continued as pastor until 1888. 
Reverend Palmer S. Hulbert, the present pastor, began in the office 
in January, 1889. The church now has 228 members, comprehended 
in 130 families. The Sunday school, of which Charles H. Philbrick 
is superintendent, numbers about 250, and has an average attendance 
of 150. 

St. James's Episcopal church had its origin in a mission estab- 
lished on Atwell's avenue about 1867. The church was organized in 
186!>. The present edifice on Gesler street was erected in 1868. 
With its organization the church was admitted to the diocesan con- 
vention. The first rector was Reverend William D. U. Sherman, 
who filled a long term of service, reaching to 1879. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1880 by Reverend W. F. B. Jackson, who in turn was suc- 
ceeded two or three years since by Reverend Julius W. Atwood, the 
present rector. The wardens are A. M. Bowen and Ebenezer Nich- 
ols. The church now has about 200 communicants. The Sunday 
school numbers 225. 

The Broadway Baptist church was constituted in 1865. The 
Rhode Island Baptist State Convention inaugurated action in that 
direction by calling a meeting for the purpose, in October, 1864. 
During that month services were begun in Armory Hall, by Rever- 
end John Blain, and continued for six months, at the end of which 
time the church was organized, having ten members. The first 
pastor was Reverend H. S. Inman. Following him were Reverends 
B. P. Byram, 1869 to 1873; B. S. Morse, 1874 to 1881, and J. V. Ouster- 
hout, 1881 to the present time. The present handsome edifice 
located on Broadway and Harris avenue, was erected in 1869, at a 
cost of about $40,000. It was improved in 1883, by the building of 
o-alleries in the auditorium. The total number of members at the 



486 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

present time is 467. The Sunday school, organized in 1864, now 
numbers more than 900 members, being the largest Baptist Sunday 
school in the state. Mr. Charles W. Calder has been its superinten- 
dent since 1871. 

The South Baptist church was constituted in 1860, with 24 mem- 
bers. Its first location was on Potter's avenue, at the corner of Plane 
street, where a house of worship was built in the same year. The 
first pastor was Reverend E. K. Fuller. ( )ther pastors since then 
have been: Reverends T. E. Bell, 1869; George W. Bixby. 1871-6; S. 
G. Woodrow, 1877-80; T. E. Bartlett, 1880 to the present time. A 
more commodious house of worship was commenced in 1884, which 
was completed in 1886. It stands at the corner of Ocean and Gallup 
streets. The total membership is 181. The Sunday school, which 
was organized in 1844, has 400 members, more than one hundred of 
whom are over 15 years of age. It has a library of 700 volumes. 

The Elmwood Congregational church was organized in 1851. It was 
then associated with the Valley Congregational Society, which had 
been established on Valley street since 1849. Reverend Christopher C. 
Mason was pastor of the society in 1850. For a year or two after that 
the pulpit was not regularly supplied. Then for a time the house of 
worship was occupied by Episcopalian services. In 1863 the society 
was worshipping on Potter's avenue, and Reverend Samuel S. Tap- 
pan was their pastor. He was succeeded in 1866 by Reverend George 
Huntington. The Elmwood Congregational church was in 1869 
located on Greenwich street, at the corner of Marshapaug street. 
Reverend Henry A. Wales was pastor from that year to 1871 . He 
was followed by Reverend Jeremiah Taylor, 1872 to 1877. Reverend 
G. F. Humphreys was pastor from 1878 to 1880. He was followed by 
Reverend L. L. Briggs, 1881-2, and he by Reverend I. H. Bartlett 
Headley, in 1883. Reverend Horace Winslow began serving this 
church January 1st, 1884, and continued until 1886. Reverend John 
E. Wildey commenced his pastorate April 22d, 1886. and still con- 
tinues in that office. The church is in a nourishing condition, its 
membership having increased 50 in the last four years. It now num- 
bers 133. Elisha C. Austin is superintendent of the Sunday school, 
which numbers 165. The church edifice was improved with stained 
glass windows and interior renovation, at a cost of $1,560, in 1884-5. 

The African Union Methodist church was organized in 1860, with 
75 members. The house of worship at 16 Clayton street, still occu- 
pied, was erected in 1860, at a cost of $700. The successive pastors 
of this church have been: Daniel L. Smith, Isaac R. Johnson, 1869; 
Thomas H. Beckman, 1872; James L. Smith, 1873; James W. Myers, 
1876; William Matthews, 1878; Dennis Johnson, 1881 ; E. Billings, 
1882; Dennis Johnson, 1883; J. W. Leekins, 1886. The membership 
is about 25. 

In 1868 the Methodists conducted a mission at the engine station 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 487 

on Mill street. This was called the North Mission, and was in 
charge of Reverend John Livesay. The Asbury M. E. Church was 
organized April 5th of that year, with twenty members. They im- 
mediately set about building a church, which was completed during 
the year. A new brick church was built on the same site in 1887. 
This is a handsome building, with granite trimmings, and cost about 
$28,000. The successive pastors of this church have been: John 
Livesay, 1808-70; A. N. Bodfish, 1870-1; John F. Sheffield, 1872; A. 
Anderson, 1874; S. Leader, 1877; W. H. Stetson, 1879; EL B. Cady, 
1881; W.J. Smith, 1884; G. W. Hunt, 1887; S. H. Day, 1889. The 
full number of members now is about 400. In 1888 the church paid 
$11,000 on the expense incurred in building the new church, and 
there was then left a debt of only $10,000 to clear off that expense 
entirely. The salary of the pastor is $1,400. The Sunday school 
numbers over 400. 

The Mount Zion Methodist church, of colored people, had 
its beginning as early as 1861. For a year or two services were 
held in private houses, but in 18G3 a church was built. It stands 
on Lilac street. Recently the name Lilac Street M. E. church 
has been given to it. Successive pastors since 1869 have been: 
E. J. Miller, 1869; Allen Walker, 1870; Silas A. Mitchell, W. D. F. 
Pyle, 1876; S. E. Birchmore, 1878; T. E. Aldridge, 1880; George H. 
Washington, 1882; Mrs. Annie F. Freeman, 1885; Moses P. Hawkins, 
1888; J. E. Peterson, 1889. The church numbers about SO members. 
In 1883 this church withdrew from the New England Conference, 
and remains an independent church. 

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1854. 
The first house of worship was at the corner of Potter's avenue and 
Eddy street. The first pastor was Reverend J. T. Benton. Local 
preachers supplied the pulpit for a number of years. The church 
was formerly known as the South Methodist. In 1871 the church 
moved to its new house of worship at the corner of Swan and Plane 
streets, and after that it was known as St. Paul's M. E. church. Rev- 
erend S. J. Carroll was its pastor in 1869 to 1871. Later pastors have 
been: Alfred A. Presbrey, 1872; A. E. Hall, 1874; Walter J. Yates, 
1875; A. Anderson, 1877; T. J. Everett, 1880; S. Sprowls, 1883; C. H. 
Ewer, 1885; E. D. Hall, 1886;" B. W. Hutchinson, 1889. The church 
property was improved in rebuilding and repairing, to the amount of 
about $6,000, in 1885, and its full value now is estimated at $17,000. 
The membership of the church now numbers about 200. The Sun- 
day school has an average attendance of 150, and an enrolled num- 
ber of over 200. Its library numbers nearly a thousand volumes. 

The Central Baptist church maintained for some time a chapel on 
Cranston street, near Messer street. A church was organized there 
in October, 1870, largely from the Central Baptist membership. Its 
original membership was 56. Reverend M. H. Bixby has been pas- 



488 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tor of this church from its organization to the present time. The 
original chapel has been enlarged several times to keep pace with 
the increase of the congregation. It is now a stately and spacious 
building, comprising 16 rooms besides the auditorium. It was first 
dedicated in December, 1869, and opened for regular worship in Janu- 
ary, 1870. The average addition of members to this church has been 
about 50 a year. Its present membership is 625. A mission on Jack- 
son avenue was established by this church in 1889, and a chapel built 
there to accommodate its Sunday school and worship in the same 
year. Mr. Howard Pepper is superintendent of the Sunday school 
there, which numbers 183. The Cranston Street Sunday school num- 
bers 840, and has a library of 1,200 volumes. Air. Robert B. Holden 
has been its superintendent since 1870, the time of its present organi- 
zation. This church has had a remarkable career of healthy and ac- 
tive progress, and in its efforts has been remarkably successful and 
prosperous. 

Services for French Catholics were held here under the name of 
St. John's church in 1874. Reverend N. Hardy was then pastor, con- 
tinuing some two or three years. In 1878 Reverend C. P. Gaboury 
became pastor, and a more definite organization was effected in Au- 
gust of that year. Their meetings for worship were formerly held 
in the hall of La Salle Academy, on Fountain street. A new church 
on Harrison street was erected, and this was dedicated in July, 1881, 
to the name of St. Charles Borromeo. Since then the church has 
been known as St. Charles's. A parochial residence is attached to 
the church in the rear. The congregation of this church numbers 
some 1,200. Reverend Edward E. Nobert has been pastor since 1888, 
assisted by L. Joseph Jourdain and James Major. 

The Union Congregational church was organized in 1871. Its con- 
stituency came from the former Richmond Street and High Street 
churches, the former contributing 287 and the latter 294 members. 
The corner stone of the house of worship on Broad street, near Stew- 
art street, was laid April 19th, 1870, and the house was dedicated 
June 27th, 1872. Reverend Kinsley Twining was pastor from 1872 to 
1875. The church building is a fine brick edifice, in Gothic style, de- 
signed by William R. Walker. Its trimmings are of stone. It has 
two towers, of unequal height. The interior is handsomely finished, 
and the seats are arranged as in an amphitheatre. In the rear is a 
chapel, similar in architecture, used for Sunday school purposes. 
Reverend A. J. F. Behrends succeeded Mr. Twining in 1876, and con- 
tinued until 1883. Reverend J. Flail Mcllvaine became pastor of this 
church June 20th. 1883, and resigned the charge in November, 1888. 
I Hiring this time the church established a mission at Mount Pleasant. 
This was commenced August 1st, 1884, and in a few months a Sun- 
day school of 200 scholars was gathered there and a good wor- 
shipping assembly. A chapel of commodious size, to seat 550 per- 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 489 

sons, was built, at a cost of $7,500. In the work at Mount Pleasant 
Reverend A. L. Kelly was employed, and a church of 40 or 50 mem- 
bers was organized in 18S5. This is now known as the Academy 
Avenue Congregational church. Reverend Edward O. Bartlett sue- 
ceeded Mr. Kelly as its pastor October 18th, 1887, and is still acting 
in that office. That church now numbers 163 members, and has a 
Sunday school of about 250 in average attendance. Mr. Lewis H. 
Meader is its superintendent. Reverend E. B. Webb served the 
Union Congregational church for a while as stated supply, after the 
resignation of Mr. Mcllvaine. This church numbers 850 members, 
and includes in its parish some 000 families. Its annual contribu- 
tions to foreign missions amount to $2,500, and those to home mis- 
sions double that amount. Its Sunday school, of whom William W. 
Rickard is superintendent, numbers 550. 

The Advent Christian church was organized in 1871 with ten mem- 
bers. It met in Lester Hall, on Cranston street. Elder M. R. Phette- 
place was- the first pastor, continuing from the organization to 1875. 
The present edifice, on Hammond street, was erected in the summer 
of 1873. Reverend A. W. Sibley was pastor in 1876, and was followed 
in 1877 by Reverend A. A. Hoyt. Reverend Norman P. Cook be- 
came its pastor in 1879, and continues to the present time. The 
church has about 150 members, and the Sunday school connected 
with it numbers about the same. 

The Plymouth Congregational church was organized March 6th, 
1878, with 30 members. Its first place of worship was on Prairie 
avenue, at the corner of Colwell street. The first pastor was Rever- 
end Henry B. Roberts. He was succeeded by Reverend Henry A. 
Blake, who began his pastorate May 2d, 1884, and continued until 
December, 1888. Reverend Thornton A. Mills, the present pastor, 
began his service of this church on Easter Sabbath, 1889. A hout>e 
of worship was built on Richardson street, near Broad, in 1880-1. 
The church now numbers about 250 members, and the parish com- 
prehends about 400 families. The Sunday school numbers 450, with 
an average attendance of 250. The superintendent is Mr. Lewis 
Wis wall. 

The Church of the Assumption, R. C, was established at Elmwood 
in May, 1870, by Reverend Michael McClune, who became its first 
pastor, and continued in that office until 1887. For the last few years 
of his pastorate he was assisted by Reverends D. A. Quinn and John 
H. Hurley. A wooden church building was erected in 1870, on Pot- , 
ter's avenue, near Cranston street. A pastoral residence has since 
been added, and their church property is now valued at about 
$30,000. 

The First Presbyterian church was organized October 25th, 1872. 
Its meeting place then was in the Academy of Music, 129 Westmin- 
ster street. In 1876 the present church edifice was completed and 



490 HISTORY OK PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the church began to occupy it. This stands on the corner of Clifford: 
and Claverick streets, and its cost was about $37,000. The first pastor 
was Reverend John Dixon, who continued with the church from the 
start till about 1877. He was succeeded in 1878 by Reverend Thomas 
Parry. Reverend Robert D. Sproull followed, about 1880, and re- 
signed in June, 1886. The present pastor, J. A. F. McBain, followed 
a few months later. The church has about 300 members. 

A Baptist chapel was erected at Wanskuck in 1867, upon land 
given for the purpose by Mrs. Jesse Metcalf. The building is a sub- 
stantial stone structure, located on Veazie street, and cost about 
$3,000. A church, called Roger Williams Baptist church, was consti- 
tuted there in 1877. Reverend William Phillips had supplied the 
chapel from 1874 to 1876. The first pastor of the new church was 
Reverend R. S. Colwell, 1877. Reverend F. Denison supplied in 
1878. Reverend E.B. Eddy became pastor in 1879. The church had 
149 members in 1880. Reverend William E. Needham became pas- 
tor in 1883, to 1884; B. L. Whitman labored for the church in that 
office 1885 to 1887; and Edward Mills became pastor in 1887. The 
chapel was enlarged and improved in 1889. It has 164 members. 
The Sunday school was organized in 1865. Mr. James Stokes is now 
superintendent, and the school numbers about 450. 

St. Edward's Roman Catholic church on Branch avenue, Wans- 
kuck, grew out of a mission under the care of the Church of the Im- 
maculate Conception, established in 1865 as St. Joseph's. It became 
an independent parish in 1874, and was organized under the present 
name and under the pastoral care of Reverend James Finnegan, who 
remains in charge still. The parish was enlarged in 1878. The cor- 
ner stone of a new building was laid Sundav, June 13th, 1886, which 
being completed was occupied in 1887. It stands near the corner of 
Geneva street and Branch avenue, and cost about $30,000, being one 
of the most commodious churches in the city. The parish of St. Ed- 
ward's comprises about 1,500 souls. 

Arlington Free Baptist church is the outgrowth of what was 
known as Roger Williams Free Baptist Mission, established on 
Cranston street, at the foot of Rocky Hill road, about 1875. From 
the date mentioned forward it was in charge of Reverend R. H. 
Tozer. About 1877 its location was changed to New Depot avenue, 
Cranston, and in 1881 the name was changed to its present form. 
Reverend A. Given was associated with the church as pastor in 1882, 
and Reverend Dudley E. Clark in 1884. Reverend G. N. Musgrove 
became pastor in the latter part of 1887. The church is in a prosper- 
ous and hopeful condition, pays its pastor a salary of $800, makes con- 
tributions to many benevolent causes, has a membership of about 70 
and a Sunday school of 150. 

St. Thomas's Episcopal church is located on Douglas avenue, near 
Wanskuck. It was established about 1876 under the charge of Rev- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 491 

erend James W. Colwell, then rector of St. Paul's. It has been since 
that time associated in ministerial supply with St. Paul's. Its pres- 
ent rector is Reverend Samuel Snelling. The church wardens are 
William J. Uglow and James Slater. It has a membership of 45 com- 
municants and a Sunday school of 140. 

The Allen Mission was established at 116 Cranston street, about 
1877. In 1879 it was moved to A street, and in the following- year 
the chapel was occupied. This mission has been supplied by the 
following ministers: J. T. Hayslett, 1877; William H. Thomas, 1879; 
William H. Yeocum, 1880; Carter Wright, 1888; H. Brown, 1880; J. 
T. Hayslett, 1887, to the present time. 

The Free Religious Society was organized in February, 1874. The 
society is independent, and leaves its members to the free exercise 
of their religious belief. The meetings of the society were at first 
held in Lyceum Hall, 61 Westminster street; in 1876, at 57 Snow 
street; in 1878, in the vestry of Bell Street chapel; in 1881, at South 
Main and Power streets; in 1882, in rear of Music Hall, on Aborn 
street; in 1884 and since then, in Blackstone Hall, corner of Wash- 
ington and Snow streets. Since their establishing at the latter place 
Reverend Frederic A. Hinckley has been their leader. A Sunday 
school was organized in 1878. 

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, Latter Day Saints, was 
formed in this city in 1869. They at first met at the junction of 
Broad and High streets. In 1872 they were under the leadership of 
Reverend C. W. Brown, and met at 281 High street. They had vari- 
ous local habitations for short periods, but in 1882 hired again the 
hall at 281 High street and fitted it up more permanently. In 1884 
Francis M. Sheehy was their leader. The denomination to which 
this church belongs believe in the Bible as the word of God, and also 
think that the Book of Mormon as revealed to Joseph Smith is in- 
spired. They do not believe in the doctrine of polygamy as prac- 
ticed by the Mormons of Utah, and their organization is distinct 
from that of L x tah Mormonism. The denomination dates from 1859, 
and claims to be the historic successor of the original Mormon 
church. This claim has been recognized by the LTnited States courts. 
The membership of the Providence church is about 200. 

The LTnion American M. E. church (colored) was organized in 
1874, and incorporated June 1st, 1882. Their first location was at the 
junction of Mill and North Mam streets. A house of worship, the 
one at present occupied, was purchased in May, 1881. Pastors of this 
church have been: Reverends B. B. Harris, J. R. Brooks, W. A.Jack- 
son, A. J. Gaston and Lemuel Lomack. The membership is about 70 
and the Sunday school numbers rather larger. 

The Mount Pleasant Baptist church was constituted in 1883, with 
25 members. Its first pastor was Reverend Wesley L. Smith, whose 
service began with the organization of the church. A Sunday school 



492 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

had been organized here and maintained since 1878, on Chalkstone 
avenue. From this the church grew. The chapel, which had been 
erected for the Sunday school, was removed to Academy avenue and 
Roanoke street, and enlarged and improved at a cost of about $8,000. 
This was done soon after the organization of the church. Anewpipe 
organ was presented to the church in 1885. Reverend C. A. Maryott 
became pastor in 1889. The present membership of the church is 
about 75. The Sunday school numbers 210. 

The Branch Avenue Baptist church was the outgrowth of a Sun- 
day school which was established in 1878. The church was recog- 
nized by council May 19th, 1886, being organized with 50 members 
from the Fourth Baptist church. Reverend E. P. Tuller became the 
first pastor, with the organization of the church. He resigned in 
May, 1887. Reverend Theodore C. Gleason became pastor in June, 
18S7. and continues at the' present time. An addition was built to 
the chapel in 1886. The chapel building and grounds before this 
improvement had cost about $5,000. The present membership of the 
church is about 100. Mr. George E. Weeden has been superintend- 
ent of the Sunday school since 1879. The school numbers 220. 

The Roman Catholic church of St. John the Evangelist was estab- 
lished April 8th, 1870. Its parish was made up from parts of the 
parishes of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Mary's. Reverend John J. 
McCabe gathered the church and has been its pastor from the begin- 
ning to the present time. He has been assisted at different times by 
Reverends Francis Tuite, 1875; James Walsh, 1877; William Dullard, 
1883; Henry Conboy, 1884; William Kelley, 1885; Thomas L. KeHey, 
1886; D. Coughlin and D. Sheedy, 1887; B. McCahill, 1888. The com- 
modious and handsome brick church, at the corner of Atwell's ave- 
nue and Sutton street, was erected at a cost of about $100,000, and is 
one of the largest churches in the state. The corner stone was laid 
by Bishop McFarland in 1871, and the house was dedicated by Bishop 
Hendricken September 19th. 1875. Father McCabe has since erected 
a pastoral residence contiguous to the church, but fronting on Sutton 
street. The congregation of this church numbers some 5,000 per- 
sons. ( )f the numerous societies within its circle it has the largest 
Holy Name Society in the diocese. It also has the largest choir of 
any chfirch in the diocese. 

St. Theresa's Roman Catholic church, on Manton avenue, was 
formed in 1884, the first service under its auspices being held in 
Unity Hall, Olneyville, January 15th of that year. The parish was 
formed from parts of St. Mary's and St. John's. Reverend Edward 
Murphy was appointed its first pastor. He was assisted by Reverend 
James Looby, 1886 to the present time. Reverend Farrell O'Reilly 
became pastor in 1888, and James A. Gleason an assistant in 1889. A 
church was soon commenced, and was dedicated early in the year 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 493 

1885. The first service held in it was April 20th of that year. The 
congregation numbers about 2,000 souls. 

The Church of the Holy Name was formed by the Reverend T. V. 
Brennan, from members of St. Joseph's, Immaculate Conception, and 
St. Patrick's parishes, near Doyle avenue, in November, 1882. Ser- 
vices were at first held in a hall at the head of Constitution hill. The 
church at the corner of Jenkins and Knowles streets was built in 
1883, the work being begun in May of that year. The building, 
which comprises hall, school rooms and chapel, was dedicated by 
Bishop Hendricken, March 29th, 1884. Reverend James C. Walsh 
has been pastor since 1884, and in 1889 has been assisted by Rever- 
end George F. McGuire. Father Walsh has erected a handsome pas- 
toral residence, facing on Camp street. The parish includes about 
1,500 persons. 

Our Lady of the Rosary is the name of a Portuguese church on 
Wickenden street. The building was erected for a skating rink, but 
with the aid of Bishop Hendricken was secured and converted into a 
church by the Portuguese Catholics, who mainly reside in that part 
of the city. For years they had held special service on the third 
Sunday of each month, conducted by the Reverend Father Freitas, 
of New Bedford. He had charge of the church from its dedication, 
Sunday, March 23d, 1885, until Father Eliott was appointed its first 
pastor. Reverend A. L. Serpa, the present pastor, is the first Portu- 
guese clergyman ordained in the diocese. The congregation of this 
church is about 1,000. 

The Cranston Street Methodist Episcopal church was organized 
March 9th, 1882, with 15 members. The field had previously for 
some time been occupied by Sunday schools and mission work by 
the Methodists. The present meeting house at 441 Cranston street, 
was erected in 1883, at a cost of about $7,000. The pastors of this 
church have been: William H. Stetson, 1882; H. E. Cook, 1884; W. 
H. Allen, 1885; E. F. Jones, 1887; F. P. Parkin, 1888, and E. W. 
Goodier, 1889. The present membership is a little more than 100. 
The Sunday school numbers about 250. The Harris Avenue Metho- 
dist Episcopal church is located on Harris avenue, near Broadway. 
It was organized March 7th, 1883. Its pastors have been: C. F. 
Sharpe, 1883; E. F. Jones, 1885; William V. Morrison, 1887, and L. 
B. Codding, 1889. The present membership is about 140*. The 
church property is valued at about $4,000. The Sunday school num- 
bers about 275. The church is located in Olneyville. 

Ebenezer Baptist church was constituted under its present con- 
nection in 1887. Previous to this for three or four years they had 
held services in Slade Building, at 45 Eddy street, and for a year or 
two after. The church is an offshoot from the Congdon Street 
church. It had organized under the New Hampshire articles of 
faith, January 20th, 1884. The church was recognized by a coun- 



494 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

oil April 5th, 1887. Reverend B. S. Jones then became their 
pastor. Their membership was 117. The present church building 
was erected in 1889, at a cost for the entire property of about $8,000. 
The present membership is nearly two hundred. The Sunday 
school which was started in 1884, now numbers 132. 

The Swedish Mission of the Methodist Episcopal church meets at 
45 Eddy street. It was organized about 1F84. The pastors have 
been: J. M. Ojerholm, 1884; N. Eklund, 1885; Richard Cederberg, 
1886 to the present time. It now numbers more than 100 members, 
and its church property is valued at $10,000, besides which they have 
a parsonage valued at $2,000. The Sunday school numbers about 100. 

The corner stone of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Roman 
Catholic, at Mount Pleasant, was laid by Bishop Matthew Harkins, 
June 23d, 1889. The site of this church, decided upon in October, 
•1888, is one of the most pleasing spots in this pleasant locality. It is 
on the east side of Academy avenue, and about midway between 
Atwell's and Chalkstone avenues. A rectory adjoining has also been 
built. The pastor of this newly established church, is Reverend 
William I. Simmons. 

Ballou Universalist church, on Smith, near Orms street, was or- 
ganized in 1885, with 23 members. A wooden building was erected 
in 1887 for purposes of worship, valued at $1,000. The membership 
of the church at present is 30, and the Sunday school has double 
that number. Reverend Vincent E. Tomlinson is the first and pres- 
ent pastor. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 



Early Action in Regard to Schools. — First Schoolmaster. — Early Schools. — The Town 
Votes to Build School Houses. — Efforts to Establish Free Schools. — School Law 
Passed by Assembly. — Free Schools Established in Providence. — Regulations Con- 
cerning Them. — More School Houses Built. — The System Re-Organized. — Statistics 
up to 1840.— The High School Established.— The Public Schools of the Present- 
School Buildings. — Evening Schools. — Statistics Concerning the Schools. — Brown 
University. — Friends' Yearly Meeting School. — State Normal School. — Rhode Island 
School for the Deaf. — The School of Design. — The Berkeley School. — Private Clas- 
sical and Business Schools. — Providence Reform School. — St. Xavier's Academy. — 
Other Schools. 



THE educational interests of Providence are deserving of more 
than a passing notice. Its institutions of learning are among" 
the conspicuous ones of the city, and with Brown University 
among the great national colleges, the city may well be proud of her 
achievements in this direction. Let us notice the steps by which the 
enviable position of the present time has been reached from the re- 
stricted and limited conditions of the chaotic period of society. In 
the original polity of Rhode Island there was no provision for edu- 
cation. Like religion, it seems to have been considered not the con- 
cern of the state, but matter for individual conscience and parental 
duty. This view prevailed in the councils of the state, but the town 
in its corporate capacity acted on the question at a much earlier 
period. In May, 1603, the following order was passed by the pro- 
prietors: "It is agreed by this present assembly that one hundred 
acres of upland and six acres of meadow (or lowland to the quantity 
of eight acres, in lieu of meadow) shall be laid out within the bounds 
of this town of Providence; the which land shall be reserved for the 
maintenance of a school in this town; and that after the said land 
is laid out and the bounds thereof set, it shall be recorded in our 
town records according unto the bounds fixed, and shall be called by 
the name of the School Lands of Providence." 

This is the earliest grant now to be found in the records and the 
earliest reference to a school or any means of education. From a 
petition of John Whipple, Jr., presented to the town January 28th, 
1684, it appears that a whole purchase right of land had long before 
that time been set apart for the use and benefit of a school. The 
prayer of the petition was that lands should then be laid out under 



496 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

it. It does not appear what was done with this petition, nor is theie 
any mention on the records of the grant referred to in it. The first 
schoolmaster in Providence, of whom any memorial remains, was 
William Tnrpin. When he came is not known, but he was here on 
the 11th of June, 1684. on which date he executed an agreement 
with William Hawkins and Lydia, his wife, to furnish Peregrine 
Gardner with board and schooling for one year, for £6, and to re- 
ceive his pay in provisions at stipulated prices. The course of in- 
struction was to comprehend reading and writing. 

In January, 1685, Mr. Turpin petitioned the town that a certain 
grant of land which had years before been offered for the encourage- 
ment of a schoolmaster to settle among them should be laid out to 
him. No memorandum remains to show whether the petition a\ as 
granted or not, but Mr. Turpin continued to reside in the town for 
many years, holding the offices of representative to assembly in 1722 
and 1723, town clerk in 1727, and town treasuier frcm 1722 to 1736, 
and again from 1743 to 1744, in which year he died. In January, 
1696, John Dexter, William Hopkins and others petitioned the town 
for a piece of land on Dexter's lane or Stampers' hill, on which to 
erect a school house. The petition was granted, but we know noth- 
ing definitely as to the further progress of the enterprise. 

When the proprietors divided the land lying on the west side of 
North and South Main streets into warehouse lots they left a lot op- 
posite the west end of the court house parade for a school lot. The 
first reference to it is on the plat of the warehouse lots bearing date 
in 1747. How long it had then been set off cannot now be ascer- 
tained. Nor can it be learned at what date a school house was erec- 
ted upon it. The first notice of it that diligent search of the town 
records reveals is in 1752. In that year Nicholas Cooke, Joseph 
Olney, Esek Hopkins, Elisha Brown and John Mawney were appoin- 
ted "to have the care of the town school house, and to appoint a 
master to teach in said house." The school committee men the fol- 
lowing year were: Nicholas Cooke, John Mawney, Nicholas Brown, 
Elijah Tillinghast and Daniel Abbot. The next year the school 
house was leased by the town to Stephen Jackson, schoolmaster, 
from March 1st, for three months. No further reference is made to 
the matter until 1763, when the town clerk was directed to lease the 
house again. The schoolmaster probably received all his compensa- 
tion from his pupils. The town, as a corporation, simply furnished a 
room at a fixed rental. 

There were at least two other schools in town as early as 1763. 
Mr. George Taylor, in 1735, had the use of a chamber in the state 
house to keep a school in; and in 1751 Gideon Comstock, Alexander 
Frazier, Joseph Potter, Thomas Angell, James Field, Barzillai Rich- 
mond and Nehemiah Sprague had permission to build a school 
house on the west side of the river, " on vacant land a little above 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. , 497 

Joseph Snow, Jr.'s, dwelling house, the street being wide enough." 
They asserted that they had then subscribed enough to erect a house. 
After the court house was burned in 1758 the town people endeavored 
to possess themselves of the lot on which it had stood, in lieu of the 
one on Main street. Notwithstanding the court house lot had been 
originally granted only for the use of a "colony house," and the 
school house lot only for a school house, in February, 1765, these diffi- 
culties were overcome, and a committee of the town transferred the 
fee of the latter and received the fee of the former. 

In 1767 the town again took up the subject of education, with the 
apparent design of providing schools for all the children of the in- 
habitants. At a town meeting, December 8th, they resolved to pur- 
chase or build three school houses for small children and one for 
youth, to provide instructors, and pay the expense from the treasury, 
and these schools were to be under the supervision of a school com- 
mittee. Committees were appointed — John Brown, John Jenckes, 
Nathaniel Greene, Charles Keeneand Samuel Thur.ber on locations 
for the houses and contracts for their erection; and Darius Sessions, 
Samuel Nightingale, Jabez Bowen and Moses Brown on regulations 
for building, supporting and governing the schools. The plan so 
generously laid was defeated, however, by vote of the people in town 
meeting, in January, 1768. Some extracts frcm the plan reported by 
the committee, and thus rejected by the vote, largely, it is said, of 
the poorer class of inhabitants, are of peculiar interest, and we quote 
them: 

" It is hereby enacted that four school houses be erected or pur- 
chased within the compact part of this town as scon as may be. That 
one be purchased, or a new one built, on the west side of the great 
bridge, at or near the place where the school house at present stands; 
that one be erected at the southerly part of the town, in the back 
street, near Power's Lane; that one other be built at the northerly 
part of the town, in the back street, near Richard Brown's lot; and 
that one larger one be erected on the lot where the old court house 
formerly stood. The three small ones not to cost more than three 
hundred pounds, lawful money; to be built of wood, and pretty near 
the form and dimensions of that one over the great bridge already 
built." 

" That the school house already built on the west side of the great 
bridge shall remain under the direction of the present proprietors 
till such time as all the other houses shall be finished and fit for the 
reception of scholars; that then all the four houses shall be furnished 
with masters at the expense of the town." 

" That every inhabitant of this town, whether they be free of the 

town or not, shall have and enjoy an equal right and privilege of 

sending their own children and the children of others that may be 

under their care for instruction and bringing up to any or all cf the 

32 



498 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

said schools. And that each and every scholar, before they be ad- 
mitted into any of the small schools, shall have learnt their letters and 
acquired some acquaintance with spelling. And before they be per- 
mitted to enter the larger school, they must have gained consider- 
able knowledge in reading and writing, and that all those who may 
be thus qualified shall and may be admitted to all the advantages of 
education that may be taught in either of the respective schools." 

" That not exceeding two hours in each day shall be taken up in 
the large school in perfecting the scholars in reading, accenting, 
pronouncing and properly understanding the English tongue. That 
the remaining school hours shall be employed in teaching the chil- 
dren and youth in writing, arithmetic, the various branches of mathe- 
matics, and the learned languages." 

" That the masters in each school, during the common school 
hours, shall be obliged to give a constant attention to the duties of 
their offices, and not engage in any employ that might impede the 
due instruction of the youth under their care, and also that they 
keep up in their several departments a strict, but not passionate and 
severe discipline." 

The plan of what may be termed a liberal provision, for the time, 
being thus rejected, the town resolved to build one brick school 
house, 30x40 feet and two stories high, to be located near the court 
house. The plan for raising funds for this building was that the pro- 
ceeds of the school house lot sold in 1765 should be increased by 
£100, to be raised by tax, and £182, 17s. should be raised by volun- 
tary subscription. The sum to be raised by subscription was prob- 
ably equal to the sum provided by tax and the proceeds of the old 
school house lot. In the house so built the town agreed to support 
a free school, to be under the direction of a committee of nine, of 
which the members of the town council were to be ex-officio a part. 
This plan failed because of a lack of subscriptions, and on the first 
day of February a town meeting voted to apply the money from the 
old school house lot to the erection of a school house, and increase it 
as far as it could be by subscriptions. The subscription was filled by 
the middle of July, and John Smith was appointed to build the house. 
This building was erected and stood for many years. The town had 
the ownership of the lower story, while the proprietors held the 
upper story. Subsequent to this the town frequently appointed 
masters to keep school in their part of the house, and passed rules 
and regulations for the good government of both the schools kept in 
it. A school committee was also frequently appointed, which visited 
these schools occasionally, as well as the other private schools kept 
in the town. 

School matters were managed in this weak, half-hearted and gen- 
erally unsatisfactory manner for several years. " Whipple Hall," a 
wooden school house, which had been erected near the north end of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 499 

/ 

Benefit street, together with the " brick school house," was in 1785 
placed in charge of the town at a rental fee, and the town undertook 
to maintain schools in them. All monies which should be received 
of the state, or of the United States, for damage done to the " brick 
school house " during the revolutionary war; all rents that should be 
received for market house cellar, chambers and stalls, and all wharf- 
age to be received on the market house lot, were .^et apait asa fund 
for the support of public schools. The funds thus obtained were 
scarcely more than sufficient to keep the houses in repair, so that the 
public school was not yet realized. 

In 1791 some of the citizens petitioned the town to establish 
free schools, and the petition was referred to the school committee. 
The presence of the Rhode Island College in the community, and 
the influence of its active and earnest President Manning, were 
factors which kept the question of free public schools in a state of 
unrest despite the strong conservative element in the community 
which would not allow the progressive plans which were from time 
to time resolved upon, to go into actual effect. The school committee 
reported noble plans for building a number of school houses and 
supporting schools in them, but they were left to slumber indefi- 
nitely. In September, 1792, the town again resolved to establish free 
schools, and directed the town council to carry into effect the report 
of the committee of the previous year. But again conservatism 
blocked the wheels of progress, and nothing was done. There were 
at that time 1,265 male white children under 16 years of age in the 
town. For several years after the date last mentioned frequent 
directions were given for the repair of the " brick school house " by 
the town, and for the drawing up of regulations for the schools, but 
nothing more appears to have been done about free schools. In Sep- 
tember, 1795, the town again resolved to establish "schools for the 
free education of the children of the inhabitants of the town, and 
that the expense of supporting the same be defrayed out of the town 
treasury." Nothing, however, was accomplished of practical value. 

In October, 1798, the Providence Association of Mechanics and 
Manufacturers appointed a committee to " enquire into the most 
desirable method for the establishment of Free Schools." The 
committee recommended application to the general assembly. A 
petition was accordingly prepared, asking the general assembly to 
make legal provision for the establishment of free schools in the 
several towns of the state. This petition was signed by John How- 
land, Joel Metcalf, William Richmond, Peter Grinnell, Richard An- 
thony, Grindall Reynolds, Samuel Thurber, Jr., and Nathan Fisher, 
who composed the committee. The memorial was presented by the 
representative from Providence at the February session in 1799, and 
the subject was referred to a committee who reported b^ presenting 
a bill at the June session. The bill was printed and referred to the 



500 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

freemen for instruction. In October following it was passed by the 
house, and in February, 1800, it was concurred in by the senate, and 
thus became a law. It met with great opposition in the assembly 
and among the people, and in February, 1803, it was repealed. But 
the repeal came too late to deprive Providence of the benefit of free 
public schools. The " dead center " of opposition had been over- 
come, the wheel of progress had been fairly started, and it was not to 
be easily reversed. 

Soon after the passage of the act in 1800 the freemen of Provi- 
dence recommended the town council to provide school houses and 
regulations for the free schools of the town. They voted a tax of 
$6,000 and other monies, proceeding from the sale of certain lands 
called the "Walker lots," and from the "Great Bridge Lottery, - ' to 
be appropriated to school purposes. " Whipple Hall." which stood 
on the site later occupied by Benefit street grammar school, was 
bought by the freemen and some $500 expended on it for repairs* 
The " brick school house " was also bought and fitted up more per- 
fectly. A new house was built in Transit street, and another new 
house was built on the west side of the river, on a high hill near 
the present corner of Friendship and Claverick streets. On the 26th 
of August the freemen appointed a school committee, who were an 
advisory body only, to act in association with the town council in 
matters pertaining to the schools. This committee was composed of 
the following persons: Jonathan Maxey. Enos Hitchcock, Stephen 
Gano, William Jones, James Burrill, John Howland, Jabez Bowen, 
David L. Barnes, Amos M. Atwell and John Carlisle. Rules and 
regulations for the government of the schools were adopted, a copy 
of the rules and regulations of the schools of Boston having been 
procured, and many hints being obtained from that. From the regu- 
lations thus adopted we copy the following: 

" The good morals of the youth being a matter of the highest 
consequence, both to their own comfort, and to their progress in use- 
ful knowledge, they are strictly enjoined to avoid idleness and pro- 
faneness, falsehood and deceitfulness, and every other wicked and 
disgraceful practice; and to conduct themselves in a sober, orderly 
and decent manner, both in and out of school. 

' The principal part of the instruction will consist in teaching- 
spelling, accenting and reading both prose and verse, with propriety 
and accuracy, and a general knowledge of English grammar and com- 
position; also, writing a good hand, according to the most approved 
rules, and vulgar and decimal fractions, including tare and tret, fel- 
lowship, exchange, interest, &c. 

'The books to be used in carrying on the above instruction are 
Alden's Spelling Book, 1st and 2d parts, the Young Ladies' Accidence,, 
by Caleb Bingham, the American Preceptor, Morse's Geography 
abridged, the Holy Bible in select portions, and such other books as 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 501 

shall hereafter be adopted and appointed by the committee. The 
book for teaching arithmetic shall be agreed on by the Masters." 

All the preliminary arrangements having been made, the four 
schools were opened on the last Monday in October, 1800. The most 
encouraging circumstances attended the opening of the schools. The 
number of scholars was greater than had been anticipated. The 
schools were all well filled with pupils, and that in the fourth 
district, which included the west part of the town, was soon so full 
that it became necessary to set off a part of it to the second district, 
in Meeting street. Still the school in the fourth district continued 
so large that the second story of the school house was finished for 
school purposes, the vestry of the Beneficent Congregational church 
meanwhile being temporarily hired to accommodate part of the 
school. By the 23d of December following the opening of the schools 
there were in attendance 180 pupils in the first district, 230 in the 
second, 240 in the third, and 338 in the fourth, making a total of 988 
pupils, out of a population of 7,615. These schools were under the 
charge of four masters, each of whom received a salary of $500 per 
annum. Four " ushers " or assistants were also appointed at a salary 
of $200 each. An auxiliary school was also soon established in the 
fourth district, and a teacher appointed for it, at a salary of $400. 
Thus the annual amount paid for tuition alone was $3,200. This ar- 
rangement continued till 1812. The number of scholars attending 
the public schools during these twelve years rarely, if ever, exceeded 
800. From 1812 to 1818 there were five schools, each having a mas- 
ter and an usher, with salaries the same as before. In the latter 
year the town council increased the salaries of the ushers to $250 
each. 

In 1819 a stone school house, standing near the Summer street 
grammar school building of a later date, w r as built one story high, a 
second story being afterward added. In October, 1819, the west part 
of the town was divided into two districts, the fourth retaining the 
old school house and the fifth occupying a new house in Pond street. 
This arrangement did not increase the number of schools, as that in 
the second story of the fourth was now removed to the fifth. From 
that time to 1824 the schools and teachers remained the same in num- 
ber. In 1 824 an additional teacher was employed, at a salary of $300, 
to take charge of a part of the school in the first district, in a separate 
room. Thus the schools remained until 1828. 

In 1828, an "Act to establish Free Schools " throughout the state 
was passed at the January session of the general assembly. A vigor- 
ous attempt was then made to reorganize the school system of this 
town. A sub-committee was appointed, consisting of Francis Way- 
land, Jr., William T. Grinnell and Thomas T. Waterman, who were 
to take the whole subject under consideration and recommend 
such alteration and improvements as they might deem necessary. A 



502 m HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

very able and exhaustive report was made by them on the 22d of 
April. This prepared the way for several important changes. A 
town meeting, to act under the new school law. was held June 2d, 
1S28. The school committee was now increased in number to 21 
members. One of the first acts of this committee was to establish 
primary schools in all the districts — the first effort in the direction of 
graded schools. The primary schools took pupils from four to seven 
or eight years of age. The primary schools were provided with fe- 
male teachers, whose annual salary was $175 each, and they had each 
from 00 to 80 pupils. It soon became necessary to employ an assist- 
ant in each school, and their salary was $100 each. Previous to 1828 
no special provision had been made for colored pupils. A few had 
attended the public schools. In that year a school was established 
for them, with one male teacher, on a salary of $400 a year. 

In 1835 the salaries of masters were raised to $600; of ushers to 
$300; of primary teachers to $200; of their assistants to $125; and of 
the master of the colored school to $450. Female assistants in the 
grammar schools were first employed in 1830. As vacancies occurred 
among the ushers they were filled by the substitution of lady assist- 
ants, two in number, at a salary of $175 each. The resignation of all 
the ushers had in a year or two given room for the employment of 
lady assistants in all the grammar schools. In August, 1835. the 
question of establishing a high school for the benefit of the advanced 
pupils of the city was urged by the school committee, but the city 
council, after discussing the question, pronounced it " not expedient 
at this time." 

Early in 1837 the Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers 
memorialized the city council, representing the condition of the 
schools as ineffective, and setting forth by facts and figures cited, 
and logical arguments, the need of a re-organization of the system. 
A committee was appointed to report on plans, but their report was 
not approved. Another plan was presented, but this was also rejec- 
ted. The people had now become aroused to the needs of the time, 
and in the election of council members and aldermen in 1837 special 
reference was had to this question. The result was the election of a 
city council, a large majority of whom were in favor of an entire re- 
organization of the public school system of the city. A sub-commit- 
tee was appointed in August, who visited the schools in Boston, 
vSalem, Lowell and New Bedford, and, after gathering what useful 
hints they could from them, reported a plan for re-organizing the 
system, which plan was under discussion, in the face of much oppo- 
sition, for several months. The plan was at length reduced to an 
ordinance, and after some amendments and alterations, was passed 
by the city council April 9th, 1838. This act provided for the estab- 
lishment of a high school, six grammar schools, ten primary schools 
and two schools for colored pupils. All instruction given in them 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 503 

should be free to the children of the city. The high school was to 
be under the care of a preceptor and one or more assistants; each 
grammar school was to be under the care of a master and at least 
two female assistants, or one male assistant, at the discreticn cf the 
school committee; each primary school under the care of a principal 
and one assistant; and each colored school under a principal and an 
assistant, whenever, in the opinion of the school committee, the as- 
sistant was needed. 

Contracts for the erection of all the school houses contemplated 
in the ordinance were soon made. The office of superintendent of 
public schools was meanwhile created, and Mr. Nathan Bishop was 
appointed to that office, and he entered upon fhe discharge of his 
duties August 1st, 1839. Early in the year 1840 thirteen of the new 
school rooms were completed. At the commencement of the summer 
term in that year all these rooms, containing accommodations for 
about 2,000 children, were opened for the reception of pupils. Al- 
though several of the new school houses contemplated in the ordi- 
nance had not been completed, yet the new school system dates the 
commencement of its operation from the first clay of June, 1840. At 
that time a large number of additional teachers were appointed, and 
the new scale of salaries was for the first time allowed. 

The average number of children attending the schools from 1819 
to this time (1840) each year was as follows: 1819, 830; 1820. 840; 1821, 
796; 1822, 845; 1823, 812; 1824, 852; 1825, 800; 1826. 744; 1827, 886; 
1828,1,000; 1829,1,260; 1830,1,205; 1831,1,127; 1832,941; 1833,1,129; 
1834, 1,222; 1835, 1,266; 1837, 1,536; 1838. 1,717; 1839, 1,740. 

Thus it will be seen the number of scholars in all the public 
schools of the city had never exceeded 1,740. The first day on which 
the new system went into operation, in 1840, more than a thousand 
pupils entered the public schools who had never been to one before. 
The number of scholars increased every month, as the prejudice 
which had long existed against public schools was gradually re- 
moved. All the rooms were soon crowded to excess. The city 
council was soon called upon to establish additional primary schools 
and to erect houses for their accommodation. Within two years the 
number of scholars in the public schools was more than double that 
in attendance under the old system. The grammar schools were so 
full that many pupils who were prepared to enter upon the course of 
studies therein pursued could not be admitted. To provide for this 
class a new grade, the intermediate, was introduced into the system. 
This took in the lowest classes of the grammar schools and the high- 
est classes of the primary schools. Before the close of the year 1842 
all the new school houses required by the public school ordinance 
were completed, except the building for the high school. The ex- 
pense of erecting these school buildings was so much more than was 
expected that a strong opposition was raised against building the 



504 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

high school, and the question was submitted to a vote of the city. 
The result was a large majority in favor of its erection. The build- 
ing was now begun, but before its completion efforts were again 
made to prevent its being used for a high school. A city hall was 
wanted, and a petition to the city council, praying them to repeal the 
portion of the school ordinance that related to the high school, and 
appropriate the new building to the uses of a city hall, was industri- 
ously circulated, but without avail. The building was completed, 
and its dedication took place on the 20th of March, 1843. The house 
was built by Tallman & Bucklin, of this city, architects, at a cost of 
about $8,000. Its site, on an elevated lot at the head of President 
street, was purchased of Sally Thompson in 1839 for $5,500. The 
whole cost of building, site, grading, curbing and other incidentals 
was $21,484.79. The superintendent of schools became at the com- 
mencement the principal of the high school, with four assistant 
teachers. The four assistants with which the school began were: 
Henry Day, Albert Harkness, Esther J. Coburn and Mary Williams. 

The annual cost of instruction per pupil in the high school in 
1843-4 was about $14. From that it rose gradually, until in 1870 it 
was $26. In 1878 it was $37. 

The high school began to be crowded as early as 1869. Addi- 
tional rooms were opened and filled up. A new high school building, 
after being under discussion for several years, was actually begun in 
March, 1877, and completed during that and the following year. 

The public schools of Providence have long been the pride of the 
citizens, and the high standard which they have maintained has 
given them a well merited reputation. The city has been liberal in 
their support, and the benefits of the schools to the community have 
well repaid the expenditures for their establishment and mainten- 
ance. The largely increased attendance, due considerably within a 
year or two to the effects of the truant law, has been provided for in 
a great measure by the erection of new school buildings, and the ap- 
propriations therefor have been liberally made. The number of 
boys of school age at the enumeration of 1888 was 11,444; the number 
of girls 11,010; making a total number of children between the ages 
of five and sixteen years of 23,054 residing in the city. Of these 
there were 14,634 attending the public schools, 3,299 attending Ro- 
man Catholic schools, and 688 attending select schools. Thus 18,621 
were reported as attending school somewhere. There are now em- 
ployed in the schools of the city 23 male teachers and 337 female 
teachers. The number of months of service by male teachers per- 
formed during the year was 209, and that of service by female teach- 
ers aggregated 3,480. The aggregate annual salaries of male teach- 
ers was $33,800; that of female teachers $186,118.37; making the total 
amount paid for teachers' salaries $219,918.37. The cost per capita 
of pupils enrolled was $12.15. There are at present in the city 57 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 505 

•school buildings, the aggregate valuation of which, with their sites 
and appurtenances, amounts to $1,041,249. The state appropriations 
to the city for school purposes for the year was $28,529.6!». The city 
appropriations additional amount to $228,000. The office of superin- 
tendent of the city schools, since its creation, has been occupied by 
the following persons: Nathan Bishop, August, 1839, to 1851; Samuel 
S. Greene, 1851 to 1855; Reverend Daniel Leach, February 15th, 1855,' 
to 1884; Horace S. Tarbell, September 1st, 1884, to the present time. 

The public school buildings of the city at the present time may be 
•described as follows: The Thayer Street grammar school house was 
built of brick, in 1866-7, is three stories high, with French roof. The 
lot was purchased of Allen O. Peck, in 1866, and John L. Calder, in 
1869, and cost $11,920. The cost of the building was $96,290.83. The 
Arnold Street school house was built of brick, in 1839-40, is three 
:stories high, and accommodates 550 pupils. The lot measures 183 
feet on Arnold street and 96 feet on Brook street, and was purchased 
•of Samuel Dexter and others in 1839. East Street school house was 
l^uilt in 1841. is a frame building, and is three stories high. It is used 
for intermediate and primary schools. The plat measures 98 feet on 
East street and 100 feet on Transit street, and was purchased of Wil- 
liams Thayer in 1840, and of Harriot Brown in 1848. The Manning- 
Street school house was built of wood, one story, for intermediate and 
primary schools. It was erected in 1875-6, at a cost for land and 
building of $13,417. The lots were bought of Edwin M. Snow in 
1875. All the foregoing are in the First school district. 

The Second school district contains the following buildings: 
Doyle Avenue grammar school house, built of brick, three stories 
high, will accommodate 490 pupils. It was erected in 1875-6 on land 
leased of the Dexter Donation, and cost, finished and ready for occu- 
pancy, $52,793.63. A play ground and entrance from Bacon street 
was purchased in 1873, of Amos N. Beckwith, Paris Winsor and Wil- 
liam Schroeder. The Benefit Street school house was built in 1839- 
40, of brick, is three stories high, and accommodates 550 pupils. It 
stands on a corner lot, measuring 145 feet on. Benefit street and 175 
feet on Halsey street. The estate was conveyed by Joseph Whipple 
to the proprietors of a new school house in January, 1768, for the use 
-of a school, and for no other use forever. These proprietors con- 
veyed it to the town in August, 1799. Other lots were purchased — 
one of Ann P. Townsend, widow, in 1825; one of Thomas L. Halsey 
and others in January, 1840, and one of Ann E. Pratt and Samuel W. 
Peckham. guardian, in November, 1851. The Camp Street school 
house, a frame building, two stories high, was built in 1884-5, for in- 
termediate and primary schools. It is located on the west side of 
Camp street, on the corner of Cypress street. The lot is known as 
the Sessions land, and the cost of the building, furnished, was $13,- 
107.95. The Graham Street school house is built of brick, two stories 



506 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

high, and is used for intermediate and primary schools. It occupies 
two lots; one of them was purchased frcm Horace A. Brown in Oc- 
tober, the other from John A. Taft in November, 1854. The Meeting; 
Street school house, a two story brick building, stands on a lot hav- 
ing 52 feet front on the street named, and extending back 127 feet to 
South Court street, on which it measures 64 feet. The estate was con- 
veyed to the town in 1776 by Ambrose Page, for the erection of a 
school house, and for no other purpose. The school house was soon 
after erected upon it. The Thayer Street school house, on the corner 
of Thayer and Meeting streets, a frame building, two stoiies high r 
was erected in 186(5, for intermediate and grammar schools. The es- 
tate was purchased of James Tillinghast, tiustee, in 1867. The cost 
of building and land was $10,500. A lot on Slater avenue was bought 
of Henry L. Aldrich, December 26th, 1887, for school purposes, and 
cost $2,500. It is located on the easterly side of and having a frontage 
of 100 feet on the avenue, between Lloyd and Irving avenues, and 
extending back 250 feet. 

In the Third school district we find the following buildings and 
grounds: State Street school house, a wooden building, three stories 
high, is used for intermediate and primary schools. The lot extends 
from State street back to the railroad. A portion of it was purchased 
of Martha Howell, in 1843, and the remainder of Edward P. Knowles. 
in 1858. The Walling Street school house, a two story wooden build- 
ing, for intermediate and primary schools, stands on a lot 72 by 100 
feet, which was purchased of Daniel E. Carpenter, in 1857. The 
estimated value of the property is now about $5,000. The Candace 
Street grammar school house, was built in 1876, of brick, two stories, 
with French roof, and cost, furnished, $41,000. The land was pur- 
chased of Candace C. Carrington and Anne A. Ives, in 1875. It 
measures 146 feet on Goddard, 145 feet on Orms, and 176 feet on 
Candace street. Branch Avenue grammar school house, a w r ooden 
building, two stories high, was received from the town of North 
Providence in the annexation of the Tenth ward in 1874. The lot 
fronts on Branch avenue and Luna street, and adjoins the " town 
house lot," so called. Chalkstone avenue school house, a two story. 
wooden building, for intermediate and primary schools, was also re- 
ceived from the town of North Providence in 1874. The lot measures 
108 feet on the avenue, and runs back about 150 feet to Wayne street. 
The lot and building are worth about $15,000. A lot on Yeazie 
street, measuring 111 feet front and extending back 164 feet on the 
south side, and 212 feet on the north side, was bought of the Wans- 
kuck company June 14th, 1887, for school purposes, and cost $1,500. 
A wooden school house, containing six rooms, is now 7 in process of 
erection upon it. 

The school buildings in the Fourth district are as follows: The 
Fountain Street school house, a two-story brick building, was erected 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 507 

in 1839-40. It is occupied in part for ward room purposes, and by 
the state for a deaf and dumb school. The lot measures 113 feet on 
Sabin street, 165 on Fountain, and 101 on Beverly. It was purchased 
in different lots, at different times and of different persons, as fol- 
lows: four lots from Pardon Taber, Ethan Tourtellot and Thomas 
Brown, in October, 1838; two lots from Martha Mauran, John Eddy 
and others, in 1853, and a part of a private street from Marshall B. 
Mead and others, in October, 1854. The present value of the prop- 
erty is probably about $70,000. On the north part of the same lot 
stands the two-story wooden building, known as the Sabin Street 
school house, which is occupied by intermediate and primary schcols. 
Two lots on Atwell's avenue, measuring 90 feet on that street and 
164 feet on Bourn street, were bought for school purposes in 1870, 
of Joseph Knowles and the heirs of Bradford Allen. Their present 
value is about $16,000. Beacon Street school house is a wooden 
building, two stories high, used for intermediate and primary 
schools. The lot measures 58 by 100 feet, and was purchased of 
George W. and Charles J. Wheeler, in November, 1843. The 
property is at present worth about $12,000. 

The school buildings in the Fifth school district are as follows: 
The Point Street grammar school house was built in 1873-4, of Dan- 
vers pressed brick, and is two stories high, with a French roof. The 
lot was bought in 1871-2, of H. C. Mathewson and others, at a cost of 
$67,131.71 . The cost of the building was $133,608.48. This is one of 
the finest school buildings in the city. It is 131 feet by 86 feet on 
the ground and 63 feet high. The rear end is increased in width to- 
109 feet by extensions and towers at the corners. In the center of 
the rear is the bell tower which is surmounted by a spire, the top of 
which is 110 feet from the ground. The foundation of the building 
is of Westerly granite. The lower floor is supported by brick arches,, 
the floors above by iron pillars, and the roof by 18 substantial 
trusses. The face walls are ornamented by galvanized iron cornices, 
jets, dormer windows, balustrades, etc. A large corridor from the 
main entrance extends into the building 86 feet, where it joins 
another which runs crosswise of the building; and connecting; with 
side entrances in the corner towers. The first and second floors- 
contain six rooms each. Broad staircases in the front and rear lead 
to the rooms above. The school rooms are 31 by 33 feet, with am- 
ple wardrobes for each room. Each room is furnished with 49 sin- 
gle desks and seats. The building is supplied with all the modern 
improvements, heated by steam, all the rooms connected by electric 
bells with the principal's desk, play rooms in the basement and two 
assembly halls in the third story, one 78 by 82 feet, and the other 78 
by 40 feet, both of which can be thrown together by opening- 
partition doors. The architect of the building was Clifton A. Hall, 
and the building commissioners Cyrus B. Manchester, Joseph F. 



508 HISTORY of PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Gilmore and Spencer B. Read. The Elm Street intermediate and 
primary school house was built of brick, in 1839-40. The lot meas- 
ures 122 feet on Elm, and 50 feet on Elbow street, its depth being 
230 feet. It was purchased of Pardon Clark and Horatio Bassett, in 
1838. The present value of the lot and building is probably about 
$32,000. The Richmond Street school house, a three-story brick 
building, for intermediate and primary schools, occupies a lot near 
Ship street, having a front of 104 feet and an average depth of 100 
feet. The land was purchased of Stephen Waterman, in 1825. 
Building and lot are now valued at about $25,000. The' Hospital 
Street school house is a brick building, of three stories, occupied 
by intermediate and primary schools. It stands on a corner lot, 
measuring 90 feet on Hospital, and 51 feet on Borden street. The 
lot was purchased of Ferdinand Barber, in 1846. The Somerset 
Street school house, for intermediate and primary schools, is a 
wooden building, erected in 1880, at a cost, when furnished, of 
$14,007.04. The lot was bought of Henry G. Russell and wife, in 
1885. Friendship Street school house is a brick building, two stories 
high, for intermediate and primary schools. It occupies a corner 
lot fronting SO feet on Friendship and 190 feet on Portland street, 
and extending back to West Clifford street. The lot was purchased 
of Cyrus Butler and William H. Hoyt, in 1847. 

We come now to notice the school buildings of the Sixth school 
district. The Oxford Street grammar school building is the finest 
one in the district. It is three stories high and built of brick. It 
was completed in 1877 and cost, when finished and furnished, $48,158. 
The plat on which it stands fronts 135 feet on Oxford street, and has 
a depth of 170 feet. Four lots were received from the town of Crans- 
ton in 1867, and two others were purchased of Ebenezer Hirons, in 
1875, and of Smith Potter and wife, in 1876. The Public Street school 
house, a wooden building, two stories, for intermediate and primary 
schools, occupies a plat 80 feet wide on public street, and 200 feet 
deep. The land was purchased of Elkanah Ingalls, by the Fourth 
school district of the town of Cranston, in 1854, and came into pos- 
session of the city of Providence with the annexation of part of that 
town to the city. The estate may be valued at about $12,000. The 
Eddy Street school house, a two-story frame structure, is used for 
intermediate and primary schools. The plot has a frontage of 104 
feet, and was purchased of Sylvester R. Jackson by the Fourth school 
district of the town of Cranston, in 1865. The Thurber Avenue school 
house was built in 1872-3. It is of brick, two stories, and is occupied 
by intermediate and primary schools. The lot measures 343 feet on 
Plane street and 100 feet on Thurber avenue. A part of this land 
was received from the town of Cranston in 1867, and parts were pur- 
chased of Thomas Davis in 1871, 1872 and 1873. The property is 
worth about $36,000. Chester Avenue school house for intermediate 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 509' 

and primary schools, was built of wood, in 1880-1, at a cost of 
$9,343.26, including- cost of outbuildings and improvements on the 
lot. The land was bought of Susan P. Dart, in 1880. Aldrich Street 
primary school house, a wooden building, was erected in 1870, and 
when completed and furnished had cost $4,814.78. The lots on which 
it stands were purchased of Francis M. Andrews in 1875, and are val- 
ued at about equal with the building. The Harriet Street school 
house, for intermediate and primary schools, was built in 1884-5. It 
is a wooden building, and its cost, including improvements on the lot 
and furniture inside the building, $12,299.09. The lot was bought of 
James P. Arnold, in 1884, its cost being $3,840. It contains an area 
of 12,800 square feet. Plane Street school house, for intermediate 
and primary schools, a frame building, was erected in 1884 5. With 
the appurtenances its cost was $12,400. The lot on which it stands 
was purchased of Hiram K. Stevens, in 1884, at a cost of $4,000. The 
lot is the same size as the Harriet street lot. A lot on Peace and 
Plenty streets was bought of D. F. Longstreet, May 7th, 1887, for 
$8,000. This lot measures 120 feet on Peace street, and extends 
through to Plenty street, a depth of 198 feet. A grammar school 
building is now in process of construction upon it. This is building 
of brick, and will contain 12 rooms. 

In the Seventh school district we find six school buildings, some 
of which are worthy a more extended notice than our limited space 
will allow. The Warren.Street school house is a two-story wooden 
building, for intermediate and primary schools. It stands on a lot 
fronting 95 feet on Fuller and 100 on Warren street. The lot was 
bought of Charles Blackmar in 1866 and Holden O. Hill in 1868- 
The property is estimated to be worth $20,000. The Jackson Avenue 
school house, for intermediate and primary schools, is a brick build- 
ing, two stories high. It has two school rooms 27 by 36 feet in each 
story, and each room having seats for 80 scholars. Ample recitation 
rooms are connected with each room. The building is heated by 
furnaces and provided with approved means of ventilation. The cost 
of the building was $17,405.64, to which was added an expense of 
$2,814.42 for furniture, heating, fencing, apparatus and the like. It 
was built in 1874, on land bought of Melinda J. Sheldon in 1873. 
Bellevue Avenue school house, for intermediate and primary schools, 
is a two-story wooden building, and was erected in 1886 at a cost of 
$12,868.98, including furniture, etc. The land on which it stands was 
bought in 1885 of W. M. and E. S. Greene and Jackson Institution 
for Savings. Elmwood grammar school house was built in 1882-3. 
It is a handsome building, the foundation being of granite and trim- 
mings of freestone, while the main walls are of brick. It is two- 
stories high, with a hall, and will accommodate 450 pupils. The cost 
of building, furniture, heating apparatus, grading, out-buildings and 
the like was $51,128.63. The lot was purchased of the Union Sav- 



510 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ings Bank, Harriet N. Guile and Stephen Colvin in 1881, for $8,444, 
and contains 27,600 square feet. Greenwich Street school house is a 
frame structure, two stories high, and is used for intermediate and 
primary schools. The lot occupies the corner of Greenwich street 
and Potter's avenue, and contains 30,626 square feet. It was received 
from the town of Cranston in I860. The lot and building are esti- 
mated to be worth about $25,000. Potter's Avenue school house, a 
two-story brick building, was erected in 1869 at a cost of $12,000. 
The lot measures 200 feet on the avenue by 160 feet on Brattle 
street, and extends back to Jessamine street. It was deeded to the 
Tenth school district of the town of Cranston by Thomas Goodacre 
in 1865. 

In the Eighth school district the most conspicuous and important 
building- in the system of public schools of the city is located. This 
is the high school building on Summer street. This stands upon a 
lot which measures 197 feet on Pond street and 209 feet on Summer 
street. The land was purchased in different parcels, of different per- 
sons at different times; of Henry Mathewson in 1828, of J. K. and 
Amy Angell in 1839, of Elisha Durfee in 1848, of S. B. Briggs in 
1867, of S. B. Briggs, Harriet Cornell, Jabez Harris and E. H. Bab- 
cock in 1874, of Jesse P. Eddy in 1875, and of Alexander P. Niger in 
1877. Part of the lot had been occupied by the old Summer Street 
school house before the erection of this building. The original price 
paid for that part of the lot was $2,000, and the cost of land bought 
for its enlargement was $56,974.63. The building was erected in 
1877-8 at a cost of $159,938.22, including the appurtenances. The 
building is 152 by 129 feet, and three stories in height, the stories be- 
ing 15 feet each. The building fronts on three streets, having 
entrances for girls from Summer street, for boys from Spring street, 
and for teachers and visitors from Pond street. The foundations are 
of granite and the walls are of brick, with trimmings of Ohio stone. 
The first floor is traversed by corridors crossing each other at right 
angles, and there are four school rooms, each one 34 by 42 feet, and 
furnished with seventy single desks. Ample recitation rooms and 
wardrobes are connected with each school room. On either side of 
the corridor opening from Pond street is a reception room, where 
visitors may wait while a call is being answered for an interview 
with any person in the building. There is a philosophical lecture 
room on the main floor and a chemical laboratory in the basement. 
The second floor has school rooms the same as the first floor, and 
one additional over the philosophical lecture room. Staircases are 
located at each end of the building. The third floor contains the 
general assembly hall, which is 64 by 108 feet in floor area, and is 
calculated to seat 1,400 persons. On the south side of this floor are 
three additional school rooms. The building has accommodations 
for 900 pupils. The school committee, in their latest report, say con- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTS'. 511 

cerning it: "The time is near at hand when our high school building- 
will no longer accommodate the pupils seeking admission to it. The 
increase in the attendance at the high school since the present build- 
ing was first occupied has kept pace with the increase in school popu- 
lation. The school has deservedly grown in favor with all classes. 
It has been the principal source from which the teachers for our pub- 
lic schools have been drawn, and has thus rendered to the public a 
valuable, we might almost say an adequate, return for the expense 
of its maintenance. It is the avenue by which the aspiring young 
in the humbler walks of life find it possible to reach the higher 
ranks. Sixty-three per centum of those who have entered the gradu- 
ating classes of the grammar schools during the last five years have 
entered the high school." 

Also in the Eighth school district we find the following schools. 
The Summer Street school house is at the corner of Summer and 
Pond streets. It accommodates intermediate and primary schools. 
It is a brick structure, built in 1875, at a cost, when finished and fur- 
nished, of $30,000. The lot measures 100 by 120 feet, and was pur- 
chased of Rosina Angell and George R. A.Olneyin 1819. Bridgham 
grammar school house is a handsome brick building, three stories 
high, containing twelve rooms and a hall. It stands on Bridgham 
street, on a lot having 150 feet front and extending back 175 feet to 
Dodge street. The lot was purchased of John N. Fraiicis, Amos Lee 
and Henry Gilbert in 1856, and with the building upon it is valued 
at about $90,000. The Hammond Street school house is a brick build- 
ing, three stories high, for intermediate and primary schools. The 
lot, 100 by 150 feet, is leased of the commissioners of the Dexter 
Donation. The building is estimated to be worth about $6,000. The 
Messer Street school house, for intermediate and primary schools, is 
a brick building, erected in 1874-5. It is two stories high, and occu- 
pies a lot fronting 153 feet on Messer street and 115 feet on Willow 
street, the lot being bought of Rufus Waterman, trustee, in 1868. 
The cost of the building, finished and furnished, was $35,000. The 
main body of the house is 63 by 70 feet, with a projection 40 by 
12 feet at each end. It has granite foundations, and trimmings of 
alternate granite and North River flagging. It has desk room for 
392 pupils. It is heated by furnaces in the basement, and is sup- 
plied with improved means of ventilation. 

In the Ninth school district the Federal Street grammar school 
house is the largest and most important school building. It was 
erected in 1869-70 on land purchased of Stephen Rawson in vSeptem- 
ber, 1841, and of Barney Devlin, John P. Hazard, and Mary A. Kain, 
in June. 1868. It is situated on a high point of land, and has prob- 
ably the best point of view of the city to be obtained anywhere. The 
house measures 77-| feet on Federal street by 97 feet on Dean street, 
is four stories high, and is built in the Romanesque style, of Danvers 



512 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

pressed brick, laid in white mortar, double walls, eight inches thick, 
with an air chamber between to equalize the temperature. The foun- 
dation is of red Oneco granite, overlaid with a water table of Con- 
necticut freestone. From the ground to the highest point of the roof 
the measure is 88 feet, and to the top of the bell tower 104 feet. The 
basement is divided into four large rooms, each containing- a Lawson 
furnace. On the first three floors there are twelve school rooms, 
each 31 by 38 feet in size, and furnished with desks for 56 pupils, 
making an aggregate seating capacity amounting to 672 in the whole 
building. The fourth story is a hall, 73 feet square, with walls 22 
feet high, and large ante-rooms. The cost of the building was $96.- 
137.02. The old Federal Street school house, a two-story wooden 
building, standing on the westerly part of the same lot, was built in 
1842, and is used for intermediate and primary schools. The Carpen- 
ter Street school house, for intermediate and primary schools, is a 
two-story brick building, standing on a lot fronting 124 feet on Car- 
penter and 120 feet on Pallas street. The land was purchased of 
Dexter Pierce in 1850, and a small strip additional of William E. 
Richmond in 1867. The estate is probably worth about $20,000. The 
Harris Avenue school house is a two-story frame building, used for 
primary and intermediate schools, occupies a lot which was pur- 
chased of William C. Snow in June, 1855. The Ring Street school 
house is a brick building, used for the same grades as the last men- 
tioned. The lot, which has a front of 120 feet, was purchased of 
Thurston E. Phetteplace in June, 1855. The value of the property is 
about $16,000. Africa Street school house was built in 1880-81, at a 
cost of $9,540.65, including furniture and appurtenances. The new 
Atwell's Avenue school house, a handsome brick building, contain- 
ing six school rooms, was completed in 1888, and was occupied in the 
spring of 1889 for the first time. It stands on the north side of the 
avenue, near Dean street, on a lot bought of James McNally and 
others in 1886, at a cost of $15,000. 

In the Tenth school district we find the following buildings: The 
Berlin Street school house was built in 1883. It is a two-story frame 
structure for primary and intermediate schools. Its cost, when fur- 
nished, was $10,700. The lot on which it stands occupies the corner 
of Berlin street and Chalkstone avenue, and was purchased in July, 
1882, of Albert L. Andrews, for $2,002.33. Mount Pleasant grammar 
school house is built of brick, two stories, and affords seating capa- 
city for 538 pupils. The estate, fronting 199 feet on Atwell's avenue 
by 118 feet on Putnam street, was received from the town of North 
Providence in 1874. The value of lot and building is estimated at 
$22,000. A lot on Academy avenue was bought for school purposes 
in August, 1887. of William H. Bowen, and cost $6,650. It contains 
32,765 square feet. Plans for a grammar school building to be erected 
upon it have been adopted, and its erection has been authorized by 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 513 

the proper authorities. Manton grammar and intermediate school 
house is a wooden building, two stories high, and seating 122 pupils. 
The lot measures 162 feet on Chalkstone avenue and 124 feet on the 
Fruit Hill road, and was received from the town of North Provi- 
dence in 1874. The Julian Street intermediate and primary school 
house is a wooden structure, two stories in height, an'd was built in 

1875, at a cost, when finished and furnished, of $11,003.95. The lot 
was purchased of Robert E. Northam, trustee, in 1875, and faces Ju- 
lian and Capron streets, 94 feet on the former and 112 feet on the 
latter. Admiral Street primary school house was built of wood in 

1876, at a cost, furnished, of $4,578.84. The lot was bought of George 
H. Corliss in 1875 and 1884. The Amherst Street intermediate and 
primary school house is a two-story wooden building, erected in 1880. 
With the appurtenances the cost amounted to $9,265.48. The plat on 
which it stands was bought of Patrick and Susan McKenna in 1880. 
The Smith Street intermediate and primary school house was built 
in 1884-5. It is of brick, two stories, and has six school rooms. Its 
cost, when furnished, was $32,000. The lot on which this building is 
located is situated on the corner of Smith and Duke streets, and was 
purchased of Patrick Donnelly in 1884. The Coville Street school 
house is a two-story wooden building for an intermediate school. It 
was built in 1886, at a cost of $14,908.73. The lot was bought of Ellen 
R. Bursley in 1885. 

A number of evening schools have also for several years been 
maintained as a part of the public school system of the city. The 
appropriation for their support has been for several years $15,000 
annually. In 1888 it w r as increased to $16,000. These schools are 
carried on in the localities of manufacturing industries, and are de- 
signed to reach a large class of operatives, who have no opportunity 
free from their daily labor to attend any other school. They have 
usually begun in October or November, and continued for a term of 
from 13 to 19 weeks. During the fall and winter term of 1888-9 
about 1,300 pupils over 15 years of age attended the evening schools, 
and a large proportion of these were adults. There were 11 schools, 
located on the following streets: Harrison, Onus, Public, Wanskuck, 
Meeting, East, Richmond, Charles and America, and at Olneyville 
and Manton. The schools opened for that term with 131 teachers, 
11 principals and a visiting principal. 

Some statistical facts in relation to the schools of Providence will 
be of interest in conclusion. The total expenditures for schools, in- 
cluding teachers' salaries, buildings, repairs and incidentals, for the 
year past, was $381,466.81. The school census and attendance at 
the public schools for several years past have been as follows, the 
first figures following each date giving the census, and the second 
figures giving the attendance: 1835, 5,195, 1,456; 1855, 9,217,5,730; 
1879, 17,684, 11,240; 1880, 19,10S, 11,429; 1881, 19,819, 12,102; 1882,21,- 
m 



514 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

300, 12,087; 1883, 22,092, 13,140; 1884, 21,676, 13,332; 1885, 22,515, 
14,136; 1886,22,813,14,687; 1887,23,391,15,500; 1888, 23,054, 14.634; 
1889, 22,947, 14,850. The attendance in Catholic schools in certain 
years has been: 1855,606; 1879, 2,676; 1880,2,759; 1881,2,742; 1882, 
2,832; 1883, 3,197; 1884. 3,147; 1885, 3,250; 1886, 3,267; 1887, 3,248; 1888, 
3.299; 1889, 3,403. The attendance in private schools for certain years 
has been: 1835,2,135; 1855,680; 1879,809; 1880,979; 1881,857; 1882, 
861; 1883. 950; 1884, 899; 1885, 929; 1886,734; 1887,765; 1888,688; 1889, 
711. The cost of tuition in the public schools of the city has aver- 
aged for each scholar during several years past as follows: 1877, 
§14.94; 1878, $15.79; 1879, $13.44; 1880, $13.67; 1881, $14.37; 1882, $13.99; 
1SS3, $13.06; 1884, $13.13: 18S5, $13.48; 1886, $13.65; 1887, $13.52; 1888, 
813-52. 

But to no other institution does Providence point with so much 
commendable pride as to that grand conservator of first principles 
and exponent of the progress of the centuries in education, culture 
and sound doctrine. Brown University. This institution grew out of 
the desire of the Baptists in America to secure for their denomina- 
tion a liberal education without subjection to any of those sectarian 
tests which were so repugnant to them. The four cardinal principles 
advocated by the Baptists were: liberty of conscience, the entire 
separation of church and state, baptism by immersion, applied only 
to believers, and a converted church membership. On these points 
they were at variance with the leading religious ideas of the colonies. 
In the year 1762 the Philadelphia Baptist Association resolved to es- 
tablish a college in the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations. It may be helpful to a better understanding of the condi- 
tions and surroundings under which this college was founded, to 
notice for a moment the religious tone of the period of its conception. 
At the middle of the last century then we find there were but two 
colleges in New England, one at Cambridge and the other at New 
Haven. Both were exclusively under the government of the Con- 
gregationalists, and strongly engaged in the maintenance and advo- 
cacy of their creed and church polity. Here let us hold up the pic- 
ture of the times as drawn by men living in near association with 
these institutions. From the words of Doctor Wisner, formerly pas- 
tor of the Old South church, Boston, we quote: "The door having 
been professedly as well as really opened for persons without piety 
to enter the church, as a natural consequence there soon ceased to be 
any let or hindrance to their entering the ministry. And there is 
painful evidence that previous to 1740, many of this description did 
enter the ministry." On the same subject Reverend Doctor Dutton, 
of New Haven, wrote: "In the beginning of the 18th century, from 
17<><) to 1735, we find that religion in New England was in a vervlow 
condition. It had degenerated into lifeless formalism, like a tree 
whose bark and external form are complete, but whose heart and' 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 515 

strength have decayed. The distinction between those who served 
God and those who served him not, was passing, and had in a great 
measure passed, away." 

The preaching of Whitfield and his associates, which commenced 
in New England in 1740, created a schism in the Congregational 
churches. The smaller number of the clergy favored revivals of 
religion and the pointed, personal style of preaching adopted by the 
revivalists. But the great majority, with the two colleges at their 
head, opposed the whole system. The Baptists, in every place, sym- 
pathized warmly with the former, being strenucus advccates of ex- 
perimental religion. Indeed, of the many Baptist churches which 
sprang up in different places at this time, the greater part were the 
immediate fruit of those revivals, and offshoots from the '' New 
Light" Congregational churches. With these reinforcements the 
advocates of these peculiar principles were strengthened, and it was 
indeed highly appropriate that when the establishment of an institu- 
tion of learning conformable to Baptist ideas was proposed, the 
choice of its location should settle upon the spot where from the 
foundation of civilized society those principles had been the distinc- 
tive features in its social and political, as well as in its religious life. 
When this resolution was determined upon, as we have said, by the 
Philadelphia Baptist Association, the Reverend James Manning, a 
graduate of the College of New Jersey, was commissioned by them 
to travel through the northern colonies for the purpose of furthering 
this project. 

We should hardly be just to the memory of one who was largely 
instrumental in the founding of this college were we to pass over this 
period of its existence, or rather its inception, without mentioning 
the connection of Reverend Morgan Edwards with it. Mr. Edwards 
was a native of Wales, and withal an ardent admirer of his fellow 
countryman, Roger Williams. He was the pastor of the First Bap- 
tist church of Philadelphia, and the prime mover in the project of 
establishino- the Rhode Island College, as Brown Universitv was at 
first called. In 1767 he materially aided it again, by soliciting, in 
England, the first funds for its endowment. 

In the summer of 1763, Mr. Manning, to whom the enterprise had 
been entrusted, visited Newport and held an interview with Colonel 
John Gardner, deputy governor of the colony and justice of the 
supreme court, and through the friendly aid thus secured, a char- 
ter was obtained from the general assembly in February, 1764. This 
charter provided for the exclusion of all religious tests for applicants 
for admission, and of all sectarian teachings in the college course; 
also for equality of privileges for all Protestant denominations, and 
the choice of professors without regard to denominational views. The 
name of the corporation was decreed by the charter to be "Trustees and 
Fellows of the College, or University in the English Colony of Rhode 



516 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Island and Providence Plantations, in New England, in America." 
But the act empowered the trustees and fellows, at any time there- 
after, to give a more particular name to the college, "in honor of the 
greatest and most distinguished benefactor, or otherwise, as they 
shall think proper." The government of the college and the first 
board of official members are well set forth in the following para- 
graph which we copy from the charter: 

"And furthermore, by the authority aforesaid.it is hereby enacted, 
ordained and declared, that it is now. and at all times hereafter shall 
continue to be, the unalterable constitution of this college, or uni- 
versity, that the corporation thereof shall consist of two branches, to 
wit: that of the trustees, and that of the fellowship, with distinct, 
separate and respective powers; and that the number of the trustees 
shall, and may be, thirty-six; of which, tw r enty-two shall forever be 
elected of the denomination called Baptists, or Antipa_ j dobaptistsr 
five shall forever be elected of the denomination called Friends or 
Quakers; four shall forever be elected of the denomination called 
Congregationalists, and five shall forever be elected of the denomi- 
nation called Episcopalians; and that the succession in this branch 
shall be forever chosen and filled up from the respective dencmina- 
tions in this proportion, and according to these numbers, which are 
hereby fixed, and shall remain to perpetuity immutably the same; 
and that the said vStephen Hopkins, Joseph Wanton, Samuel Ward,. 
William Ellery, John Tillinghast, Simon Pease, James Honyman, 
Nicholas Easton, Nicholas Tillinghast, Darius Sessions, Joseph Har- 
ris, Francis Willett, Daniel Jenckes, George Hazard, Nicholas Brown, 
Jeremiah Niles, John G. Wanton, Joshua Clarke, Gardner Thurston,. 
John Greaves, John Maxson, John Gano, Samuel Winsor, Isaac 
Eaton, Samuel Stillman, Russel Mason, Elisha Reynolds, Josias Lyn- 
don, Job Bennet, Ephraim Bowen, John Taylor, Jonathan Slade. 
Robert Shettell Jones, Azariah Dunham, Edward Thurston, Jr., and 
Peleg Barker; or such, or so many of them as shall qualify them- 
selves, as aforesaid, shall be, and they are hereby declared and estab- 
lished the first and present trustees. And that the number of the 
fellows, inclusive of the president (who shall always be a fellow), 
shall, and may be, twelve; of which, eight shall be forever elected of 
the denomination called Baptists, or Antipaedobaptists; and the rest 
indifferently of any or all denominations; and that the Reverend 
Edward Upham. the Reverend Jeremiah Condv. the Reverend Mar- 
madukc Brown, the Reverend Morgan Edwards, the Reverend Ezra 
Stiles, the Reverend Samuel Jones, the Reverend James Manning, 
William Logan, Esq., Joshua Babcock, Esq., Mr. Thomas Eyres, and 
Thomas Hazard, or such, or so many of them as shall qualify them- 
selves, as aforesaid, shall be, and they are hereby declared the first 
and present fellows and fellowship, to whom the president, when 
hereafter elected (who shall forever be of the denomination called 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 517 

Baptists or Antipaedobaptists), shall be joined to complete the 
number." 

This college was the seventh American college in order of the 
date of its establishment. In 1765, Mr. Manning, who had in the 
meantime become the pastor of a church in Warren, and had opened 
a Latin school there, was elected the first president of the college. 
This election was held at Newport, September 3d, and as the college 
had as yet no permanent abiding place, Mr. Manning was empowered 
to act as president of the college and professor of all branches of 
learning to be taught, " at Warren or elsewhere." In accordance 
with this commission President Manning began the work of the col- 
lege at his own residence in Warren, and the first student was Wil- 
liam Rogers, then a lad of 14 years, son of Captain William Rogers, 
of Newport, and he was also the only student in the college for three- 
quarters of a year. But the small seed which had thus been planted 
soon began to grow, and more encouraging results soon began to 
crown the efforts of those who labored for its success. In 1766, Mr. 
David Howell, a graduate of the College of New Jersey, became Mr. 
Manning's assistant. 

Funds being needed, both for the support of the instructors and 
for the ultimate erection of a suitable college building, Mr. Edwards, 
in 1767, visited England and Ireland, for the purpose of soliciting aid. 
His subscription paper, bearing the honored names of Benjamin 
Franklin and Benjamin W T est, may still be seen in the college archives. 
Collections for the same purpose were made in South Carolina and 
Georgia, and in the Philadelphia churches. The first commencement 
was celebrated at Warren, September 7th, 1769, at which time seven 
young men were graduated. These were Joseph Belton, Joseph 
Eaton, William Rogers, Richard Stites, Charles Thompson, Jacob M. 
Varnum and William Williams. A contemporary account preserves 
the interesting facts, that both the president and the candidates were 
dressed in clothing of American manufacture, and that the audience, 
composed of many of the first ladies and gentlemen of the colony, 
behaved with great decorum. 

The institution now began to attract attention. The prophetic 
conviction now began to fasten itself upon the people that the col- 
lege was to become a power, and at once four different towns became 
ambitious for the honor of becoming the site of the building which 
it was proposed to erect for it. Into this contest Newport, Provi- 
dence, Warren and East Greenwich entered with more or less vigor. 
The site was to be determined by the largest contributions to the 
building fund. The efforts of Providence and Newport soon out- 
stripped the others so far that they withdrew from the race, and the 
question of site lay between the two semi-capitals. Newport raised 
;£4,000, but Providence advanced on that sum by £280, beside offer- 
ing "advantages superior to Newport in other respects." The ques- 



518 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tion was finally decided at a meeting" of the corporation held in War- 
ren, February 7th, 1770, when, after a discussion of the matter 
continued from 10 o'clock Wednesday morning till 10 o'clock Thurs- 
day night, a decision in favor of Providence was reached by a vote of 
21 to 14. The president and Professor Howell soon after removed to 
Providence, and for a time occupied the upper part of the brick school 
house on Meeting street for prayers and recitations. 

In 1770 the foundation of University Hall, the oldest of the col- 
lege buildings, was laid. The ceremony of laying the corner stone 
was observed on the 14th of May, the honor of placing it being con- 
ferred upon John Brown. The site selected for the building was the 
crest of a hill which then commanded a view of the bay, the river 
with the town on its banks, and a broad reach of country on all sides. 
The land comprised about eight acres, and included a part of the 
original home lot of Chad Brown, one of the prominent band of early 
settlers and associates of Roger Williams. Still the college and its 
work made but little progress so far as increase of students was con- 
cerned. The number of the graduating classes for several years was 
as follows: 1770, 4; 1771, 6; 1772, 6; 1773, 5; 1774, 6; 1775, 10; 1776, 9; 
1777, 7; 1782, 7; 1783, 6; 1786, 15; 1787, 10; 1788, 20; 1789, 9; 1790. 22: 
1791, 16; 1792, 17; 1793, 12; 1794, 20; 1795, 26; 1796, 17; 1797, 23; 1798. 
18; 1799, 24; 1800, 23. From that time forward the number rarely fell 
below 20, but gradually increased. 

During a part of the revolutionary period, from 1777 to 1782, the 
college was disbanded, and a gap occurred in its history. Some of 
the students entered the army, while others completed their studies 
elsewhere. The dormitories and recitation rooms were surrendered 
to the use of the state militia, and to the sick and wounded of our 
French allies. President Manning, after receiving the honor of be- 
ing elected to represent this district in the congress of the United 
States in 1786, closed his useful and honorable career in 1791, while 
in the 54th year of his age. 

President Manning was succeeded by the Reverend Doctor Jona- 
than Maxey, who, during the previous year, had held the temporary 
appointment of professor of divinity. He was at the head of the col- 
lege for ten years, resigning in 1802, after which he became presi- 
dent of Union College, and in 1804 president of the College of South 
Carolina. The third president of the Rhode Island College was 
Reverend Asa Messer, a graduate under Manning in the class of 
1790. He held the office through a period of 24 years, extending to 
1826. It was during the early part of his administration that the 
college received its present name. In 1804 Mr. Nicholas Brown, a 
member of a family already celebrated in the annals of the state for 
their public spirit and mercantile enterprise and integrity, and a 
graduate of the college under Doctor Manning, presented to the cor- 
poration $5,000, as the foundation of a professorship of oratory and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 519 

belles lettres. He had already given the college a valuable collec- 
tion of law books. It was now voted that in his honor the institution 
should be named Brown University. The benefactions of Mr. Brown, 
however, did not stop here. The entire sum of his benefactions and 
bequests amounted in value to $160,000. " Hope College" was erec- 
ted at his expense in 1821-2, as a memorial to his only sister, Mrs. 
Hope Ives. In his letter to the corporation on this occasion he said: 
" Believing that the dissemination of knowledge and letters is the 
great means of social happiness, I have caused this edifice to be erec- 
ted, and now present it to this corporation, to be held with their 
other corporate property, according to their charter." 

The means for the accommodation of students were, by this act 
of munificence, more than doirbled. Important deficiencies in vari- 
ous departments, however, remained yet to be supplied. The philo- 
sophical apparatus, which had been purchased at different times, had 
become, by ordinary wear and accident, almost unfit for use. By the 
liberality of Mr. Brown and his brother-in-law, Thomas P. Ives, this 
department was supplied with a complete set of apparatus, so that it 
was furnished with as ample means for philosophical illustration as 
almost any in the country, and superior to those possessed by many 
similar institutions in Europe at the time. These instruments were 
received in the year 1829. The library was still in its primitive con- 
dition. It was crowded into a room in University Hall. In order to 
give it a new impetus it was proposed to raise a subscription of $25,- 
000, of which the interest was to be forever appropriated to the in- 
crease of the library and the purchase of philosophical instruments. 
To this fund Mr. Brown gave the sum of $10,000, and in order to the 
perfect accomplishment of the object, erected at his own expense a 
library room and chapel. To this edifice Mr. Brown, in testimony of 
veneration for his former instructor, gave the name of Manning- 
Hall. It was opened by appropriate services in February, 1835. The 
amount given by Mr. Brown on this occasion fell but little short of 
$30,000. 

Other needs of the institution soon became apparent, and Mr. 
Brown again came forward with his accustomed liberality. On the 
18th of March, 1839, he tendered to the corporation three valuable 
lots as sites for a mansion for the president, and another building for 
the accommodation of the departments of natural philosophy, 
chemistry, mineralogy and natural history, together with $7,000 for 
the erection of the president's mansion and $3,000 toward the erec- 
tion of the other building, provided an equal amount should be sub- 
scribed by friends of the institution before the first of the ensuing 
May. The subscription was promptly filled, and more money was 
raised, and the president's house and the building now known as 
Rhode Island Hall were immediately erected, and the surrounding- 
grounds were graded and adorned. Rhode Island Hall was formally 



520 HISTORY OF TROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

opened September 4th, 1840, at which time Mr. William G. Goddard, 
professor of belles Icttrcs, gave an appropriate address. This was the 
last act of munificence during- the life-time of Mr. Brown. In the 
following winter his health began visibly to decline, and he died 
September 27th, 1841, in the 73d year of his age. He made in his 
will several bequests of land and other property, which swelled the 
aggregate of his benefactions to the institution to the round sum 
previously mentioned. 

Doctor Messer was succeeded in the presidency by the Reverend 
Doctor Francis Wayland, who was elected to the office December 
13th, 1826. His administration extended over a period of 28i years. 
The period of his incumbency was marked by greater changes and 
more numerous improvements in the condition of the college than 
had been effected by either of his predecessors.'' The course of study 
was enlarged, the standard of scholarship was raised, the number of 
professors was increased, the discipline was made more rigid, and 
the professors and students labored with more decided earnestness, 
as they caught the spirit which was manifest in the life and actions 
of their leader, the worthy president of the college. His pupils par- 
took of his intense moral earnestness and high and severe sense of 
moral obligation, and went forth into life with the exalted aims and 
studious habits which he both encouraged and illustrated. During 
Doctor Wayland's time also, as we have seen, the president's mansion 
was built, the library was established on a more liberal basis, and 
Manning Hall and Rhode Island Hall were built. In 1855 Doctor 
Wayland, wearied with the long presidencv and the labors involved 
in inaugurating the new system of college work, which had occupied 
his energies for several years, resigned the office of president, and 
was succeeded by Reverend Barnas Sears, D.D. The latter con- 
tinued in the office 12 years. 

The University prospered during the term of Doctor Sears' presi- 
dency, notwithstanding that term extended through the financial 
crisis of 1857 and the exciting- vears of the civil war. The facilities 
for instruction were increased, a system of scholarships was estab- 
lished, and large additions were made to the college funds. Doctor 
Sears was succeeded in 1868 by Reverend Doctor Alexis Caswell, 
who held the presidency until 1872. He was followed in 1872 by 
Reverend Doctor Ezekiel G. Robinson, whose long and honorable 
term of leadership extended to 1889. In the latter part of the sum- 
mer of the latter year Reverend Doctor E. B. Andrews was elected 
to the presidency. Soon after the entrance of Doctor Andrews upon 
the duties of his office it was decided, in token of the good will and 
confidence which found expression in his unanimous election, to 
tender him a reception more formal and elaborate than had ever been 
given to any of his predecessors. A banquet, arranged under the 
direction of a committee of the Alumni Association, was given, to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 521 

which invitations were sent to the alumni all over the country, and 
cordial responses were returned from all quarters. The reception 
was held on Wednesday, October 30th, 1889, at which speeches weie 
made by Colonel R. H. I. Goddard, Governor Ladd, Professor Hark- 
ness, Bishop Clark, Hon. Rowland Hazard, Reverend I. D. Anderson, 
Reverend Doctor T. E. Brown, Francis Lawton and E. Whitney 
Blake, Jr. Letters of regret were read from Chancellor Goddard, 
George William Curtis and President James B. Angell, of the Uni- 
versity of Michigan. 

Of the university buildings there are ten. Of several we have 
already spoken. The old University Hall has in recent years been 
renovated and modernized in the interior, at an expense of nearly 
$50,000. The grammar school building, which has been occupied as 
a preparatory school, was erected in 1810, the cost being met by sub- 
scription. The chemical laboratory was erected in 1862 through the 
exertions of Prof. N. P. Hill, late United States senator from Colorado. 
The new library building, which has been pronounced by competent 
judges to be one of the finest of its kind in the country, was erected 
in 1878, at a cost, exclusive of the lot on which it stands, of $96,000. 
Both the building and the grounds were a bequest of the late John 
Carter Brown, a son of the distinguished benefactor. The new dor- 
mitory. Slater Hall, was erected in 1879, by Hon. Horatio N. Slater, 
a member of the board of fellows and a liberal benefactor of the 
university. Sayles Memorial Hall, a beautiful structure of granite 
and freestone, was erected at the expense of Hon. William F. Sayles, 
in memory of his son, who died in the early part of his collegiate 
course. It is used for daily recitations, and for commencement din- 
ners and special academic occasions. The building was dedicated 
with appropriate ceremonies in June, 1881. The Bailey, the Olney- 
anum and the Bennett Herbariums contain altogether nearly 72,000 
specimens, arranged in convenient order for consultation. The mu- 
seum of natural history and anthropology, in Rhode Island Hall, 
contains upwards of 50,000 specimens, implements, coins, medals, 
etc., classified and arranged by Prof. J. W. P. Jenks. The library 
numbers 66,600 bound volumes and a large number of unbound pam- 
phlets. The library funds amount to $36,500. By vote of the cor- 
poration the bequest of the late Daniel W. Lyman to the university 
is to be devoted to the construction of a gymnasium. In addition to 
that the alumni have contributed $30,000 for its maintenance. The 
college has about one hundred scholarships, 64 of which are of $1,000 
each. The income of these is given, under the direction of a com- 
mittee appointed by the corporation, to meritorious students who 
may need pecuniary assistance. The national grant to Rhode Island 
" for the benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts " was, by vote 
of the assembly, given to Brown University. This fund of $50,000 is 
devoted to the education of students at the rate of $100 per annum 



522 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

each, as far as the income of the fund extends. Nominations to these 
favored scholarships are controlled by certain prescribed cfficeis of 
state and college in conjunction. The faculty now consists of the 
president, thirteen professors, two assistant professors, five instruc- 
tors, one assistant instructor, a librarian, assistant librarian, regis- 
trar and steward. The total number of students on the roll at last 
report was 268. The number of graduates from the beginning to the 
present time has been about 3,2C0. 

The Friends' Yearly Meeting School, now a prominent institution 
of this city, was originally opened at Portsmouth, rear the north 
end of the island of Rhode Island, in the year 1784. It was continued 
there four years, when, from want of sufficient encouragement, it was 
suspended. In 1814 Moses Brown, who became a member of the sect 
called Friends in 1774, and contributed $575 toward the fund to es- 
tablish the Friends' school at Portsmouth, offered to the acceptance 
of the society the farm on which the school is now located, contain- 
ing about 43 acres of land. The erection of a suitable building was 
soon commenced. It consisted of a center building, 54 feet square, 
three stories high, with two wings, each 42x44 feet, two stories high, 
and a basement story under the whole. Since then the wings have 
been considerably enlarged. The wings were used for school rocms 
and dormitories of the students, while the center building contained 
rooms for meetings, the library, and private apartments for the 
family of the superintendent. The school was opened in this build- 
ing January 1st, 1819. In 1822 the school received a bequest of 
$100,000 by the will of Obadiah Brown, the only son of Moses Brown, 
and who inherited the munificent spirit of his father in regard to 
this school. A second building, 40x50 feet, two stories above the 
basement, was erected in 1831 for the use of the classical department 
at that time established. 

The location of the school is on the rising ground in the east part 
of the city. For salubrity and beauty it could not be exceeded. The 
land is 182 feet above tide water, and it is said that on a clear day 
every town in the state except New Shoreham may be seen from the 
observatory on the center building. The institution is under the 
direction of a committee of the New England Yearly Meeting, who 
appoint superintendents and teachers. The number of teachers va- 
ries with the number of scholars, who are taught in the various 
branches of an English education. The classical department, which 
was opened about 1832, was ably conducted for a time, but the patron- 
age failed to sustain it and the department was given up after a few 
years. About 1850 a valuable mineralogical cabinet was given tothe 
school by the liberality of its friends. About 1845 the superintend- 
ents were Silas and Sarah Cornell. Joseph and Gertrude W. Cart- 
land were at the head of it from 1855 to 1800. The number of scholars 
in it at that time was about 130. A four years' course of study was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 523 

introduced, and a higher grade of instruction, which has since been 
maintained. Albert K. Smiley became superintendent in I860. Dur- 
ing his administration of 19 years' duration the school enjoyed a high 
degree of prosperity. Alumni Hall was erected in 1869, and in 1872 
the boys' wing was extended 76 feet. A more broad and general 
character was now given to the educational work of the school. Au- 
gustine Jones succeeded Mr. Smiley as superintendent in 1879. The 
school is now well equipped for scholastic and scientific research, 
having a library of more than 6,000 volumes, a large collection of 
works of art, chemical and philosophical apparatus, and the largest 
astronomical observatory in the state. During the last 30 years prob- 
ably two-thirds of the students have been from families not connected 
with the Friends. Neither do its instructors belong exclusively to 
that sect. Its chief work is in the direction of giving a non-sectarian 
education. 

The vState Normal School was established by act of the state legis- 
lature at its May session in 1854. It was organized and opened in due 
form in the rooms adjoining the Second Universalis! church on 
Broad street, on Monday, May 29th. of the same year. The exer- 
cises were commenced with prayer by Reverend Mr. Cook, after 
which the objects and benefits of the proposed institution were set 
forth in an address by State Commissioner E. R. Potter, followed 
by Governor Hoppin, Samuel S. Greene, superintendent of public 
schools, and Reverend E. M. Stone. The establishment of this 
school was a bold step in advance in the cause of public education, 
and supplied a need that had long been felt. It went into opera- 
tion at 129 Broad street, and soon had a list of 307 students. In 
addition to the regular instructors lectures were given within a 
year or two of its beginning, by such men as Reverend Robert 
Allen, commissioner of public schools; President Sears, of Brown 
University; Reverend Thomas Shepard,of Bristol; Reverend Messrs. 
Vail and Stow, of Westerly; Willard, of Warwick; Lucien Burleigh, 
of Plainfield, Conn.; Doctor Isaac S. Hayes, of Kane's Arctic ex- 
ploring expedition; Hon. George H. Calvert, of Newport; Isaac F. 
Cady, of Warren; Rowland G. Hazard and R. Hazard, of Kingston. 

This institution was located in Providence from its commence- 
ment till September 15th, 1857, when by order of the general as- 
sembly it was removed to the town of Bristol, where pleasant and 
well arranged rooms were provided for it free of expense to the 
state. By contract with the town the school was to remain there 
five years. The board of instruction at that time were: Dana I\ 
Colburn, principal, and Daniel Goodwin, A.M., and Miss H. W. 
Goodwin, assistants. At Bristol the normal school did nqt'prosper 
for any length of time. It, however, held on until the summer vaca- 
tion of 1865, when, July 3d, it closed and was not again opened. The 
scheme of a normal school was revived again in 1/871, and on Sep- 



.524 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tember 6th of that year a new school was opened in Normal Hall, in 
the city of Providence. The school was opened with Mr. James C. 
Greenough, principal, with a corps of six assistant teachers, and hav- 
ing five lecturers. After the removal of the Providence high school 
to its new quarters, in 1878, the old high school building on Benefit 
street was occupied by the normal school. Principal Greenoughwas 
succeeded by Thomas J. Morgan, the present principal of the school, 
in 1884. At the last report the number of students in the school was 
I.V.), the number of new students enrolled during the year being 69. 
Since the opening of the institution 1,174 persons have received a 
partial preparation for the work of teaching in the schools of the 
state. The number graduated since the organization of the school 
has been 430. The number in attendance has been on the increase, 
until the limit of convenient accommodations has been reached. 

The Rhode Island School for the Deaf was established under the 
auspices of the state, aided by the city. April 2d, 1877. An appropri- 
ation was made by the legislature, and the superintendent of public 
buildings allowed the use of a room in the school house at the corner 
of Benefit and Halsey streets. The school was commenced with five 
pupils. Mr. Joseph W. Homer was the first principal. He resigned 
in 1882, and was succeeded by Miss Kate II . Austin, who had been 
one of his assistants since September, 1880. In September, 1882, the 
school was removed to its present location in the old Fountain Street 
school house. The number in the school for the year ending Decem- 
ber 31st, 1888, was 34. The present principal is Anna M. Black, and 
she is supported by a corps of four assistant teachers. 

The Rhode Island School of Design was chartered by the general 
assembly in 1877. It is located in the Hoppin Homestead building. 
It receives an annual appropriation of $500 from the state for the 
general expenses, and $1,000 more for gratuitous instruction to a 
certain number of deserving pupils who shall be approved by the 
state board of education. The objects are to afford instruction in 
drawing, painting, modeling and designing. The last report shows 
208 scholars enrolled, among which were 29 students entered by the 
state and 70 by the city. 

The Berkeley School was opened Monday, September 17th, 1883, 
by Reverend George Herbert Patterson, at No. 21 Brown street. It 
was designed to prepare pupils for the universities, West Point, An- 
napolis, technical and professional schools, or for business. The 
school began with 28 pupils, but its numbers increased so rapidly 
that more room was soon necessary, and in April, 1884, ample quar- 
teic»xas secured in the First Light Infantry building on South Main 
street. The school was duly incorporated by the general assembly, 
April 23d,i8?*5, and is permanently established under the fostering 
care of the diocese of Rhode Island. 

The Mount Pleasant Academy was established in 1865, by Mr. 
Jencks Mo wry, for the purpose of affording a more extended study 



HISTORY 0> PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 525 

of the English branches than wa^ at that time offered by the public- 
schools in the immediate vicinity. Ass the school prospered a new- 
school building was erected in 1S72, s&A the course of study was ex- 
tended. Mr. Joseph E. Mowr.y was for a time associated with his 
father in the school, and after he withdrew to take the principalship 
of the Federal Street grammar school, Charles? H. Smart, A.M., was 
admitted to the association with the elder MowrY in the academy. A 
lady assistant, and special instructors in drawing, penmanship, elo- 
cution and music supplement the work of the principals. 

The Providence English and Classical School, located on Snow 
street, in the upper rooms of the Public Library building, Yvas estab- 
lished in 1864, by Messrs. Mowry & Goff. It prepares boys for busi- 
ness life or for the colleges. It is now in charge of Messrs. Goff. 
Rice & Smith. 

Prominent among the many private schools of the city is Schol- 
field's Commercial College. This institution was founded by Albert 
G. Scholfield, in June, 1840. It was located temporarily in the Mal- 
lett Building, on South Main street. In April, 1847, it was moved to 
the Jones Building, on Westminster street, near the junction of 
Weybosset. This was the first purely commercial school established 
in Rhode Island, and it had to battle for existence against the popu- 
lar skepticism and disfavor with which a project so new and untried 
was looked upon. Writing and book-keeping were the leading 
branches taught. A higher English department and mechanical 
drawing were soon after introduced. In the spring of 1850 the school 
was moved to the McNeal Building,' No. 81 Westminster street, where 
it thrived beyond all precedent, and maintained itself against all 
competition. More room being demanded by the growth of the 
school, it was moved to the Howard Building in July, 1866. Still the 
needs of the college were not satisfied, and in April, 1881, it was 
moved to its present quarters in the Paris Building at the corner of 
Westminster and Eddy streets. The school has had annually from 
50 to 500 scholars, and the teachers have numbered from two to 
twelve, as occasion demanded. Altogether some 12,000 students 
have passed through the whole or a part of its course. 

The Providence branch of the Bryant & Stratton chain of business 
colleges, was founded here January 14th, 1863. After it had become 
well established the school passed into the hands of Messrs. Warner 
& Ladd. The latter soon withdrew and Mr. Warner carried on the 
enterprise, assisted by a competent corps of teachers. In July, 1878. 
he disposed of his interest, and Mr. T. B. Stowell became sole pro- 
prietor and principal. The school occupies a most eligible and de- 
lightful location in the Hoppin Homestead Building, in convenient 
proximity to the great libraries and other intellectual centers of the 
city. In the course of the school the commercial theories taught are 
supplemented by facilities for "actual business," thus giving students 
the advantage of actual practice. 



526 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The University Grammar School, originally called the Latin 
School, was established in Warren, R. I., in 1764, and removed to 
Providence in 1770. It was the design of the school to furnish 
superior advantages to young men in preparing for the college. 
Doctor Manning himself was the first principal of the school. It has 
for many years occupied one of the buildings belonging to the college 
corporation. Among the former teachers have been: Reverends 
Jeremiah Chapliri, D.D., Solomon Peck, D.D., Rufus Babcock, D.D., 
Silas Crane. D.D., Hon. Tristam Purges, LL.D.. Hon. Isaac Davis, 
LL.D., Hon, -Thomas A. lenckes, LL.D., and Prof. Henry S. Frieze, 
LL.D. The school affords very superior facilites for those who wish 
to enter college or engage in business. 

The Providence Reform School was established by a law passed 
in January, 1850. It was intended to receive such children under the 
age of 18 vears as should be convicted of a mild class of offenses in 
the courts of the state, also other children who might be placed un- 
der its care by their parents or guardians. These children were kept 
under proper discipline, educated, ard at a prep er age generally in- 
dentured as apprentices to suitable tradesmen, under direction of 
the board of trustees. The school was at first located in the old 
Tockwotten house, where it remained for many years. July 1st, 
1880, the institution was transferred by the city of Providence to 
the state. In the following year buildings on the state farm at 
Cranston were prepared for it, and the institution was removed 
thither. In another chapter the institution as it exists there will be 
more fully noticed. 

.St. Francis Xavier's Academy, a day school conducted by the Sis- 
ters of Mercy, for the education of young ladies, is a long estab- 
lished institution. It was foundeel in 1851 as a private school, in the 
stone building on the corner of Claverick and Broad streets. A part 
of the present fine school edifice on Claverick. near Broad, was erec- 
ted in 1854, but the building as it now stands was not finished until 
L865. This institution was a day and boarding school until 1873, 
when the boarding school was removed to St. Mary's Seminary, Bay 
View, East Providence. A day school is maintained at the home site, 
and this has an attendance of about 125. The school is open to pupils 
of all denominations, and instruction is given in the English branches, 
m Latin, German anel French, in music, drawing, painting, needle- 
work and other esthetic branches. 

There are many private schools in the city, ranging from the 
kindergarten to those in which the higher branches, below a collegiate 
course, are taught to young ladies and gentlemen, of which we can- 
not here speak in detail. It is but justice, however, to say that they 
are doing commendable work, and are managed and sustained in a 
manner in keeping with the high literary and educational standards 
of the prominent institutions which we have noticed. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— LITERARY AND KINDRED INSTITUTIONS. 



First Public Library. — The Athena?um. — The Franklin Lyceum. — Providence Franklin 
Society. — Rhode Island Historical Society. — Soldiers' and Sailors' Historical Society. 
— Providence Public Library. — Union for Christian Work. — Young Men's Christian 
Association. — Secular Newspapers.— Religious and Moral Periodicals. — Literary 
Papers. — Almanacs and Directories. — First Theater in Providence.— Law Against 
Theatrical Representations. — The Law Repealed. — Later Theaters. — Theaters and 
Public Halls of the Present. 



THE literary inclinations of the people of Providence have been 
conspicuous during' many generations. Libraries have from 
an early period been encouraged, and scientific research has 
been fostered. As early as the year 1754 a number of individuals 
associated together to form a public library. The design met with 
due encouragement. A company was formed, and a well-selected 
and valuable collection of books was bought by subscription. The 
council chamber in the state house was obtained as a repository for 
the library. The enterprise, however, met with disaster, the books 
being burned, with the house, on the evening of December 24th, 
1758. The company now obtained from the general assembly the grant 
of a lottery, with the proceeds of which they were able to replace the 
library. After the new state house was built it was kept for many 
years in the senate chamber, and was in very general use. After a 
time, however, it became neglected, the interest of its shareholders 
falling to a very low ebb. But the desire for a library that should 
keep abreast of the times was not extinct. In June, 1831, a company, 
composed in part of shareholders in the Providence Library, received 
from the general assembly a charter of incorporation, under the 
name of the Providence Athenaeum. They soon had collected a 
valuable library, mostly of modern works. But the reading public 
were hardly prepared to support two libraries, so the two were con- 
solidated into one, members of both companies joining, and the new 
company was duly incorporated by the general assembly in Janu- 
ary, 1836. 

In March of the same year Nicholas Brown and the heirs of 
Thomas P. Ives offered to give the Athenaeum a lot of land on the 
corner of Benefit and College streets for the location of a building, 
together with $6,000 toward the erection of a building thereon, and 



528 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

$4,000 for the increase of the library, provided other subscriptions 
could be obtained to the amount of $10,000 toward the building and 
$4,000 more for the library. The conditions were readily complied 
with, and ground was broken for the erection of the building April 
4th, 1837. It was completed in the following November. The build- 
ing is 48 feet front and 78 feet deep, one story, with a basement. 
The building is of the Grecian temple pattern. It stands upon a 
terrace, and is approached by two flights of steps. The front is of 
hammered Ouincv granite and the sides are of Ashler granite. Its 
cost, including the preparation of the lot, was nearly $19,000. The 
library as then placed in it, or within a short time, numbered about 
10,000 volumes. It now numbers about 40,000 volumes. Paintings, 
statues, busts and various curiosities adorn the rooms. The Ath- 
enaeum stock is divided into about 700 shares, which are held by 
nearly that number of shareholders. 

The Franklin Lyceum was started in 1831, the leading men in 
its organization being Levi Holden, Daniel A. Jackson and William 
B. Shove. Its objects were to encourage literary pursuits and scien- 
tific investigation among its membership. It had its headquarters 
in various private rooms, until 1850, when it secured a more perma- 
nent and appropriate place for meetings and library in Hoppin's 
Block on Westminster street. In November, 1858, however, it 
moved into the Lyceum Building, which had been erected and fitted 
up for its occupancy. This is located at 62 Westminster street, and 
here the Lyceum is still ensconced. The rooms comprise a reading 
room, a library of about 7,000 volumes, and a hall, where weekly 
meetings are held, for debates, discussions, lectures and the like. 
For about 40 years a public course of lectures and other entertain- 
ments have been maintained during the winter. It has a member- 
ship of about 500. Most of the prominent men of this city during the 
last 50 years have been members of it, and many young men have 
received here valuable preparation for the parliamentary scenes in 
which in after life they were to engage. The officers at the present 
time are: David F. Thorpe, president; John Doran, vice-president; 
Arthur P. Sumner, secretary; M. A. Bassett, librarian; N. H. Tru- 
man, treasurer. 

The Providence Franklin Society is one of the oldest of this class 
of literary institutions, having been incorporated in 1823. Its object 
has been to disseminate scientific knowledge by means of lectures 
and discussions. It has a cabinet of natural history, mineralogy, 
and geological specimens, and a small but valuable scientific library. 
Its meeting place and headquarters have been several times changed, 
being last' at 54 North Main street. 

The very laudable desire t'o preserve the history of the state, and 
the deeds of the first settlers, as well as the account of their suffer- 
ings and opinions, and to hand them down to posterity by more sub- 



HISTORY OF 1'ROVIDENCE COUNTY. 529 

stantial and enduring means than verbal tradition, as well as the 
desire to preserve documents and relics pertaining to the earlier 
periods, led to the founding of the Rhode Island Historical Society. 
In the summer of 1822 this society received a charter from the gen- 
eral assembly, and in July the society was organized under it. The 
persons named in the charter were: Jeremiah Lippitt, William Aplin, 
Charles Norris Tibbitts, Walter R. Danforth, William R. Staples, 
Richard W. Greene, John Brown Francis, William G. Goddard. 
Charles F. Tillinghast, Richard J. Arnold, Charles Jackson, and 
William E. Richmond. In addition to the general provisions of the 
charter for the organization and government of the society it pro- 
vided, " That said society should establish two cabinets for the de- 
posit and safe keeping of all the ancient documents and records 
illustrating the history and antiquities of this state; one of said 
cabinets in the town of Newport, for the safe-keeping of the records 
of the early history of the southern section of the state, and the 
other in the town of Providence, for the safe-keeping of the historical 
records of the northern section thereof; and that the anniversary of 
said society be holden in said Providence." 

By the constitution, authorized by the charter, the management 
of the affairs of the society was vested in a board of 13 trustees, who 
were to be elected annually, on the 19th of July, or on the following- 
Tuesday whenever the 19th should fall on Sunday. In 1820 the 
number of trustees was increased to 10. The first meeting under the 
charter was held at the Manufacturers' Hotel. One of its most active 
and prominent supporters in its early years was the Hon. William R. 
Staples, the historian of Providence. For many years the society 
maintained a quiet existence, attracting but little attention of the 
world, but modestly and tirelessly doing a work in the collection of 
facts and the preservation of documents and relics, for which future 
generations will cherish their memory with gratitude. After 22 
years of its life had thus been spent, without any permanent abiding- 
place, a building was erected for it. The cost of this building was 
$4,750, and being completed it was dedicated November 20th, 1844. 
Professor William Gammell. in his address at the opening said of the 
cabinet and its objects: "We dedicate it to the muse of history— 
the muse of saintly aspect and awful form — who ever watches over 
the fortunes of men, and guards the virtues of humanity. We wish 
it to be a place of secure and perpetual deposit, where, beyond the 
reach of accident or the approach of decay, we may accumulate all 
the materials for our yet unwritten history. We would gather here 
all that can illustrate the early planting, or the subsequent growth of 
our state, the lives of its founders and settlers, the manuscripts of 
its departed worthies, the history of its towns, its glorious proclama- 
tions of religious liberty, and its heroic sacrifices both in peace 
and in war." 
3-1 



530 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The cabinet of the Historical Society above referred to is situated 
on Waterman street, opposite the college buildings of Brown Univer- 
sity and on the lot adjoining the library of that institution. It is 
upon one of the most eligible sites in the city, commanding a delight- 
ful view of the university grounds, and while easy of access, is more 
than usually exempt from the dangers of fire. The dimensions of 
the building are 3(H feet front by olH- feet deep, and 29 feet high. 
The basement is of granite, but the walls above are of rubble stone, 
stuccoed and colored, to represent granite. The interior is very 
neatly finished, the whole being stuccoed, and ornamented with an 
entablature. The principal room contains galleries on three sides. 
Under the front gallery, on either side of the entrance are two rooms. 
An addition made to the rear of the original building, extending 30 
feet back, and forming wings of 30 feet in width, on either side of 
the building, greatly increases the size of the cabinet and improves 
its architectural appearance. The lot on which it stands is hand- 
somelv graded, enclosed by a substantial fence and ornamented with 
trees, which give it an air of classic repose in keeping with the sur- 
roundings. Reverend Edwin M. Stone, beginning about 1850, and 
succeeding Thomas C. Hartshorn, filled the office of cabinet keeper 
for a long term extending to 1880, when he was succeeded by Hon. 
Amos Perry, whose term covers the present time. The cabinet in the 
southern part of the state was for many years kept at the Redwood 
Library in Newport. Mr. B. B. Howland was cabinet keeper for 
that section during a long period, and Mr. George Champlin Mason 
acted later as procurator, but as interest in the local society in that 
city increased the interest in the state society decreased, so that for 
many years that office has been but little more than nominal. The 
present officers of the society are: Charles W. Parsons and Horatio 
Rogers, vice-presidents; Amos Perry, secretary, librarian and cabi- 
net keeper; Richmond P. Everett, treasurer. The cabinet contains 
nearly 10,000 bound volumes and more than 20,000 pamphlets, besides 
:i jjreat mass of documents, works of art, historic relics and- curiosi- 
ties, some of which are exceedingly rare and valuable. 

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Historical Society of Rhode Island was 
incorporated in 1875. Its object is to collect and preserve relics of 
the late war and facts relating to the individual experiences of Rhode 
Island men in the war. All honorably discharged soldiers and sailors 
of the war, and their sons are eligible to membership. At the regu- 
lar meetings of the society original papers, relating to personal expe- 
riences during the war, are read by members, and a copy of each, 
after publication by the society, is placed in the archives. A cabinet 
of trophies and other articles connected with the history of the war 
is owned by the society, and the collection of a library has been com- 
menced. The officers for 1889 were: Captain Joshua M.'Addeman, 
president; Captain George N. Bliss, vice-president; Lieutenant Philip 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 531 

S. Chase, recording secretary and treasurer; Captain George H. Pet- 
tis, corresponding secretary; Lieutenant T. A. Barton, librarian and 
cabinet keeper. The regular meetings are held on the third Tues- 
day evening of each month, at No. 70 Weybosset street. 

The question of establishing a free public library, which should be 
an institution in size and character appropriate to the liberal culture 
and enterprise of the city of Providence, was for many years dis- 
cussed, and from time to time efforts were made to reduce the ideal 
to visible form. Various influences, however, impeded its accom- 
plishment until within a comparatively recent period of time. It 
began to assume form in 1871, when a form of organization was 
adopted, but the library was not actually opened to the public until 
1878. During this interim and before, some liberal subscriptions 
had been made to the prospective enterprise. Among these liberal 
donors and their gifts maybe mentioned the following: Mr. and Mrs. 
Alexander Duncan, $10. 000; William S. Slater, $10,000; Mrs. Anna 
Richmond, $10,000: Gorham Manufacturing Company, $5,000; Robert 
H. Ives, $5,000; Earl P. Mason, $1,000; Joseph J. Cooke, $1,000; Mr. 
and Mrs. Zechariah Allen, $1,000; George Hunt, $1,000; William 1). 
Ely, $500. In addition to these the Portsmouth Grove Hospital Fund, 
amounting to $1,800, was to be devoted to the purchase of books illus- 
trating the late civil war. large contingent interests in the estate of 
Moses B. Lockwood had been bequeathed, several smaller libraries 
had offered their stock of books, and Joseph A. Barker had subscribed 
$25,000, on condition that $75,000 should be raised by other subscrip- 
tions. The library was finally opened for the use of the public, Feb- 
ruary 4th, 1878, in a room in Butler Exchange, and Mr. William E. 
Foster was placed in charge as librarian. Under his efficient man- 
agement it has been most thoroughly and systematically organized 
and conducted. In the summer of 1880 the library was removed to 
its present quarters on Snow street, between Westminster and Wash- 
ington streets, where it occupies commodious apartments on the 
ground floor and of easy access from the street, being the lower story 
of the building occupied above by Messrs. Goff , Rice & Smith's Eng- 
lish and Classical School. The library contains about 35,000 volumes. 
Residents of Providence are allowed to draw books from it without 
charge, and its reading room and library tables are open to the free 
use of the public. The books annually taken from the library now 
number about 100,000. It is open daily, except Sundays, from 10 
o'clock A.M. to 9 o'clock P.M. The present officers are: Frank E.Rich- 
mond, president of the board of trustees; William T. Nicholson, 
treasurer; Edward I. Nickerson, secretary; William E. Foster, libra- 
rian. 

The Union for Christian Work is a combined literary, educational 
and benevolent enterprise, having reading rooms and a library at 151 
Broad street. The rooms and library are open to all persons over 16 



532 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

years of age from 3 o'clock p.m. to 9:30, and on Sundays from 2 to 9 
P.M. The library has over 3,800 volumes. Annual members support 
the enterprise by the payment of dues, one class one dollar and an- 
other class five dollars. A room open Saturday nights during the 
winter months furnishes books, games and kind influences to street 
boys. The Union also maintains three branch rooms for this pur- 
pose in other sections of the city. A flower mission collects and dis- 
tributes on Saturdays flowers to the sick and infirm in the various 
institutions of the city. The work of the Union began about 20 
years ago. Since 1872 the presidents of it have been: William B. 
Weeden, from that date to 1879; Elisha S. Aldrich, from 1880 to 1883; 
William T. Crandell, from 1884 to the present time. The librarians 
in the same time have been: Miss J. E. Graves, 1872 to 1878; Mrs. 
Martha W. Greene, 1879; William M. Bailey, Jr., 1880 to 1882: Miss 
M. C. Lee, 1883 to 1889. 

The Young Men's Christian Association of Providence is one of 
the oldest organizations of that name in New England, its origin 
dating back to 1854, in which year it was incorporated by an act of 
the general assembly. Prominent names among its incorporators 
were: Amos C. Barstow, John B. Hartwell, Allen Brown, Charles A. 
Webster, Zuinglius Grover, Henry F. Clemons, Daniel Goodwin, 
Nathan B. Hall, William Coggeshall, James Boyce, John F. Jolls, 
John D. Henley, Jr., Jeremiah Heath, Henry C. Merchant, Josiah L. 
Webster, Levi J. Lewis, Samuel G. Curry, Abner Gray, Jr., A. B. 
Bradley and others. Harmony Hall, on Weybosset street, was at first 
occupied as the headquarters of the association. In 1861 it removed 
to more commodious quarters at 98 Weybosset street. Early presi- 
dents of the association were: Hon. Amos C. Barstow, Mr. John 
Kingsbury, Deacon Joseph C. Hartshorn, Professor Emory Lyon, Mr. 
John W. Vernon and J. Halsey De Wolf, Esq. The latter was elected 
May 8th, 1865, and continued in office till May 11th, 1868, being then 
succeeded by Francis W. Carpenter. His term of office extended 
two years. John Kendrick was president from May 9th, 1870, to May 
13th, 1872; Thomas W. Chace from that date to May 17th, 1875; Ste- 
phen Brownell to May 14th, 1877; Charles A. Hopkins to May 12th, 
1879; Prof. G. B. F. Hinckley, to May 16th, 1881; A. B. McCrillis to 
May 7th, L883; Amos M. Bowen to May 4th, 1885; Charles F. Taylor 
to May 9th, 1887; B. F. Arnold to May,1889; Horace S. Tarbell, May„ 
1889, to the present time. The office of treasurer was held by Mr. B. 
W. Ham from 1854 to the time of his death, in 1885. He was suc- 
ceeded by the present treasurer, Mr. H. J. Wells, who was elected to 
that office July 23d, 1 S85. The office of librarian and secretary, hav- 
ing charge of the rooms of the association, has successively been held 
by the following: H. M. Clemons, placed in charge of the rooms at 
the opening, January 31st, 1854, to July of the same year; Reverend 
C. H. Pierson, from July 14th to November 10th, 1854; H. M. Clemoms,. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 533 

■again, until June 1st, 1855; W. C. Mills, as librarian, to May 4th, 1859; 
L. W. Makepeace, June 8th, 1859, as librarian, till December 20th, 
1871. His successor was W. H. Anderson, who continued in the 
office till September 30th, 1875. Thomas C. Crocker followed next, 
entering upon the office January 17th, 1876, and continuing till June 
21st, 1880. The close of Mr. Crocker's service occurred during the 
term of Mr. Hinckley as president, and by request the latter acted as 
general secretary until November 1st, 1880, when George M. Hersey 
was elected general secretary. He filled that office until December 
15th, 1883, and was succeeded by Everett D. Burr. The latter resigned 
May 1st, 1884, and was then succeeded by Hamilton S. Conant, who 
still occupies the position. 

During the three years from 1872 to 1875 a fresh impetus seems 
to have been given the association, increasing its membership from 
1,100 to upwards of 2,000. This was largely the result of outside 
mission work, undertaken by organized bands, who visited the differ- 
ent churches and held meetings in various buildings in the outskirts 
•of the city, as well as in other sections of it. In 1877 the association 
joined in supporting the evangelistic meetings conducted in the city 
by Mr. D. L. Moody. In the early part of 1883 the association, having 
previously secured subscriptions amounting to upwards of $5,000 for 
the purpose, fitted up very pleasant rooms at 276 Westminster street, 
and removed their library and headquarters to that building, where 
they have remained to the present time, though doubtless by the 
time this work is before its readers the association will be settled in 
its own new and elegant building at the corner of Westminster and 
Jackson streets. Through sorrows and through joy, through times 
of dearth and times of prosperity, the association has held on, wieloV 
ing its influence, exerting its power and laboring, in weakness or in 
might, for the elevation of the young men of the city. Later years 
brought it fresh tokens of appreciation of its work and its sphere of 
usefulness, and at last the smiles of prosperity beamed upon its path 
with such tangible effulgence that the way seemed clear to erect for 
it a permanent home in the heart of the city, where the associaticn 
may feel secure in a long lease of useful existence, dignity and suc- 
cessful influence for good. During the winter of 1885 steps were 
taken toward raising funds for the erection of the new building. Mr. 
Henry J. Steere led off with a subscription of $10,000, and others of 
various amounts followed in rapid succession, until in the course of 
two years the sum of $150,000 was secured for the purpose. The pre- 
liminaries having been arranged, ground was broken March 12th, 
'1889, and on the 17th of the following August the corner stone was 
laid with appropriate ceremonies, and amid the congratulations of 
many friends of the cause, among whom were many of the promi- 
nent men in affairs in this city and elsewhere. President Harrison 
from the national capital sent his regrets at not being able to be 



534 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

present, and requested the chairman to say to the young- men of 
Providence that he highly appreciated the work of the association, 
and considered it an important factor in the solution of many of the 
social problems that perplex modern governments. The buildirg 
fund subscription list at that date amounted to over $170,000, and the 
association had a membership roll of 1,675 names. 

The library and reading' room of the association contains about 
4,000 books, and 70 daily and weekly newspapers, American and for- 
eign magazines. The association has a parlor furnished with art 
works, games and other means of amusement. Classes for instiuc- 
tion in various practical branches are provided for in the building,. 
and a hall, capable of seating 400 persons, is used for various meet- 
ings, concerts and the like. These and all the other branches of 
work or convenience afforded by the association will be even more 
fully accommodated in the new building- when completed. The 
building- is a handsome brick and stone structure, modelled in the 
modern antique style of architecture. 

The newspaper history of Providence is voluminous in detail, and 
we can only attempt a brief outline of it here. The first newspaper 
printed in this town was issued October 20th, 1762. It was the Provi- 
dence Gazette ami Country Journal, and was published by William God- 
dard, who had set up the first printing office in the town during- the 
summer of the same year. In July, 1763, the printing office "was re- 
moved to " the store of Judge jenckes near the great bridge," and in 
March, 1705, to " the house opposite Mr. Nathan Angell's." This was 
just a little north of the First Baptist meeting house. Its publication 
was suspended for more than a year after May 11th, 1705. It was 
then published, beginning August 0th, 170)6, by Sarah Goddard & 
Company. Sarah was the mother of William Goddard. In Septem- 
ber, 1767, the firm was composed of William Goddard and John Car- 
ter, and in November the former removed from the town, and Mr. 
Carter became sole proprietor of the Gazette. In October, 1771 , it was 
printed in " the new building on Main street, fionting the court 
house," and later "in Meeting street, opposite the Friends' meeting- 
house." In November, 1793, John Carter and William Wilkinson 
became partners and joint publishers of the paper and the office was 
in the post office, " opposite the market." An effort was made in 
1795 to publish it semi-weekly, but it failed for want of encourage- 
ment. In May, 1799, Mr. Carter again became sole owner, and so con- 
tinued until February, 1814, when he conveyed it to Hugh H. Brown 
and William H. Wilson.. Mr. Carter published a paper noted for its 
typographical correctness. He had been an apprentice under Benja- 
min Franklin at Philadelphia. Mr. Brown became sole proprietor of 
the Gazette in June, 1816, and so continued till January. 1820, when 
he received into partnership Walter R. Danforth, who then had 
charge of the editorial department, and the Gazette became a semi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 535 

weekly publication. It was issued during- the first year on Mondays 
and Thursdays, but afterward on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Janu- 
ary 1st, 1825, Mr. Brown again became sole owner of the establish- 
ment, employing Albert C. Greene as editor. October 5th, of the 
same year, the paper was united to the Rhode Island American, and the 
association of Mr. Brown with Francis Y. Carlile was known as Car- 
lile & Brown. The consolidated paper was now published from an 
office on the north side of Market Square. William S. Patten was 
employed as editor for one year from October, 1825. He was suc- 
ceeded by Christopher E. Robbins. In March, 1827, Mr. Carlile 
became sole proprietor, and Benjamin F. Hallett was employed as 
editor. In 1827 the Microcosm was united to the establishment, and 
in July, 1829, the Cadet and Statesman joined the consolidation. 
Jonathan C. Parmenter then became a member of the firm, and the 
name of the paper was made the Rhode Island American, Statesman 
and Gazette. The proprietors also now commenced the publication 
of a daily paper, the Daily Advertiser. In November, 1829, Daniel 
Mowry, 3d, became the sole proprietor. The daily was discontin- 
ued after February, 1833. Mr. Mowry continued the publication 
of a weekly paper under the title of The Microcosm, American and 
Gazette, until April, 1833, when he sold the establishment to James 
S. Ham and Joseph Knowles. They published the paper one year, 
under the firm name of J. S. Ham & Co., after which it was discon- 
tinued. 

The second newspaper established here was The American Jour- 
nal and General Advertiser, which was started in March, 1779, by 
Solomon Southwick and Bennett Wheeler. The office of publica- 
tion was at the corner of North Main and Meeting streets. In 
November, 1779, Mr. Southwick withdrew from the business and it 
was continued by Mr. Wheeler alone, and he subsequently removed 
the office to the west side of the river. This was continued until 
about the time Mr. Wheeler started the United States Chronicle, which 
was in January, 1784. He printed this paper until 1802, when after 
an existence of 18 years, it was discontinued. The State Gazette 
and Town and County Advertiser, a semi-weekly paper, was started 
January 4th, 1796, by Joseph Fry. It was a small paper, even for 
those times, and was published on Mondays and Thursdays, from 
an office on the north side of Market square. It hardly lived 
through the year. Then came the Providence Journal and Town and 
County Advertiser, a weekly paper, published by John Carter, Jr., 
which was begun January 1st, 1799, and continued three years. The 
Impartial Observer, a weekly paper, was commenced in July, 1800, 
by vSamuel J. Williams. After March, 1801, Benoni Williams be- 
came the publisher. It was discontinued in 1802. Mr. Williams 
afterward published a few numbers of a paper called Liberty's Cen- 
tiucl, but it was not sustained. 



536 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The Providence Phenix was commenced in May, 1803, by Theo- 
dore A. Foster and William W. Dnnham. Its office was in West- 
minster street, and its publication day was Saturday. Mr. Foster 
left the concern after the first year, and Mr. Dunham continued 
its publication until July, 1805. William Olney then assumed its 
publication, which he continued until the time of his death, January 
10th, 1807. It was then published by Josiah Jones and Bennett H. 
Wheeler. In 1810 they changed the name to the Providence Patriot 
and Columbian Phenix. From January l<=t, 1819, it was published 
semi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Barzillai Cranston 
having been added to the firm, with which he, however, remained 
but about one year. In May, 1823, Eaton W. Maxcy succeeded Mr. 
AVheeler in the firm, and after one year was succeeded by William 
Simons. In December, 1829, Mr. Simons left the concern, after 
which the paper was published by Mr. Jones, as agent, for about 
three years, during a part of which period James O. Rockwell was 
editor. It was discontinued about 1832. The Rhode Island Farmer 
was the title of a paper printed for about one year, beginning in the 
summer of 1804, and published by David Heaton and Benoni Wil- 
liams. The American was commenced October 21st, 1808, by William 
W. Dunham and David Hawkins, Jr. It was published semi-weekly. 
After the first year its name was changed to The Rhode Island Ameri- 
can. It was published on Tuesdays and Fridays, from an office on 
the north side of Market Square. Dunham & Hawkins continued its 
publication until May, 1812, when the latter became sole proprietor, 
and conducted the paper until October, 1813. He then sold it to 
John Miller and William W. Man, who continued its publication 
until April, 1814. William G. Goddard then became a member of 
the firm and assumed the role of its editorial work. Mr. Miller re- 
tired in 1815. and Mr. Man died in March, 1817, whereupon Mr. God- 
dard became sole proprietor. James D. Knowles joined him in July, 
L819, and retired in 1S20, leaving Mr. Goddard again sole publisher. 
Thus he continued until October, 1825, when he transferred the es- 
tablishment to Francis Carlile, who immediately connected it with 
the Providence Gazette, as we have before stated. 

During the war of 1812 an effort was made to start a paper called 
the Provide nee Centinel and War Chronicle, by Herman B. and Daniel 
Man. as publishers, and George R. Burrill as editor. After the issue 
of a few numbers, however, the effort was abandoned. 

The Manufacturers' and Farmers Journal and Providence and Paw- 
tucket . Idvertiser was started on Monday, January 3d, 1820. It was at 
first started as a semi-weekly, and was published by John Miller, a 
printer, and John Hutehens, a bookseller. They employed as editor 
William K. Richmond. January 1st, 1823, Mr. Miller became sole 
proprietor, and continued to publish the paper for several years. 
May 1st. 1833, he formed a partnership with George Paine, and the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 537 

paper was continued by Miller & Paine until February, 1836, when it 
was purchased by George W. Jackson. The latter published it until 
July 1st, 1838, when he sold it to Joseph Knowles and William L. 
Burroughs. February 1st, 1839, the latter was succeeded in the part- 
nership by John W. Vose, and the paper was continued under the 
proprietorship of Knowles & Vose. July 1st, 1840, Henry B.Anthony 
was admitted a partner, and the firm title became Knowles, Vose & 
Anthony. Thus it continued till the death of Mr. Vose in 1848, when 
the name was changed to Knowles & Anthony. So it continued till 
January 1st, 1863, when George W. Danielson was admitted to the 
firm, and the name became Knowles, Anthony & Danielson. This 
name continued until June 3d, 1885, when it was changed to the 
Providence Journal Company. The editors of this paper have been: 
William E. Richmond, Thomas Rivers, Benjamin F. Hallett, Lewis 
Gaylord Clarke, George Paine, John B. Snow, Thomas H. Webb, 
Henry B. Anthony, James B. Angell, George W. Danielson and 
Alfred M. Williams. In 1824 the Independent Inquirer, a. weekly paper 
which had been started the year before, was transferred to the 
Journal, and its name changed to the Rhode Island Country Journal un- 
der which name it is still published by the Journal Company. On 
the first day of July, 1829, the Daily Journal was commenced. That 
is still published, and is the leading newspaper of the city. The 
Evening Bulletin, also published by the same company, was started 
January 26th, 1863. The Journal was first printed in the building 
known as the old Coffee House, No. 1 Market square, the site of 
which is now occupied by the Bank of Commerce. In August, 1823, 
it was removed to the Union Building, on the w r est side of the bridge. 
In November, 1824, it was removed to the Granite Building, adjoin- 
ing the old Coffee House. In May, 1833, it was removed to Whipple's 
Building on College street. In 1844 it was moved to the Washington 
Buildings, again on the west side of the river, where it was for 
many years printed. 

The Beacon was issued weekly for more than two years, commenc- 
ing January 10th, 1824, by William S. Spear. The Microcosm, a weekly 
paper, was commenced June 10th, 1825, by Walter R. Danforth. 
After 13 numbers had been issued it was consolidated with the Rhode 
Is/and American. The Literary Cadet and Saturday Evening Bulletin, a. 
weekly paper, was commenced April 22d, 1826, by Samuel J. Smith 
and Jonathan C. Parmenter. After the first year it became a semi- 
weekly. It was a popular newspaper in its clay, and is said to have 
reached a subscription circulation of 4,000 copies, a high figure for 
those days. During most of its existence it was edited by Sylvester 
S. Southworth. In July, 1829, it was united to the America// and Ga- 
zette. 'The American and General Intelligencer was published weekly by 
James B. Yerrinton, beginning in October, 1827. Its office was in 
the Canal Market building, and William Goodell was employed as 



538 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

its editor. It seems to have -been a sort of independent political 
paper. In December, 1828, it was removed to Boston, where it was 
united to the National Philanthropist, and was afterward removed to 
New York under some other name. In 1818 Hugh H. Brown printed 
the Jui 'en ilc Gazette for a few months, during- which time it was edited 
successively by Origen Bacheler and William H. Smith. 

The Republican Herald was started in August, 1828, John S. Greene 
being its publisher until July, 1829, when he transferred it to "Wil- 
liam .Simons, Jr., and by the latter it was published until January, 
1842. The firm was then changed to W. Simons & Co., and the pub- 
lication thus continued until March, 1850, when it became a weekly 
edition of the Daily Post , at that time started by Sayles & Miller. 
The paper was published later by Alfred Anthony until August 1st, 

1866, and then by Albert S. Gallup. It was suspended May 11th. 

1867. A few days later the same equipment was used to start the 
Providence Morning Herald, which began publishing May 20th, 1 S< '.?. 
by Noah D. Payne and Albert A. Scott. It was later published by 
Mr. Payne alone, and was suspended May 21st, 1873. .Successive 
editors of the Post were William Simons, Welcome B. Sayles, " Clem '* 
Webster and Thomas Steere; and of the Herald, Thomas Steere and 
George Webster. 

The Beacon Light began March 11th, 1829, by W. A. Brown, and was 
continued but a short time. In May following the same publisher 
started The Little Genius, which also had but a brief existence. The 
Literary Subaltern was at first a semi-weekly, commencing January 
1st, 1829. At the close of its first year it became a weekly paper. 
William Marshall, its first publisher, continued it until October 2d, 
1829, when he transferred it to John W. I). Hall and Brown Simmons. 
The latter soon became sole publisher, and so continued till Novem- 
ber 30th, 1832, when he sold it to Sylvester S. South worth, who con- 
tinued it but a short time. This was a literary and political, but 
independent paper, and was edited from the beginning by Mr. South- 
worth. The Providence Free Press, having for some time been pub- 
lished in Pawtucket, was first issued in Providence in April. 1830. 
It was published but a single year, and was the organ of the anti- 
Masonic party in the state. The Chronicle of the Times was first issued 
September 18th, 1831. Its editor and proprietor was Bennett H. 
Wheeler, and its existence extended to only a few numbers. An 
occasional publication, of a peculiar character, called 'The Scourge, 
was issued in the year 1810. Its contents were personal and offen- 
sive, and it bore no responsible name. 

The Daily City Gazette was established February 2d, 1833. It was 
edited and published by Sylvester S. Southvorth and Stephen G. 
Holroyd. After issuing it nine months the name was changed to 
the City Gazette, and it was issued weekly for a time, but soon after 
was discontinued. The Voice of the People was issued for a short time 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 539" 

in 1834, by a Mr. Doyle. The livening Star was started in April. 1834. 
It was edited and published by Charles Haswell for a few weeks,, 
then by Nathan Hall and Cornelius S. Jones. The name was subse- 
quently changed to Daily News, under which title it was issued until 
August, 1836, when it was discontinued. The Commercial Advertiser 
was established as a daily in June, 1834. It was published by 
Knowles & Burroughs', every evening, until September of the same 
year, when it was suspended. The New England Family Visitor was a 
weekly reprint from the Advertiser. The Penny Post was established 
in January, 1835, being edited and published by Samuel S. Wilson.. 
In the following July its name was changed to the Weekly Visitor- 
Under this name it continued till November, when it was discontin- 
ued. The Morning Courier was established in June, 1836, by William 
G. Larned. It was issued weekly until January, 1840, when it was 
absorbed in the Daily Journal. 'The Gaspee Torchlight was a campaign 
paper, edited by William B. Watson, and published from the Journal 
office for three months preceding the presidential election of 1840. 
It was devoted to presenting the claims of Harrison. During the 
same time the opposing candidate was championed by another paper 
— The Extinguisher — issued from the office of the Herald during the 
campaign. 

The New Age, established February 19th, 1841, was published suc- 
cessively by the Rhode Island Suffrage Association, by Millard & 
Brown, composed of Samuel M. Millard and John A. Brown, and by. 
Millard, Low & Miller, Samuel Low and William J. Miller having 
joined Millard in the firm. The paper, which was issued weekly, 
was discontinued March 1st, 1842. From the same office The Daily 
Express was started on the 18th of the same month, but it was of short 
duration. The Evening Chronicle was established March 30th, 1842. 
edited and published by Joseph M. Church. It did not live through 
its first year. A weekly edition associated with it was entitled The 
Narragansett Chief. In 1844 The Daily 'Transcript and Chronicle was 
started by L. Amsbury. It was issued at one o'clock in the after- 
noon. In July, 1847, the name was changed to Daily Evening Tran- 
script, and it was published after that till June 18th, 1855, by Greene 
& Shaw. The name was then changed to the Daily Transcript and it 
was edited by A. Crawford Greene, and was discontinued December 
19th, 1855. The Independent was published weekly for a short time in 
1844, by W. S. Sherman. The Tribune of the People was established 
in 1846, and discontinued during the same year. 

The Daily Sentinel was established in 1846. It was published 
during its short period of existence by S. M. Millard, C. Webster, G. 
W. Danielson, and James A. Miller. The General Advertiser, an ad- 
vertising sheet, then as now issued weekly, and circulated gratui- 
tously, was established in 1847. It is issued at the present time at 33' 
Canal street, by A. Crawford Greene & Son, the title being General Ad- 



540 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

vertiser and Weekly Gazette. Tfy Day Star was published during 1849 
and 1850. The Morning Mirror was published a short time in 1849, by 
Rowe & Co. The Providence Daily Tribune was established June 13th, 
1853, by A. Crawford Greene. It was afterward published by L. Ams- 
bury. and later by Colby & Amsbury, and was discontinued October 
4th, 1859. From the same office was issued The United States Free- 
wan, an abolitionist paper, for a short time edited by Dunbar Harris, 
Reverend A. Redlon, and others. The Providence Plainckaler was 
published during 1855. by Howard Meeks. Bangs 'Trumpet was pub- 
lished weekly, by N. Bangs Williams during 1857 and 1858. The 
Evening Telegraph was published by N. Bangs Williams and Henry 
L. Tillinghast. during a short time in 1859. The Providence Evening 
Press was established by Cook & Danielson, March 14th, 1859. It 
had an existence of about a quarter of a century, during which time 
it passed through many hands, and at some times was in a prosperous 
condition. After coming through many vicissitudes it fell at last 
a victim to unsuccessful management, and was discontinued Septem- 
ber 30th, 1884. The large printing office which it owned and em- 
ployed is still in successful working in the hands of Messrs. Snow & 
Farnham, who employ a large force and do a great range and quantity 
of job, pamphlet and book printing, including the reports and other 
work of the city government. The Rhode Island Press was estab- 
lished in 1861, as the weekly edition of the Evening Press and Morning 
Star. It was continued after the suspension of the Evening Press, but 
was suspended in 1886. In recent years it was published by Messrs. 
Z. L. White & Co., who also published the Providence Morning Star. 
which also suspended in 1886. The Star was started December 9th, 
1869. The Sun was established December 4th, 1873, and was edited 
by Lester E. Ross. It was issued weekly until November 20th, 1876. 
and afterward daily for a short time, when it was discontinued. The 
Providence livening Chronicle was issued for a short time in 1884, by 
James E. Hanrahan. The Sunday Dispatch was established in 1874. 
It was first published by P. D. & E. Jones, then by P. D. Jones, and 
then by W. B. W. Hallett, until about 1887, when it was suspended. 

Toivn and Country was established in 1875. It was issued weekly 
by vS. 15. Reach until 1879. The Weekly Visitorw&s established October 
6th, 1876, and subsequently removed to Central Falls. The Sunday 
Telegram was established in 1876 by C. C. Corbett & Bro., and was 
afterward published by Corbett & Spear, Corbett & Black, and now 
by David O. Black. The Rhode Island Democrat was established June 
14th, 1879, by A. N. Merchant. It is still issued as a weekly, by J. 
11. Schofield, at 64 North Main street. A German weekly paper, An- 
zeiger. was established in 1876. It is now published by Gustav Saacke, 
at 70 Ship street. The Providence livening Times was published a short 
time during 1 877 by the Times Publishing Company. The C osmopolitan 
was established March 16th, 1878. It was published weekly, by An- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 542 

gell Hammond & Co., but was discontinued January 11th, 1879. The 
Evening Telegram was started and continued by the same publishers 
as the Sunday Telegram, and is now published daily by David O. Black 
at 7 Weybosset and 50 Peck street. The Sunday Transcript was estab- 
lished in September, 1879. It was issued by F. & E. C. Corbett, by 
Alonzo Spear, and later by the Transcript Publishing Company, fi cm 
the office of the Rhode Island Democrat, till its suspension, about 1886, 
The Providence Herald was established November 1st, 1879, by Brown 
& Corbett. It was later published by Corbett & Sawin, and was dis- 
continued in 1888. The Sunday Star was established in 1881, and is- 
sued in connection with the Morning Star, and was suspended about 
1886. The Mail was issued daily from the Democrat office in 1884 for 
awhile. The Evening News was established October 1st, 1884, by Z, 
L. White. It was discontinued March 7th, 1885. The Sunday World 
was started in April. 1886, by C. C. Corbett. It was afterward pub- 
lished by F. E. Corbett, and suspended in 1888. 

Corbetfs Herald, established in 1879, is published by E. A. Corbett 
at 14 Westminster street. The Sunday Republican, of recent origin, is 
also published from the same office. The Independent Citizen is pub- 
lished by J. H. Larry, at 81 Westminster street. The Sunday Courier 
is published by A. D. Sawin, at 14 Westminster street. linker's Illus- 
trated Monthly and Household Magazine is published at 19 Westminster 
street by D. P. Buker, Jr. The Evening- Call is published by Frank 
E. Jones at 21 Eddy street. The Manufacturers' and Farmers Journal 
is published weekly from the Journal office. The Providence Visitor is 
published by M. A. Walsh at 27 North Main street. The Rental Guide 
and R. I. Business Journal is published weekly at 37 Weybosset street 
by B. S. Lake & Co. The Sunday School Superintendent is issued 
monthly by the Providence Lithograph Company at 31 Pearl strtet. 
The Freemason 's Repository is issued by E. L. Freeman & Son at 3 West- 
minster street. The Manufacturing Jeweler \ established in September, 
1884, is issued monthly by Walter B. Frost, in magazine form, at 183 
Eddy street. The Tiden is a Swedish-American newspaper, issued 
by Doctor J. F. Haller weekly at 215 Broad street. The Weekly Com- 
mercial Bulletin is issued by D. P. Buker, Jr., at 19 Westminster street. 
These last mentioned are all of recent establishment. 

A large number of religious periodicals have had existence during 
long or short terms in this city, though many of them have, like their 
secular sisters, had but short periods of active life. Some of these 
we shall notice. The first, it is said, was the Religious Intelligencer or 
Christian Monitor. This was a quarto in form, and was published 
weekly at the American office. The first number was dated May 13th, 
1820. It was published by James D. Knowles, but at the expiration 
of six months he discontinued it for want of support. In May, 1821, 
this paper was revived by Barber Badger, under the name of the 
Religious Intelligencer. After a few numbers it assumed the name of 



■542 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The Rhode Island Religious Intelligencer, being issued weekly, and from 
the same office as before. In May, 1823, it was enlarged to a folio, 
an 1 became a half newspaper, with the title of Religions Intelligencer 
.and livening Gazette. In this form it was published one year. The 
Rhode Island Baptist was published in monthly numbers from October, 
LS23, to September, 1824. Allen Brown was the editor and publisher 
and John Miller the printer. The Christian Telescoped, weekly quarto, 
-commenced August 7th, 1824. It was edited by Reverend David 
Pickering, of the First Universalist church, and published by Ear- 
zillai Cranston for one year. Later it was published by John S. 
Greene. In August, 1826, it was enlarged to eight pages, and the 
title changed to The Christian Telescope and Universalist Miscellany. In 
December, 1826, F. C. Swain became associated with Mr. Greene in 
the publication of this paper. From December, lb26, to September, 
L827, it was printed by Cranston & Marshall, after which it was 
printed and published solely by Mr. Greene. In November, 1828, it 
was changed to the folio form, and the name was changed to The 
( hristian Telescope and Friday Morning General Intelligencer. Jacob 
Frieze was also associated with Mr. Pickering in the editorship. The 
paper was discontinued during the following year. The opponent 
■of the last named paper was the Anti-Universalist, which was com- 
menced in 1827. Origen Bacheler was its publisher and editor. It 
was removed hence to Boston in December, 1828, and afterward died. 
The Hopkinsian Magazine, edited by Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, and 
printed by Hugh H. Brown, was published from 1824 to 1840. 

The Free-will Baptist Magazine was begun in May, 1826, Zalmon 
Tobey being its editor and Barzillai Cranston the printer. The ven- 
ture was undertaken by several elders of the Rhode Island quarterly 
meeting, but after the first volume the quarterly meeting assumed its 
publication, which extended to May. 1830. It was at first published 
quarterly and afterward monthly. The Religions Messenger was com- 
menced July 2d, 182f>. Origen Bacheler was its editor and publisher, 
and it was issued weekly. In 1826 and 1827 it was issued as The 
Rhode Island Religious Messenger by lames B. Yerrington and Yerring- 
ton cK: Ellis, edited by a committee of the Rhode Island state conven- 
tion, under the patronage of which bodv it was published. August 
Pith. 1820, James N. Seaman became the editor. In 1827 it was en- 
larged, and William Goodell became its editor. It was discontinued 
about the year 1828. The Gospel Preacher, David Pickering, editor, and 
John vS. Greene, printer, was begun in December, 1827. and published 
for about one year. It was a monthly, octavo in form, and each num- 
ber contained two sermons by Universalist ministers. The Union 
Conference Magazine, a paper devoted to the interests of the Free-will 
Baptists, issued its first number in August, 1829, and then suspended. 
The Rhode Island Journal and Sunday School and Bible Class Advocate was 
published semi-monthly bv Reverend David Benedict during the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 543 

year 1831. The Sunday School Herald was issued once, April 26th, 
1812. The Light was published by Joseph A. Whitmarsh in 1835. 
It was devoted to moral reform, but was of short life. A rival was 
started under the title More Light, and published a short time during 
the same year. 

The Rhode Island Temperance Herald was established October 13th, 
1838. It was published by an association and issued weekly. Octo- 
ber 30th, 1839, its name was changed to The Olive Leaf and Rhode 
Island Temperance Herald, and it was then edited by Charles lewett, 
Lorenzo D. Johnson and Abel Stevens, successively. In May, 1840, 
it was merged into the New York Weekly Messenger. The Providence 
'Temperance Herald was issued during 1838 and 1839. The Cold Water 
Gazette was established March 21st, 1840. It was edited by Wyllis 
Ames, and published only for a short time, as a campaign paper in 
the state election. The Samaritan was started November 10th, 1841, 
at first as a weekly and afterward as a semi-monthly. It was edited 
by Samuel S. Ashley and Thomas Tew. It was discontinued after 
about two years. The Gospel Messenger was commenced November 
2Sth, 1840. It was edited by Zephaniah Baker till January, 1842, then 
by Baker and S. P. Landers till January, 1843, and afterward by A. A. 
Davis, Hervy Bacon and D. B. Harris. It was Universalist in tone, 
and was suspended previous to 1847. A paper was started in behalf 
of the Six Principle Baptists, in 1840. It had the title John the J bap- 
tist, and was edited by John Tillinghast and published by Benjamin 
T. Albro. In its third year it was removed toPawtucket. The Chris- 
tian Soldier was started February 18th,1842. It was printed by Hugh 
H. Brown and edited by J. Whittemore and T. H. Bacheller. Its 
sentiment was Free-will Baptist. It was soon removed to Pawtucket. 
The Tattle Axe was a temperance campaign paper, issued a short 
time in 1852, by Howard Weeks. The Rhode Island Temperance Pledge, 
a weekly issue, was published in 1847 and 1848, by Amsbury & Lin- 
coln, from an office at 9 Market Square. 'The Free-will Taptist Quarterly 
was issued here from 1853 to 1856, when it was removed to Dover, 
N. H. The 'Temperance Advocate was published in 1852, at 24 West- 
minster street, edited by Clement Webster. It was a weekly, and 
was continued three or four years. The Providence Preacher was issued 
in 1859 by Reverend Thomas Williams. It contained sermons and 
other religious matter, and was issued monthly. The Weekly Visitor 
was established in 1875, and is now published under the title of the 
Providence Visitor. It is Catholic in sentiment. 

A number of literary papers have been started in Providence. 
They have also for the most part been short-lived. Among the first 
of these was the Rhode Island Literary Repository. This was a monthly 
publication, commenced in April, 181 4, and was editorially conducted 
by Isaac Bailey. The publishers were Martin Robinson and Benja- 
min Howland. 'The Ladies Magazine, a monthly, first appeared in 



544 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

March, 1823. It had a precarious existence of only a few months.. 
It had a lady editor, and was printed by John Miller. The Ladies 
Museum was commenced in July, 1825. It was published weekly, f cl- 
one year, by Eaton W. Maxcy, and then discontinued. The Toilet 
and Ladies Cabinet of Literature was a small weekly, commenced Jan- 
uary 5th, 1828. It was published by Josiah Snow and edited by Owen 
G. Warren until November, and after that by Samuel M. Fowler.. 
From August, 1828, to November it was published by W. A. Brown, 
and after that by Smith & Parmenter. The second volume com- 
menced January 24th, 1829, under the title of The Saturday Evening 
Gazette and Ladies' Toilet. 'The Brimonian was started in 1829, by the 
students of Brown University. It commenced in July and was pub- 
lished monthly for one year. The Original was a monthly maga- 
zine, edited by Francis H. Whipple and printed by Marshall & 
Hammond in 1829. Only two numbers were issued. The Olla 
Podrida was published occasionally by John Bisbee. It was made 
up principally of original matter. Not more than three or four 
numbers were ever issued. The Literary Journal and Weekly Register 
of Science and Fine Arts was begun in 1832 and continued until 
1834. It was edited by Albert G. Greene and published by Knowles 
& Vose. 'The Gleaner was published by the senior department of the 
girls' high school from 1855 to 1857. The High School Magazine was 
published by the boys' high school in 1858, for a short time. The 
Rhode Island Educational Magazine was edited by E. R. Potter and pub- 
lished from 1852 to 1854. The Tea Leaf a very small daily paper de- 
voted to gossip and witticism, was published for a few months in 1853 
and 1854. The Rhode Island Schoolmaster was established by Robert 
Allyn in 1S55. It was issued monthly. From 1858 to 1860 it was 
edited by William A. Mowry, then by a board of editors until 1870, 
then by T. W. Bicknell and T. B. Stock well until December, 1874, 
when it was merged in The New England Journal of Education. Ours 
Illustrated was issued monthly for a short time about 1870. 

The Ornithologist and Oologist was published monthly for a while 
in 1875. The High School Budget was started in 1877, and published 
monthly by the pupils in the classical department of the high school. 
The Parrott, a military semi-monthly publication, was published 
awhile about 1878, but had a short life. The lu -ho. started January 
18th, 1879, was soon merged in the Parrott. and shared the fate of that 
paper. The Hypophct was published by the high school boys during 
the school year 1882-3. 'The Comet, a school paper, was issued a few 
times in the summer of 1883. The Indicator, a theatrical paper, was 
started in 188:5. It was edited by Claude DeHaven and issued weekly. 
It was continued until about 1888. The Household Magazine was started 
in 1883, issued monthly, and had but a brief existence. 'The Art Folio 
was started in 1883 and had but a brief existence. 'The People, started 
in December, 1885, was published weekly for a short time, in the in- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 545 

terest of the workingmen. The Temple of Honor, a monthly, was pub- 
lished at 49 Weybosset street by H. F. Ferrin, in 1876. It enjoyed a 
brief existence. The Record was published by W. G. Comstock for a 
short time in 1876. The Opera House Programme was published by 
Porthouse & Carleton in 1879. The Public Records Reporter was pub- 
lished in 1880 by J. G. Gooding - , at 57 Weybosset street. The Rhode 
Island Citizen was started about 1885 by Benjamin F. Evans. It had 
a brief existence. The Missionary Helper was published by Mrs. M. M. 
Brewster for a while in 1885. The Helper was published for a time in 
1885, by D. P. Buker. The Shorthand and Typewriting Monthly was is- 
sued from 55 Westminster street awhile in 1885. 'The Weekly Commer- 
cial Bulletin was published by I). P. Buker in 1886, and continued to 
the present time. 

Other publications having more or less reference to recurring 
periods of time have been published here. The first almanac was 
published by Benjamin West, in 1763. It was calculated for the 
meridian of Providence, and for a long term of years was a standard 
authority. " Abraham Weatherwise" also published an almanac for 
several years from 1769. In 1790 Bennett Wheeler began publishing 
his North American Calendar. The venerable Isaac Bickerstaff com- 
menced here his labors in almanac making, as early as the year 1781, 
which continued for a long term of years. The publication of the 
• Rhode Island Register and United States Calendar was commenced in 
1819, by Hugh H. Brown, and continued annually until 1832, by him 
and by the firm of Brown & Danforth. The first directory of Pi evi- 
dence was published by Brown & Danforth, in 1824. The book con- 
tained 2,958 names, not including any names of colored inhabitants. 
A directory was published by the same firm or their successors in 
the years mentioned as follows: 1826,1828,1830,1832,1836, 1838. 
1841, 1844,1847, 1850,1852. and from that timeon to the present every 
year. In I860 the directory came into the hands of Messrs. Adams, 
Sampson & Co., which about 1866 was changed to Sampson, Daven- 
port & Co., and in 1885 was changed to Sampson, Murdoch & Co., 
the present firm. A complete Rhode Island Business Directory was 
added to it in 1864; in 1869, a Rhode Island State Register; in 1870, a finely 
engraved copper-plate map of Providence, and in 1872 an improved 
street directory. The directory for 1889 is a volume of about 1,200 
pages, and the city directory contains the names of 59,693 persons 
residing within the city and Johnston at some time during the year 
for which the directory is made up. The publication of a tax book, 
showing the names and assessments of all the tax payers of the city, 
was begun in 1826, and has with few exceptions been repeated every 
year. At the present time it is a volume of very respectable size, 
and is sold for 75 cents a copy. 

The first theater in Providence was opened by Mr. David Douglass, 
a Scotchman, who, with his company, was visiting the towns of this 
3r, 



546 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

country. After playing at Newport, they came here and opened the 
"Histrionic Academy," on Meeting street, east of Benefit street, about 
Julv 1st, 1762. No license from the town had been obtained, and the 
popular indignation at taking such a liberty, increased by the idea 
that some political scheme lay beneath the surface, arose so high 
that the continuance of the play was forbidden by a public town 
meeting. This not being heeded, the general assembly was appealed 
to, and a very stringent bill was passed against stage plays, and this 
effected the object. Mr. Douglass and his company then left the 
realm of Rhode Island. In the fall of 1792, Joseph Harper brought 
his company here and, though the law was still in effect, yet he was 
successful in quieting popular prejudice to such an extent that the 
town council agreed not to prosecute him. on condition that one-fifth 
the proceeds of the performances should go into the town treasury. 
A theater was fitted up in the court house and the play had a suc- 
cessful season. Next, a part of the building known as the "Coffee 
House," which stood on Market Square, was fitted up as a theater, 
and on December 30th, 1794, it was opened with a double bill, " The 
Foundling-, or Virtue Rewarded;" and "The King and the Miller of 
Mansfield." The doors were open at 5 o'clock, and the performance 
began at 6 o'clock. The price of admission to the boxes was 6s., to 
the pit 3s., and to the gallery, 2s., 3d. The season closed April 13th, 
1795, when the " Beggars' Opera" was given in an altered version. 

It was now determined to build a suitable building for a theater, 
and a joint stock company was formed for the purpose. The erec- 
tion of a theater was soon begun. It was located on the corner of 
Westminster and Mathewson streets, on the site now occupied by 
Grace church. The building had three entrances at the front— one 
to the pit, another to the gallery and another to the boxes. The 
proscenium was 16 feet high and 24 feet wide, with a scroll above it 
bearing the motto, " Pleasure the means, the end virtue " The new 
theater was opened by Mr. Harper September 3d, 1795, with the 
plays, "The Child of Nature" and "Rosina, or the Reapers." The 
season ran to November 2d. In 1797 the season was not a successful 
one, owing to the ravages of yellow fever in the town. In 1798 the 
act suppressing theatrical perfoimances was repealed, though it had 
been for several years ignored. The theater here was not, however, 
a profitable investment. In 1810 Mr. Harper withdrew from its man- 
agement, and was succeeded by Messrs. Powell & Dickson. In Janu- 
ary, 1812, the news of the burning of a theater at Richmond, Va., 
and the consequent loss of 71 lives, aroused a popular feeling against 
the play house, and a petition was strongly signed and advocated be- 
fore the assembly for the passage of an act suppressing the theater. 
Although arousing a high degree of discussion and much sentiment, 
it failed to secure the desired law. The theater programmes from 
year to year proceeded with varying success, and in 1827 the lease 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 547 

was purchased of Mr. Powell by Messrs. Clark & Charnock. During 
these years the stars of the stage in their turn appeared before 
Providence audiences in this building. William Dinneford became 
its lessee in 1828. In 1831 the " Capture of Prescott," a local subject, 
was prepared by Mr. S. S. Southworth and presented on the stage. 
Messrs. Philip Case and William Marshall were now lessees of the 
theater, and it was occupied by different companies that from time 
to time came along. Thomas Hilson, the last manager of the Provi- 
dence Theater, opened his season February 13th, 1832, and closed it 
on March 23d, with the performance of the "Merry Wives of Wind- 
sor." The property being unproductive to the stockholders, they 
now sold it to the corporation of Grace church, and it was speedily 
converted into a house of worship. Several years later the building 
was torn down, and upon its site was erected the brown stone'church 
edifice, which is now one of the chief architectural objects of interest 
on Westminster street. 

Theatrical performances had now to take up with such accommo- 
dations as they could find in the armories on Benefit street for a few 
years. The Lion Theater was fitted up in a brick building on Fulton 
street, which had previously been used for a circus. This was opened 
on the 10th of May, 1836. Its career was, however, a short one, for 
on the 12th of September following it was burned to the ground. A 
theater was fitted up soon after that in Washington Hall, a building 
which stood near Turk's Head. It was under the management of a 
company of so-called amateurs, but it was afterward shown that 
they were professionals, and thus had violated their license, which 
was thus forfeited, and, being revoked by the city, they were obliged 
to close their doors. It is said that John B. Gough, who was then a 
book-binder, was among the company concerned in this theater. 

Ground was broken for a new theater on the east side of Dorrance 
street May 28th, 1838. The site was between Pine and Friendship 
streets. The prejudice against the drama now appeared again in a 
petition, signed by six hundred persons, praying the board of alder- 
men to take action to suppress the enterprise. The petition, how- 
ever, was not regarded, and the building went on. It was of stone, 
the basement of granite and the upper stories plastered and pointed. 
Its length was 110 feet and its width 65 feet. In the auditorium 
there was a pit, a circular gallery and two tiers of boxes. The in- 
terior decorations were rich and artistic, and the act drop, a repre- 
sentation of the Capitol at Washington by moonlight, was considei ed 
an excellent specimen of the scene painter's art. The new theater 
was named Shakespeare Hall, and it was opened on the 29th of Octo- 
ber, 1838, with the plays of "The Soldier's Daughter" and "A Pleas- 
ant Neighbor." Several seasons of little success followed, and to the 
embarrassment of small patronage was added the casualty of a fire 
which gutted the building October 25th, 1844. 



.548 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Some success attended the efforts later made to establish theatri- 
cal representations in a hall on South Main street in 1846, and a little 
later in Cleveland Hall, on North Main street, in the building next 
north of the present Elizabeth Building. This hall was given up for 
that use about 1850. The Providence Museum was opened on the 
25th of December, 1848, by W. C. Forbes. It was situated on West- 
minster street, fronting on Orange street, on the site since occupied 
by the Phcenix Building. The building was destroyed by fire Oc- 
tober 27th, 1852. A new theater, known as Forbes' Theater, was soon 
after erected on the site of the Museum, and opened September 6th, 
1854. Success did not for a continued length of time perch upon its 
banners, and it was finally closed, except to an occasional travelling 
company. After having been in this condition for some time, it was 
destroyed by fire November 15th, 1858. 

In the summer of 1857 a small wooden building at the corner of 
Pine and Orange streets was opened by a company under the man- 
agement of George- H. Griffith. In 1858 the old Second Baptist meet- 
ing house was fitted up for a theater. This was known as Swarts' 
Hall, and it stood on the corner of Pine and Dorrance streets. For a 
time variety entertainments were given there under the direction 
of George Wyatt. After the destruction of Forbes' Theater this hall 
was enlarged and renovated, and on the 5th of September, 1859, it 
opened as the Pine Street Theater, under the management of Edwin 
Varrey and W. A. Arnold, both of whom had been connected with 
Forbes' Theater. This venture proved unprofitable, and the hall was 
soon after closed. The Academy of Music, in the Phcenix Building, 
which was erected on the site of Forbes' Theater, was opened on the 
28th of June, 1860, by a concert under the direction of Carl Zerrahn. 

The city hall*, at the corner of Dorrance and Washington streets, 
was opened as a public hall January 4th. 1-865. At first it was used 
principally for concerts, lectures and various literary entertainments, 
but after a time it developed into a regular theater. It was known as 
Harrington's Opera House, and continued in use as a popular place 
of amusement until 1871. In June, 1871, the Providence Opera House 
Association was chartered, having a capital of $100,000, and the erec- 
tion of a theater was immediately commenced. The building was 
erected with remarkable expedition, and on the 4th of December, 
1871 , it was opened under the management of William Henderson, 
who had leased it for a long term of years. Here the last stock com- 
pany formed in Providence gave representations of the drama. This 
was during the season of 1876-7. Mr. Henderson withdrew from the 
management, and the theater has since been run as a combination 
house. One of the prominent places of amusement is Keith's Gaiety 
Opera House, located at 192 Westminster street. This was at first 
known as Low's ( )pera House, and was inaugurated as a theater 
March 4th, 1878. by a concert given by the full American Band and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 549 

an address by Mayor Doyle. The first regular dramatic performance 
given there was the play of " Uncle Tom's Cabin," by the Wilkinson 
Company, on the following night. It was for several years under 
the management of its owner, William H. Low. In 1888 it was 
changed to its present name, Keith's Opera House. The building is 
constructed of brick and iron, trimmed with olive stone and white 
brick. The stage is 36 feet deep and 100 feet wide. The main en- 
trance was formerly on Union street, but in 1882 a grand entrance 
was made on Westminster street. x\t the same time a gallery was 
added, by which the seating capacity was increased from 1,500 to 
1,800, and the whole interior was redecorated. Music Hall, located 
at 276 Westminster street, is used for concerts, lectures, fairs and the 
like. Its shape is rectangular and its size 1C5 by S5 feet. It also has 
a gallery on three sides and a second gallery in the rear. It is fur- 
nished with a powerful pipe organ for concerts, and the stage accom- 
modates an orchestra of 60 and 300 singers. The hall has a seating 
capacity of 2,200. The hall was enlarged and the interior rearranged 
in 188 L. The Sans Souci Garden, on Broadway, opposite Jackson 
street, is a popular place of resort during the summer. It contains a 
theater, rebuilt in 1882, having a seating capacity of 1,200, in which 
comic operas and light comedies are given. The Westminster 
Musee, at 266 Westminster street, furnishes a variety of amuse- 
ments. 

The Amateur Dramatic Hall, on the corner of South Main and Pow- 
er streets, was erected in 1833, for a church, and after being used as 
such by the Power Street Methodist Episcopal church for nearly 40 
years, was afterward used as a riding school, and since 1876 has been 
used for dramatic performances and similar purposes. The Theater 
Comique is a small theater, remodelled and refurnished for the pur- 
pose, in 1881, is located at 83 Weybosset street, and devoted chiefly 
to the " variety " class of performances. Other halls in the city, of 
which we cannot speak in detail are: Alfredian, at Veazie, near 
Branch avenue; Bassett, at 49 High street; Blackstone, on the corner 
of Washington and Snow streets; Carrol, at 281 High; Cheapside, at 
28 North Main; Dimond, at 169 Charles; Dyer's Opera House, at 
Olneyville Square; Eddy's Hall, at 373 High street; Franklin, at 62 
Westminster; Freedom, at 901 Eddy; Gorton's, at Potter's avenue, 
near Cranston; Haggai, at 41 Weybosset; Harmony, at 70 Weybosset; 
Howard, at 137 Westminster; Lester, at 116 Cranston; Infantry Hall, 
in the armory, 108 to 132 South Main; Moshassuck Hall, 70 Weybos- 
set; ' North vStar, at Charles street and Chalkstone avenue; Odd Fel- 
lows', at 97 Weybosset; Oriental, at 255 High; Phenix, at 129 West- 
minster; Pythian, at 56 Westminster; Slade, at Washington and 
Eddy streets; Springer, at 927 High; Stein way, at Westminster and 
Snow streets; Temperance, at 225 Westminster; Temperance, at 
Eddy street and Potter's avenue; Unity, at 275 High: and Wans- 
kuck, at 320 Branch avenue. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

BANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 



Banking Facilities. — Board of Trade. — First Banking Institutions. — The Providence 
Bank. — Exchange Bank. — Roger Williams Bank. — Union Bank. — Merchants' Bank. 
— Eagle Bank. — Manufacturers' Bank. — Mechanics' Bank. — Mechanics' and Manu- 
facturers' (5th National) Bank. — High Street Bank. — Arcade (R. I. National) Bank. — 
Weybosset Bank. — Blackstone Canal Bank. — Globe Bank. — National (Old) Bank. — 
City Bank. — American Bank. — Commercial Bank. — Bank of North America. — Phe- 
nix Bank. — Traders' Bank. — Pawtuxet Bank. — Lime Rock Bank. — State Bank. — 
Bank of Commerce. — What Cheer Bank. — Continental (4th National) Bank. — 
Bank of America. — Atlantic Bank. — Grocers' and Producers' Bank. — Butchers' and 
Drovers' Bank. — Liberty Bank. — Atlas Bank. — Westminster Bank. — Mercantile 
(1st National) Bank. — Jackson Bank. — Marine (3d National) Bank. — Northern Bank. 
— Second National Bank. — Other Banks. — Providence Institution for Savings. — Peo- 
ples' Savings Bank. — Mechanics' Savings Bank. — City Savings Bank. — R. I. Hospital 
Trust Company. — Jackson Institution for Savings. — Citizens' Savings Bank. — Mer- 
chants' Savings Bank. — Franklin Institution for Savings. — Other Savings Institu- 
tions. — Beginning of the Insurance Business. — The Providence Washington. — The 
Providence Mutual. — The American. — The Manufacturers' Mutual. — The R. I. 
Mutual.— The Roger Williams.— The Merchants.— The Atlantic Fire & Marine.— The 
Commercial Mutual.— The Franklin Mutual.— The Firemen's Mutual. — The State 
Mutual.— The Equitable Fire & Marine.— The Slater Mutual.— The Butler Mutual.— 
The Gaspee Fire & Marine.— The Trident Mutual.— The National Mutual.— The 
Hope.— The Providence Fire & Marine.— The City Fire & Marine.— The Narragan- 
sett Fire & Marine.— The Union Mutual.— The Blackstone Mutual.— The Newport 
Fire & Marine.— The Mechanics' Mutual.— The What Cheer Mutual.— The Enter- 
prise Mutual. — The Merchants' Mutual. — The American Mutual Steam Boiler Insur- 
ance Company. — Other Insurance Companies. 



WITH such widely extending commercial relations and numer- 
ous industrial interests we may naturally expect to find 
ample banking facilities. Few cities, if any of its size, are 
so well provided with monetary institutions as Providence. There 
are now in the city 26 national banks, 5 state banks, 6 savings banks, 
and a number of banking and trust companies doing a banking 
business. 

In this connection we take the liberty to mention the Board of 
Trade of this city, which though not included in the monetary insti- 
tutions, is yet closely allied to them, and in like manner represents 
the commercial enterprise of the city and is sustained by the class of 
men among whom the leaders of banking and similar institutions 
are prominent. The Board of Trade has for its object the promotion 
and protection of the various business interests of the city, its 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 551 

organization being based upon nearly the same general plan of 
similar institutions elsewhere. It occupies the old city building on 
Market Square, and there are about 500 members in the association. 
It was incorporated in 1868. Its rooms are supplied with represent- 
ative newspapers, giving market reports, and accounts of financial 
transactions of importance in different parts of the country, accounts 
of stock sales, and market quotations from all parts of the world. 
The privileges of the rooms are open only to its members. Its officers 
at present' are: J. U. Starkweather, president; Charles Morris Smith 
and Frederick Grinnell, vice-presidents; Oren Westcott, treasurer; 
Freeman P. Little, secretary; and the following directors — Edward 

D. Pearce, Robert Barton, Herbert F. Hinckley, Albert W. Smith, 
Joseph Banigan, Arthur H. Watson. Stillman White, Elisha H. 
Rockwell, Frank E. Richmond, Henry F. Lippitt, Lyman B. Goffi, 
Wendell P. Hale, Edward D. Williams, J. K.H. Nightengale, George 

E. Martin, C. H. Merriman, Webster Knight, John P. Campbell, 
Matthew Watson, H. C. Cranston, and James P. Rhodes. 

The first banking institution in Providence had its origin in 1791. 
At that time several of the wealthy merchants, moved by the great 
advantages which had resulted to Boston from the establishment of 
a bank, called a public meeting of such persons as were in favor of 
trying a similar experiment here. The meeting adopted apian pre- 
pared for their examination, and the Providence Bank went into 
operation in October. This was the first institution of the kind in- 
corporated in this state. Of its early history we have but fragment- 
ary knowledge. For a long time it was doing business at 48 South 
Main street. In 1824 it was at that number, but in 1838 it had been 
removed to 46 South Main. At that time its capital stock amounted 
to $500,000. A few years later it was again located at 48 South Main. 
It became a national bank in July, 1865, and in 1867 it was removed 
to 70 South Main, its present location. Moses B. Ives was its presi- 
dent in 1838, and he continued in that office until 1858, when he was 
succeeded by Robert H. Ives. The latter continued in the position 
until 1869. He was then followed by William Goddard, who holds 
the office at the present time. Charles L. Bowler was cashier in 
1838, and from that time on until 1858. He was then followed by 
Benjamin W. Ham, who was succeeded in 1886 by Andrew R. Matte- 
son, the present cashier. The capital of the bank remains $500,000. 
The present directors are: William Goddard, Marshall Woods, M. B. 
I. Goddard, R. I. Gammell, George W. R. Matteson, John Carter 
Brown Woods and William Gammell, Jr. 

The Exchange Bank was incorporated in February. 1801. Its 
capital has been from the beginning $500,000. The first cashier was 
Stephen Jackson. The presidents have been: Amos Troup, Cyrus 
Butler, Samuel Nightengale, Benjamin Aborn, who was in the office 
in 1838, and continued until 1852. In that year John Barstow became 



552 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

president, continuing till 1865, when he was succeeded by Elisha 
Dyer. Alexis Caswell succeeded in 1866, to 1869, when Rufus Water- 
man followed. He was followed in 1876 by Henry L. Kendall, who 
continued till 1884. In that year Nicholas Sheldon took the position, 
which he still holds. The successive cashiers from 1838 have been: 
Henry G. Gladding, to 1865; William H. Corey, 1865 to 1869; C. H. 
vSheldon, 1870 to the present time. George Curtis and Henry E. 
Hudson were successive cashiers in the interim following Mr. Jack- 
son. The location of the bank has been at 55 Westminster street 
since 1847. It was previously located at No. 1 Westminster street. 
It was organized as a national bank in July, 1865. The present di- 
rectors are: Francis S. Brownell, Nicholas Sheldcn, John A. Brown, 
Amos G. Nichols, Henry T. Beckwith, Lyman Klapp, William H. 
Pope. 

The Roger Williams Bank was first incorporated in 1803. It was 
located at 19 Market Square. In 1847 its location was changed to 23 
Market Square, and about 1868 it was again changed to the present 
location, 27 Market Square. It was reorganized as a national bank 
September 1st, 1865. It has had an existence of considerable pros- 
perity, its surplus reaching $100,000 in 1888. Its capital stock is 
§499,950. Successive presidents from the start have been: Seth 
Wheaton, Nehemiah R. Knight, up to 1855; Jabez C. Knight, 1855 to 
L867; Cyrus Harris, 1867 to 1878; James W. Taft, 1878 to 1880; Charles 
H. George, 1880 to the present time. The cashiers have been: Nathan 
Waterman, Jr.. Nathaniel Smith, to 1855; William H. Waterman, 
1S55 to 1880; M. E. Torrey, 1S80 to the present time. The directors 
are: James W. Taft, Gorham P. Pomroy, Charles H. George, I. B. 
Mason, Stillman White, Edward S. Aldrich, John M. Buffinton, 
Charles Sydney Smith, Joseph U. Starkweather. 

The Union Bank was incorporated in 1814. The first directors 
were: Ephraim Brown, Amos M. Atwell, Samuel Aborn, Elisha 
I >yer, Amasa Mason, Samuel Ames, Ephraim Talbot, James Rhodes, 
Benjamin Clifford, Isaac Bowen, Jr., and Richmond Bullock. The 
bank occupies the Union Bank Building, at 10 Westminster street, 
the building having been erected for it in 1815. The successive 
presidents have been: Ephraim Bowen, Benjamin Clifford, Amasa 
Mason, to about 1840; Elisha Dyer, from about that date to 1855; 
John H.()rmsbee,1855 to 1861; James Y. Smith, 1861 to 1877; Charles 
A. Xichols, 1877 to 1878; Henry G. Russell, 1878 to the present time. 
The capital of the bank has varied at different times. From $500,000, 
about 1870, it rose to 8800,000, and in the course of about seven 
years dropped again to $500,000, where it now stands. Successive 
cashiers from the start have been: Richard Lippitt, Thomas B. Fen- 
ner, William J. King, James B. Hoskins, to 1870, after a term of more 
than thirty years; Joseph C. Johnson, 1870 to the present time. The 
present directors are: Henry G. Russell, Elisha Dyer, Jr., Johns H. 





m f\ 





HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 553 

Congdon, William W. Dunnell, Joseph C. Johnson, William A. 
Tucker and John W. Slater. 

The Merchants' Bank was incorporated February 18th, 1818. Its 
first board of directors consisted of William Richmond, Andrew 
Taylor. Peleg Rhodes. Truman Beckwith, Samuel A. Richmond, 
Randolph Chandler, Stephen H. Smith, John B. Wood, Charles 
Porter, George S. Rathbone, Charles S. Bowen, Nathan Tingley and 
Grosvenor Taft. The location of the bank was at 12, Union Building, 
afterward at 139 South Main street in 1855, at 12 Westminster street 
in 1857, and since I860 at 14 Westminster street. The capital origi- 
nally was $500,000 but about 1857 this was doubled, and its capital 
has since been $1,000,000. It was reorganized as a national bank in 
May, 1865. The presidents have been: William Richmond, 1818 to 
1850; Josiah Chapin, 1850 to 1868; Royal C. Taft, 1868 to the present 
time. Successive cashiers have been: Joseph Wheelock, Henry E. 
Hudson to about 1840, when he was succeeded by Henry P. Knight 
until 1847; William B. Burdick, 1847 to 1851; A. M. Tower, 1852 to 
1857; Charles T. Robbins, 1857 to 1868; John W. Vernon, 1869 to the 
present time. The present directors are Royal C. Taft, Frank Mau- 
ran, Frank E. Richmond, Samuel R. Dorrance, John W. Danielson, 
Edward D. Pearce, Jr., Horatio N. Campbell, Frederick C. Sayles and 
George M. Smith. 

The Eagle Bank was incorporated in February, 1818. It has had 
an experience of prosperous and substantial activity, at the same 
time a remarkable conservatism and stability have been apparent in 
its progress. Two of its original directors held the office for more 
than 50 years, Joseph Whitaker holding until 1871 and William Shel- 
don until 1872. The bank was reorganized as the National Eagle 
Bank in April, 1865. The capital increased gradually from year to 
year until 1853, when it reached the limit of $500,000, where it has 
since remained. It has for most of its time been located at different 
places on Market Square, at first at 30, then at 19, later at 23 from 
1847 to 1866, at 27 from 1866 to 1888, since which time it has been 
located at 53 Weybosset street. Its presidents have been: Wheeler 
Martin, William Church, to 1844; B. D. Weeden, 1844 to 1852; Wil- 
liam Sheldon, from that time to 1870; James T. Rhodes, 1870 to 1873;* 
Joseph Sweet, 1873 to 1878; James H. Mumford, 2d, 1878 to the pres- 
ent time. Successive cashiers have been: John Lippitt, Stephen S. 
Wardwell, more than 30 years, to 1871; John A. Angell, 1871 to 1877; 
Charles F. Sampson, 1877 to the present time. The following are 
now in the board of directors: Robert B. Chambers, Edward A. Swift, 
John S. Palmer, James H. Mumford, 2d,Beriah Wall, William S. Hay- 
ward and John Waterman. 

The Manufacturers' Bank was incorporated in October, 1813. Its 
stock capital is $500,000. It was first located at Pawtucket, and re- 
moved to Providence in 1831. Up to about 1847 it was located at 5^> 



554 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

North Main street. At that time it was removed to 24 Westminster, 
and in 1866 to 26 Westminster, the latter being its location to the 
present time. Presidents of this bank have been: Oziel Wilkinson, 
Samuel Slater, William Jenkins, to 1847; Thomas Harkness, 1847 to 
1858; William A. Robinson, 1858 to 1873; Thomas Harkness, 1873 to 
the present time. Its successive cashiers have been: Joseph Whee- 
lock, Pardon Sayles, H. G. Usher, Daniel F. Carpenter, William S. 
Patten, more than 40 years previous to 1874; Gilbert A. Phillips, 1874 
to the present time. The prosperity of this bank is evidenced by its 
growing surplus, which, during the last ten years, has increased from 
$209,000 in 1879 to $240,000 in 1889. The bank adopted the national 
character in 1865. Its directors at the present time are: Caleb Sea- 
grave, Thomas Harkness, Jeffrey Hazard, George W. Congdon, Elisha 
S. Aldrich, Gilbert A. Phillips, Newton D. Arnold and Charles 
Matteson. 

The Mechanics' Bank was incorporated in June, 1823. Its early 
location was on the second floor at 21 Market Square. Later it was 
domiciled at 25 South Main street, and about 1851 was removed to 27 
South Main. In 1867 its location was 37 South Main, and in 1881 it 
occupied its present location at 46 Weybosset. It became a national 
bank in April, 1865. Its capital stock is $500,000, and its surplus has 
increased from $150,000 in 1875 to $195,000 in 1889. The first board 
of directors was composed of: Thomas Howard, Peter Grinnell, 
William Pabodie, Stanford Newel, William T. Grinnell, George 
Baker, John Larcher, William P. Greene and Joseph Howard. The 
first president was Peter Grinnell. Amasa Manton held the position 
for a long term of years previous to 1867. He was then succeeded 
by Moses B. Lock wood, who was followed in 1873 by Lewis Dexter, 
and he in 1884 by James H. Chace, the present incumbent, josiah 
Lawton was the first cashier. John A. Field was cashier for about 
half a century previous to 1873, when he was followed by Samuel H. 
Tingley, who still occupies the position. The present directors are: 
Lewis Dexter, Charles D. Owen, Eugene W. Mason, James H. Chace, 
Howard O. Sturgess, Rowland G. Hazard, 2d, and Mortimer H. 
llartwell. 

The Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Bank was incorporated in 
June, 1827, the limitation of its capital stock being $500,000. Its 
early location was over the Canal Market. It 1844 it was at 1834- 
North Main, in 1847 at 207, and in 1855 at 47 of the same street. In 
IS?] it removed to 54 North Main, where it still remains, under the 
name of the Fifth National Bank, which name was adopted when it 
entered the national system, March 30th, 1865. Up to that time the 
actual capital of the bank had reached the amount of $288,900. Since 
then it has been $300,000. The presidents of the bank from 1838 
have been: Sylvanus ( r. Martin, to about 1852, when he was followed 
by James H. Read, who continued until 1863; P. M. Mathewson, 1863 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 555- 

to the present time. Albert W. Snow was cashier up to about 1851; 
Albert G. Stillwell, 1852 to 1883; William R. Dunham, 1883 to the 
present time. The present directors are: Parley M. Mathewson, 
James H. Read, Henry J. Steere, Silvanus M. Lewis, Frank M. 
Mathewson, Joseph B. Knowles and Robert Steere. 

The High Street Bank was incorporated in June, 1828. Its location 
has been upon the street which gives its name, though it has several 
times moved to higher numbers. At first at 96, in 1847 at 154, in 
1852 at 158, in 1867 at 192, in 1872 at 346, and in 1877 at 344, where it 
is now located. Its capital was originally $1 00,0' K), but was advanced 
to $120,000 a few years afterward. Robert Knight was president of 
this bank for many years previous to 1863. Duty Greene followed 
him, and was succeeded by Caleb Harris in 1865. The latter was 
followed in 1879 by the present officer, John Austin. James E. 
Butts was an early cashier, serving until 1869, when he was followed 
by Charles H. Bassett, and he in turn was followed in 1874 by Elijah 
Allen, the present cashier. The present directors are: Aaron B. 
Curry, Henry Fiske, James B. Paine, Lester S. Hill, William H. 
Waite, Henry A. Grimwood and John W. Briggs. The bank is as- 
sociated with the Citizens' Savings Bank. 

The Arcade Bank, at first located at No. 30, in the second story of 
the Arcade Building, was incorporated in June, 1831. Among its 
prominent incorporators were Earl P. Mason and George B. Holmes. 
vSuccessive presidents were: Stephen Waterman, up to about 1843; 
Paris Hill succeeded, continuing until 1855; Earl P. Mason, 1855 to 
1877; Henry Lippitt, 1877 to the present time. Its cashiers were: 
Joseph Hodges, to 1850; Benjamin W. Ham, about 1851 to 1858; 
Manton E. Hoard, 1858 to 1872; Stephen H. Tabor, 1872 to 1886; 
Frank A. Chase, 1887 to the present time. The bank was reorganized 
as the Rhode Island National Bank in March, 1865. As the Arcade 
Bank, its capital at first was $200,000; about 1846 it was increased to 
$500,000, and some five years later this sum was doubled; but some 
ten years later its actual capital was reported at $396,000. In the 
meantime the bank moved from its original location; first to No. 3 
Washing-ton Building, and about 1853 to the second floor of 56 Broad 
street. About 1858 its number was 56 Weybosset, where it con- 
tinued until 1867, when it removed to No. 70 Weybosset. Thence 
it removed in 1881 to 19 and 21 Custom House street, its present 
location. With its reorganization its capital was fixed at $600,000, 
and at that figure it has since remained, though a surplus has been 
growing for several years, which now amounts to $170,000. The 
present directors are: Henry Lippitt, Benjamin F. Thurston, W. W. 
Hoppin, E. Philip Mason, S. S. Sprague, William T. Nicholson, F. A. 
Chase, John McAuslan, Charles Fletcher and William A. Leete. 

The Weybosset Bank was incorporated in June, 1831 , with a stock 
capital of $300,000. Its early location was at No. 2 Weybosset street. 



556 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

About 1847 it was moved to 55 Westminster street, which location 
it still maintains. Its capital increased from year to year, until 
1859, when it was fixed at $500,000. In June, 1865, it became a 
national bank, and its capital continued at the amount last named. 
William Rhodes, its early president, continued until 1854; Alex- 
ander F. Adie, 1855 to 1862; Robert F. Stafford, 1862 to 1866; Fred- 
erick M. Ballon, 1866 to 1867: George A. Seagrave, 1867 to 1884; 
George B. Calder, 1885 to the present time. Luke Green, the early 
cashier, continued until 1856, when he was succeeded by William 
C. Townsend, 1856 to 1864; William R. Greene, 1864 to 1876; Ollys 
A. Jillson, 1876 to the present time. The present directors are: 
George B. Calder, F. M. Ballou, George W. Whitford, Augustus O. 
Bourn, James Tillinghast, Robert E. Northam, James F. Field, Frank 
E. Seagrave, Benjamin W. Persons and Herbert N. Fenner. 

The Blackstone Canal Bank was incorporated as a state bank in 
January, 1881. It became a national bank in July, 1865. Its in- 
creasing capital reached $500,000 about 1852, at which limit it has 
since remained. The early location of the bank was at 23 South 
Main street; in 1847 it was at 21 South Main; in 1853 at No. 6 What 
Cheer Building; in 1880 at 23 Market Square, and in 1882 at 25 Mar- 
ket vSquare. Nicholas Brown was succeeded as president, by John 
Carter Brown, in 1844. About 1852 Tully D. Bowen followed, con- 
tinuing in the position until 1868; J. H. De Wolf, 1869 to 1875; 
William Ames, 1876 to the present time. Oren Westcott was teller 
in 1876, Charles T. Dorrance in 1877, and Robert G. Manton, from 
1880 to the present time. William Chacehas been book-keeper since 
IS76. Successive cashiers have been: Thomas B. Fenner, to about 
L846; Daniel W. Vaughan,from that time to 1854; John Luther, 1855 
to 1S76; Oren Westcott. 1877 to the present time. The directors 
are F. S. Hoppin, William Ames, Amos N. Beckwith, Charles F. 
Page, Herbert F. Hinckley, Edward P. Chapin, Charles S. Sprague 
and George W. Butts, Jr. 

The Globe Bank was incorporated in January, 1831. The capital, 
in 1853 had reached $600,000. Its location was at 25 South Main 
street; in 1852, at 27; in 1855, at 33; in 1859 at 56 of the same street; 
in 1866 at 62 AVestminster, and in 1885 at 48 W T eybosset, its present 
location. Its capital is now $300,000, which amount was settled 
upon about 1877, the figures up to that time having been double the 
present. The bank adopted the national garb in June, 1865. Its 
successive presidents have been: William Sprague, up to 1875; Jesse 
Metcalf. 1875 to 1879; Henry J. Steere for a short time, followed by 
Benjamin A. Jackson, from 1880 to the present time. Cashiers have 
been: John L. Noyes, to 1858; Thophilus Salisbury, 1858 to 1888; 
George C. Noyes, 1889. The directors are Benjamin A. Jackson, 
Christopher Robinson, Henry 1. Steere, Jesse Metcalf, John R. Bart- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 557 

lett, Charles S. Bush, C. H. Sheldon, Jr., D. F. Longstreet, and Gard- 
ner C. Sims. 

The Old National Bank, organized in the days when the national 
class of banks was unknown, was incorporated as the National 
Bank, in October, 1833. When it was reorganized as a national bank 
the name "Old" was prefixed to give some indication of its new 
character. Its capital in 183S was $100,000; in 1841 , $120,000; in 1853, 
$140,000; in 1855, $160,000; in 1858, $200,000; in 1860, $350,000; in 1861, 
$500,000; and that limit has since been maintained. Its location was 
at 11 Market Square; in 1859, at 19 Weybosset street; and in 1867, at 
21 Weybosset, where it still remains. E. Wade was succeeded as 
president, by George W. Hallett, about 1843; the latter continuing 
during a long term, and being succeeded in 1879 by John O. Water- 
man. He was followed in 1881, by Christopher Lippitt. who remains 
at the present time. Three successive cashiers have served about 
as follows: Ezra Bourn, to 1855; Henry C. Cranston, 1855 to 1865; 
Francis A. Cranston, 1865 to the present time. The directors are 
Henry C.Cranston, lames E. Cranston, Christopher Lippitt, Fred W. 
Arnold, William T. Barton, Charles J. Wheeler, D. Russell Brown 
and Julius Palmer. 

The City Bank was incorporated in 1833. Its capital was $200,0<><). 
In 1853 it was $300,000. It was reorganized as the City National 
Bank in 1865, its capital since that time being $500,000. It now has 
a surplus of $170,000. Its location was in 1838 at No. 8 Union Build- 
ing; in 1852 at 41 Westminster street; in 1861 at 78 Weybosset, and 
in 1867 at 98 Weybosset street, where it still remains. Anthony B.- 
Arnold, its early president, was succeeded about 1845, by Amos C. 
Barstow, who holds that office at the present time, having served 
nearly half a century. Successive cashiers have been: W T illiam R.- 
Watson, followed about 1840 by Henry Earle; he about 1850 by Amos 
W. Snow, who continued till 1866; Samuel Salisbury, 1866 to 180?; 
Edwin A. Smith, 1867 to the present time. The directors now are 
Amos C. Barstow, Henry A. Howland, T. A. Richardson, Charles 
Dudley, William B. Greene, Rowland Hazard, Edwin A. Smith, Amos 
C. Barstow, Jr., and Joseph Davol. 

The American Bank, at first located at 23 South Main street, was 
incorporated in October, 1833. Its capital was at first $200,000, but 
this was gradually increased, until in 1856, it reached the sum of 
$2,000,000. At this figure it remained until the reorganization of 
the bank under the national system, as the American National Bank, 
in August, 1865, with a capital of $1,437,650. At this amount it has 
since remained. Henry P. Franklin was president until about 1849; 
Amos D.Smith followed for a year or two; Stephen Harris succeeded 
about 1851, to 1855; Shubael Hutchins, 1855- to 1868; .Stephen Harris, 
1868 to 1879; F. W. Carpenter, 1879 to the present time. The 
cashier's office has been successively held by: S. K. Rathbone, up to 



558 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1856; William H. Dart, 1856 to 1861; William Olney, 1861 to 1881; 
Horatio A. Hunt, 1881 to the present time. The location of the bank 
was changfed to 21 What Cheer Building;, about 1852; in 1868 it was 
at 25 Market Square, and in 1877 it was at 97 Westminster street, 
where it remains at the present time. The directors are Thomas 
Brown, E. H. Robinson, William Grosvenor, Francis W. Carpenter, 
Alfred A. Reed, George C. Nightengale, Jr., Jeffrey Davis and 
vStephen H. Arnold. 

The Commercial Bank was incorporated in January, 1833. Its 
capital, increasing from $200,000, in 1853 was made a half million, 
and in 1855 it became a million, which figure has been ever since 
maintained. For several years it was located at 123 South Main 
street; about 1845 it was at 143 of the same street, and in 1859 it was 
at 11 Market Square, where it continued several years. About 18£0 
it was moved to its present location at 53 Westminster street. It was 
reorganized as the Commercial National Bank in 1865. Its successive 
presidents have been: Richmond Bullock, up to about 1849; William 
P. Bullock following, to 1862; William Comstock, 1863 to 1874; Daniel 
Day, 1874 to 1886; Daniel E. Day, 1886 to the present time. The 
cashiers have been: David Andrews, up to 1857; S. P. Wardwell, 
1858 to 1874; Joshua A. Wilbour, 1874; Henry G. Arnold, 1875 to the 
present time. The board of directors comprises the following: 
Daniel E. Day, Andrew Comstock, Eugene W. Mason, Thomas Har- 
ris, Amos C. Barstow, Jr., Edward P. Taft, Isaac M. Potter. 

The Bank of North America was incorporated in October, 1823, 
and had a capital of $100, (KM). For several years its location was 
frequently changed, but about 1857 it found a place at 36 Weybosset 
street, which some ten years later was changed to No. 48 of the same 
street, at which number the bank still remains. Its capital increased 
quite rapidly, until in 1862 it had reached $1,000,000. It was reor- 
ganized in 1865 as the National Bank of North America. Cyrus But- 
ler was an early president. About 1840 he was followed by Amory 
Chapin, who was in turn followed by Elisha Harris about 1846. Seth 
Padelford succeeded the latter in 1861, and was followed by Jesse 
Metcalf in 1879. The last mentioned is still in office. Benjamin W. 
Ham was cashier in 1838. Henry E. Hudson succeeded about 1840, 
continuing to 1801, when C. E. Jackson, the present cashier, followed 
him, making for the last named a term of about 30 years. The pres- 
ent directors are Jesse Metcalf, Charles H. Merriman, A. D. Chapin, 
Arnold B. Chace, Charles D. Owen, Lucien Sharpe, E. C. Bucklin, 
William Wanton Dunnell and Stephen O. Metcalf. 

The Phenix Bank was incorporated in October, 1833. Its first 
president was James F. Simmons, who continued until about 1843, 
when he was followed by Samuel B. Wheaton. He was succeeded by 
Edward Pearce in 1851. After about 30 years of service he was fol- 
lowed by Jonathan Chace, the present official, in 1881. The capital 



HISTORY OF- PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 559 

of this bank in 1838 had reached $160,000; and in subsequent years it 
increased until in 1863 it reached $437,650. In 1865 it was reorgan- 
ized as the Phenix National Bank, with a capital of $450,000. The 
capital has since remained the same in name, but a surplus has been 
accumulating which now amounts to $350,000. The first cashier was 
Jesse N. Olney, followed by Benjamin White, previous to 1838, who 
continued till 1875, w T hen he was succeeded by George E. Martin, who 
for several years had served as assistant cashier, and still holds the 
office of cashier. This bank was originally located at Pawtucket, 
under the name of Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, but afterward 
moved to Providence, where it received the new name. Here, in 
1838, it was located at 39 Market street; in 1844 at 41 Market street; 
in 1852 at 7 What Cheer Building, where it remained until 1889, when 
it was domiciled at 5S> Dorrance street, in the Narragansett Hotel 
building. The present directors are Smith Owen, Franklin H. Rich- 
mond, John S. Ormsbee, Scott W. Mowry, Jonathan Chace, Edward 
Pearce, Jr., George E. Martin, Webster Knight, Henry A. Munroe 
and Frederick E. Perkins. 

The Traders' Bank was incorporated in June, 1836, with a capital 
of $200,000, which limit has since been maintained. Its location has 
been, even to the present time, in the Union Building, No. 4 West- 
minster street. It was reorganized in 1865 as the Traders' National 
Bank. Successive presidents of this bank have been: Erastus F. 
Knowlton, to about 1840; Earl Carpenter, from that time to 1862; Z. 
R. Tucker, 1863 to 1873; Henry A. Webb, 1874 to the present time. 
The cashiers have been: Henry S. Angell, to about J 840; Henry A. 
W T ebb, from that time to 1857: Edwin Knight, 1858 to the present 
time. The directors are Henry A. Webb, Lewus W. Anthony, xMbert 
H. Manchester, Jr., William A. Tucker, Almon Wade, William Ses- 
sions and Benjamin W. Spink. 

The Pawtuxet Bank was incorporated about the year 1815. Its 
existence never appears very vigorous. Its capital varied at differ- 
ent times from $100,000 to $150,000. It was located at 19 Westmin- 
ster and at 41 of the same street from 1852 to 1872, and after that at 
87 Westminster. Christopher Rhodes was its president in 1847 and 
forward to 1861, and Arthur M. Kimball from 1862 to the time of its 
closing, in 1874. Thomas R. Greene was cashier from an early date, 
previous to 1847, to 1867, and Stephen D. Greene from 1868 to the 
close of its active career. It never adopted the national style. 

The Lime Rock Bank was incorporated in January, 1823. The 
bank was then located at the village of Lime Rock, in the town of 
Smithfield, whence it was removed to Providence in 1847. It was 
then domiciled at 25 Westminster street and had a capital of $100,000. 
The presidents from that time have been: George Olney, Josiah Sea- 
grave and, from 1855 tp the present time, Thomas J. Hill. A. W. 
Spencer was cashier until 1855, when he was succeeded by John W. 



560 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Angell, the present cashier. It was reorganized as the Lime Rock 
National Bank June 30th, 1865. Its capital was raised to $250,000 
about 1852, and in 1882 that amount was doubled, the present capital 
being $500,000. Its location was changed about 1852 to 8 What Cheer 
Building; 1857 to 42 Weybosset; 1867 to 56 Weybosset; 1875 to 41 
Westminster, its present location. The directors are Thomas J. Hill, 
James S. Phettteplace, John W. Angell, Lyman Pierce, Fred B. Ev- 
ans, James C. Goff and John D. Lewis. 

The State Bank was incorporated in May, 1850, with a capital of 
$150,000. It was located at 34 Westminster street; in 1855 its num- 
ber was 32, and in 186(5 it was 36 of the same street. In 1871 it moved 
to 4 Weybosset, and in 1880 to 65 Westminster, its present location. 
Its capital has varied at different times, for the last ten years or 
more being $77,225. In 1860 it was as high as $154,450. The first 
president was Duty Evans, who was followed by John P. Meriam, 
who served over 20 years. He was succeeded by Albert G. Utley 
about 1877, and he by James B. Arnold, 1S85 to the present time. 
The first cashier was C. R. Drowne, followed by Thomas H. Rhodes, 
1854 to 1858; Fayette P. Brown, 1858 to 1863: Edwin A. Smith. 1863 
to 1866; Samuel Kennedy, 1866 to 1874; Henry B. Dean, 1878 to the 
present time. The first board of directors were: Thomas H. Rhodes, 
Duty Evans, John N. Francis, David S. Carr, John P. Meriam, Lewis 
P. Mead, William O. Darling, N. A. Eddy and Walter W. Updike. 
The present directors are: Samuel W. Peckham, James B. Arnold, 
Henry B. Dean, Benjamin F. Arnold and Hiram Kendall. 

The Bank of Commerce of Providence was incorporated in May, 
1851. It was located in the What Cheer Building, and had a stock 
capital of $1,000,000. The first board of directors consisted of: Amos 
D. Smith, William Foster, Byron Sprague, Robert L. Lippitt, Walter 
Manton, Robert W. Watson, Edward A. Greene, Jabez C. Knight and 
John F. Chapin. .Since 1854 the bank has been located at No. 4 
Market Square. In 1865 it became a national bank, its capital paid 
in to that time having reached the sum of $1,709,200, which amount 
lias since that time been the capital of the bank. Amos D. Smith, 
its first president, continued in that office till 1876, when he was 
succeeded by Edward A. Greene, who in turn was followed by Rob- 
ert Knight, the present head, in 1884. The first cashier was Joseph 
H. Bourn, who continued until 1866, and was then followed by John 
Foster, who is still in the position. The vice-presidents since 1869 
have been: Edward A. Greene, to 1876; Charles M. Smith, 1876 to 
1884; Harvey E. Wellman, 1884 to the present time. The directors 
at present are: Edward A. Greene, William B. Weeden, Robert 
Knight, George C. Nightingale, Harvey E. Wellman, Henry F. 
Richards, Dutee Wilcox, Frederick Grinnell and William A. Spicer. 

The What Cheer Bank was incorporated in May, 1853. with a 
capital of $100,000. It was located at No. 4 Union Building, and was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 561 

open for business until 1806. Its capital increased until, by 18 64, it 
reached $160,400. During- the term of its existence it president was 
Henry A. Hidden and its cashier Albert C. Greene. 

The Continental Bank was incorporated as a state bank in 1853. 
It was located in the What Cheer Building, and had a capital of 
$200,000. The first directors were: Benjamin R. Almy, George A. 
Seagrave, Christopher T. Keith, Rhodes B. Chapman, S. S. Bradford, 
George W. Butts, Bailey W. Evans, Ezekiel Owen and Henry P. 
Knight. The capital of the bank increased until ISO?, when it was 
fixed at $500,000, and has remained at that amount ever since, though 
it has had a varying surplus, which in 1872 amounted to $100,000. In 
1865 it was reorganized as the Fourth National Bank, its location re- 
maining in the What Cheer Building until 1882, when the bank was 
removed to its present location at 65 Westminster street. The first 
president was Benjamin R. Almy. He was succeeded in 1855 by 
Rhodes B. Chapman, whose long term of service extended to 1886, 
when he was followed by Bailey W. Evans, the present incumbent. 
The first cashier. A. G. Durfee, held that position till 1872. He was 
then followed by Henry R. Chace, who was succeeded in 1880 by 
Thomas Boyd, Jr., the present cashier. The present directors are: 
Bailey W. Evans, Ezekiel Owen, Christopher T. Keith, Henry R. 
Chace, James Tucker, Thomas Boyd, Jr., Albert W. Smith and Rob- 
ert B. Chapman. 

The Bank of America was incorporated in May. 1851. It was lo- 
cated in Duncan's Building, Xo. 48 Broad street, and its capital was 
$132,950. Its early board of directors was composed of: Adnah 
Sackett, Henry W. Gardner, John P. Smith, George H. Wilbur, Wil- 
liam Spencer and Pardon M. Stone. The bank was moved about 1867 
to 62 Weybosset street, which location has been since preserved. Its 
capital for the last 30 years has been $200,000. This has remained a 
state bank. The first president was Adnah Sackett. who was fol- 
lowed, in 18()D, by Zechariah Chafee. After a long term of service 
he was succeeded in 1889 by William S. Hay ward. Edward N. Davis, 
the first cashier, remained in that office until 1876, being succeeded 
by A. C. Tourtellot, the present cashier. The directors are: William 
Spencer, Solomon Tyler, William S. Hayward, Zechariah Chafee, 
Marsden J. Perry and Leander R. Peck. 

The Atlantic Bank was first located at 48 Broad street, and was in- 
corporated in May, 1853. Its capital at first was $100,000, which soon 
began creeping upward, but standing at about $131,000 from about 
1858 to 1883, when it rose to $225,000, its present figure. From 
Broad street it removed to 48 Weybosset about 1861, and to its pres- 
ent location, 62 Weybosset, in 1867. Its first directors were: Hiram 
Hill, Caleb G. Burrows, John N. Francis, Eli Aylsworth, Charles M. 
Stone. John B. Hartwell, Thaddeus Curtis, Robert Knight, 2d, and 
Benjamin M. Jackson. It was reorganized as a national bank April 
36 



502 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

6th, 18S3. Hiram Hill, the first president, was succeeded by Caleb 
G. Burrows, the present incumbent, about 1877. The first cashier, 
Charles M. Stone, occupied the position until succeeded by Henry S. 
Mansfield in 1883. The latter was followed by the present cashier, 
William R. Greene, in 1885. The present directors are: Caleb G. 
Burrows, Henry F. Richards, Charles Dudley, Henry P. Richmond, 
Louis H. Comstock, Joseph Davol, William H. Ballon and Herbert 
W. Ladd. 

The Grocers' and Producers' Bank was incorporated in May, 
ls.Y.:, with a capital of $100,000. A. B. Dike was president until 
1856; John R. Balch, 1856 to 1.858; Esek Tallman, 1858 to 1878. 
Thomas T. Doyle was cashier from the starting- until 1855; William 
J. Dexter, to 1857; H. J. Steere, to 1858; I ). K. Hoxsie. to 1870; E. F. 
Phillips, to 1875; J. B. Calder, to 1878. The first directors were 
A. B. Dike. Welcome Fenner, Godfrey Work, George W. Buffington, 
P. W. Gardner, Esek Tallman. George H. Whitney, J. S. Harris, N. 
G. Hoxsie and Dexter Daniels. The bank was located at 82 West- 
minster street; in 1857 at 38 Weybosset; in 1859 at 50 Westminster; 
in 1866 at 62 Westminster, remaining there until 1878. The stock 
capital at that time was 8160. 000, and the directors were Esek Tall- 
man, A. B. Dike, N. G. Hoxsie, Godfrey Work. E. F. Phillips, Sulli- 
van Moulton and William Barton. 

The Butchers' and Drovers' Bank was incorporated in May, 1853, 
with a capital of $250,000, and located at 25 Broad street. Its first 
directors were B. B. Knight, Alfred Anthony, Henry J. Burroughs, 
Welcome B. Sayles. Albert S. Gallup. Daniel Remington, Nathaniel 
A. Eddy, John .Stokes, David S. Carr. J. S. Tourtellot and William 
( ). Darling. The president of the bank during the whole period of 
its active existence, up to 1887, was Benjamin B. Knight, with the 
exception of perhaps a year about 1858. when the office was filled by 
Henry J. Burroughs. The first cashier, W. Knight, was succeeded, 
in 1868. by Newton C. Dana, who remained till 1887. The bank loca- 
tion was changed about 1850. to 25 Weybosset, in 1867 to 29 Wey- 
bosset. and about 1880 to 49 Weybosset, where it remained till 1887. 
The capital of the bank then was $150,010, at which amount it had 
stood for several years. The directors were Benjamin B. Knight, 
Jeremiah Knight, Edwin Knowles, Charles M. Sheldon, Newton C. 
1 )ana, Edward Shaw. 2d. and Henry Fiske. 

The Liberty Bank was incorporated in May, 1854, with a capital 
of $100,000. It was located at No. 4 Canal street. The president 
from the beginning to 1882 was Duty Evans, and the cashier during 
the whole term was C. R. Drowne. The first directors w r ere Duty 
Evans, Robert W. Potter, Arnold C. Hawes, George W. Payton, John 
Eddy, Charles W. Holbrook. George E. Cleveland, George L. Clark, 
Henry B. Metcalf, I). B. Lewis. Henry F. Tingley, C. R. Drowne and 
John N. Francis. The bank was moved several times, but about 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 563 

1880 was located at 62 Westminster street, and its capital then bed 
returned to the original figure, though about 1862 it had been as high 
.as $154,150. The directors in 1882 were Duty Evans, John Eddy, 
Charles W. Holbrook, C. R. Drowne, Sylvester G. Martin, George 
Chatterton and William Oscar Cornell. 

The Atlas Bank was incorporated in May, 1854, with a capital of 
$1(10,000. It was located at 307 North Main street, frcm which it re- 
moved, about 1866, to 235 of the same street; its business record clos- 
ing a year or two after that. Its president, during this teim was 
Henry J. Angell. The cashier was Harvey F. Payton, to 1861, 
and Thomas H. Brownell during the remainder of the time. The 
first directors were Sylvanus G. Martin, David Burt, Henry J. Angell, 
Harvey F. Payton. Smith S. Sweet, Otis M. Cook, Stephen Martin, 
Benjamin A. Holbrook. .Samuel J. Tripp, David Heaton and George 
W. Bo wen. 

The Westminster Bank was incorporated in Ma}', 1854, with a 
•capital of $100,000. It was located at No. 72 Westminster street, frcm 
which it moved, and after making two or three shifts, settled in its 
present location at 56 Weybosset street about 1867. Its capital soon 
showed a rising inclination, and kept up a gradual increase until 
about 1875, when it reached $200,000, the present amount. The 
first directors were William B. Lawton, John B. Winslow, Asa B. 
Clark, Hollis Chaffin, John Kendrick, Charles M. Howlett, William 
A. Williams, and Gilbert Spaulding. The first president was 
Gilbert Spaulding, who was succeeded by David Sisson, 18f5 
to 1857; William B. Lawton, 1857 to 1858; Eli Aylsworth, 1858 to 
the present time. The first cashier was A. B. Clark, who was 
succeeded by F. W. Anthony, 1855 to 1858; R. G. Place, 1858 to 1861; 
Sullivan Fenner, 1861 to 1866; N. J. Smith, 1866 to 1868; G. A. Phil- 
lips, 1868 to 1872; A. W. Simons, 1872 to the present time. Ira C. 
W. Aylsworth has been teller since 1871. The present directors are 
Eli Aylsworth, Arnold B. Chace, George H. Darling, Edward D. 
Bassett, Oliver Johnson, Henry A. Cory, William O. Cornell, William 
H. Washburn and Micah J. Talbot. 

The Mercantile Bank was incorporated in May, 1854. It was 
first located at 49 Westminster street, and had a capital of $100,000. 
Its first board of directors were Thomas Davis, Allen Brown, D. G. 
Hall, Edmund Davis, William H. Greene, W. W. Updike, Asa Potter, 
William Hicks, and David C. Anthony. In 1865 this bank assumed 
the new form of organization as the First National Bank. About 
1858 the bank was moved to 47 Westminster street, where it re- 
mains at the present time. The presidents have succeeded each 
other as follows: W. W. Updike to 1857; William H. Greene, 1857 to 
1863; Amasa Sprague, 1863 to 1874; Samuel Foster, 1874 to 1879; 
Nelson W. Aldrich, 1879 to 1881; William J. King, 1881 to 1886; H. 
H. Thomas, 1886 to the present time. The first cashier was Asa 



564 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Potter. He was succeeded by C. A. Tompkins, 1856 to 1862; W. P. 
Moulton, 1862 to 1865; William C. Townsend, 1865 to 1868; Joshua 
Wilbour, 1868 to 1874; H. A. Hunt, 1874 to 1881; C. E. Lapham, 1881 
to the present time. The capital has varied, having at times been 
$300,000 and then double that amount, but is now $500,000. The 
directors are H. H. Thomas, George H. Dart, G. L. Littlefield, B. B. 
Knight, vS. A. Jenks, Edwin Barrows and William B. Waterman. 

The Jackson Bank was incorporated in May, 1854. It was located 
at 25 Broad street, and had a capital of $170,000. About 1868 it was 
removed to 29 Weybosset street, its present location. Its capital 
steadily increased until 1876, when it reached $344,450, which figures 
have since been maintained. The first directors were Eli Aylsworth, 
Benjamin M. Jackson, John A. Darling, Amos M. Warner, Benjamin 
R. Arnold, Henry R. Congdon and Seth W. Baker. The first presi- 
dent was Eli Aylsworth, but he was soon succeeded by Alfred An- 
thony, who served to 1883, being then followed by Cornelius S. 
Sweetland, who is now in the office. J. A. Bosworth, the first cashier, 
was succeeded by Theodore B. Talbot in 1862. The latter continued 
until 1885, when he was succeeded by George E. Leonard, the pres- 
ent cashier. Mr. Leonard was teller from 1867 to 1885, and was then 
succeeded in that office by Edwin T. Herrick. The present directors 
are Cornelius S. vSweetland, Hugh B. Bain, George W. Bradford, Gil- 
bert F. Robbins and George E. Leonard. 

The Marine Bank, at first located at 27 South Main street, was in- 
corporated in May, 1856, with a capital of $250,000. Its first directors 
were William S. French, Benjamin B. Adams, Addison O. Fisher, 
William H. Bowen and O. A. Washburn, Jr. The bank was reorgan- 
ized as the Third National Bank, under an incorporation dated De- 
cember 20th, 1864. Its location was changed to 13 Market Square in 
1859, and again to 137 Westminster street in 1884. On its reorgani- 
zation the capital stock was made $400,000, which in 1866 was in- 
creased to $500,000, the present amount. William S. French, the first 
president, was succeeded in 1858 by Oliver A. Washburn, Jr., who con- 
tinues to the present time. The first cashier was George R. Drowne, 
who was succeeded in 1858 by C. H. Childs. Jr. The latter served 
until 1886, when he was followed by Frank W. Gale. The present 
directors are Oliver A. Washburn, Jr., William F. Sayles, William P. 
Chapin, A. L. Sayles, George W. Snow and John Eddy. 

The Northern Bank was incorporated in May. 1856, with a capital 
of $220,000. It was located at 36 Weybosset street. In 1875 it was 
removed to ^)G Weybosset, its present location. Its capital gradually 
increased until ISO?, when it reached the highest point, at $369,700, 
after which it diminished to $225,700, at which it has now stood for 
several years. The first directors were Stephen T. Olney, John B. 
Palmer, Vincent Carr, Williams Metcalf, David Ballou, William G. 
Pierce, George L. Claflin, William Whitcomb and John T. Mauran. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 565 

The first president was Stephen T. Olney. He was succeeded in 1800 
by William G. Pierce, who served till 1866, and was succeeded by 
John B. Palmer, 1866 to 1869; David Ballou, 1869 to 1877; Henry J. 
Steere, 1877 to 1882. The cashiers have succeeded as follows: Peter 
H.- Brown, 1856 to 1866; Sullivan Fenner, 1866 to 1882. The direc- 
tors in that year were Henry J. Steere, William Whitcomb, Allen 
Greene, Josiah W. Crooker, George L. Claflin, Ebenezer Allen, Ed- 
win G. Angell, George A. Seagrave and F. H. Peckham, Jr. 

The Second National Bank was incorporated in June, 1864, with a 
capital of $500,000. Its location was at 37 Weybosset street. Its first 
president was Lyman B. Frieze and its first cashier was T. Salisbury. 
The first directors were Lyman B. Frieze, William Sprague, William 
Viall, James B. Ames, Albert T. Elliott, T. Salisbury and Amasa 
Sprague. Succeeding presidents were: Thomas A. Doyle. 1871 to 
1874, and James M. Kimball, 1874 to the present time. The cashiers 
have been: T. Salisbury, 1865; John Wilbour, 1866; Joshua Wilbour, 
1867; William W. Paine, 1868 to the present time. The bank was 
located at 41 Weybosset about 1867, and two years later removed to 
^)6 Westminster, where it has remained to the present time. About 
1875 the bank had a surplus of $200,000. Its capital at the present 
time is $300,000. Its directors are James M. Kimball, William W. 
Paine, John P. Campbell, James H. Chace, Edward P. Taft, John C. 
Wyman and William S. Granger. 

A few other banks have had an existence in Providence during 
short periods of time. These may be briefly mentioned as follows. 
The Mount Vernon Bank, incorporated in 1823, moved to Providence 
about 1855, and was located four or five years at 87 Westminster 
street. Its capital at that time was $100,000. During the four or five 
years Henry Whitman and Joseph Belcher were successive presi- 
dents, and R. G. Place and Stephen C. Arnold were cashiers. The 
Bank of the Republic was incorporated in June, 1855, located at 56 
Broad street, and had a capital of $100,000. Its president was Na- 
thaniel A. Eddy, and its cashier Charles M. Howlet. Its record did 
not extend beyond two years. The Mechanics' Mutual Loan and 
vSavings Fund Association existed from 1856 to 1859, having a loca- 
tion at 47 North Alain street. Its successive presidents were A. W. 
Godding, Parley M. Mathewson and John N. Francis, its secretary 
meantime being George F. Hathaway. The Rhode Island Loan Fund 
Association, a similar institution, and located at the same place, had 
a brief existence about 1856. Edward P. Knowles was its president. 

The Providence Institution for vSavings was chartered in October, 
1819. This was the first savings bank established in this city. If 
opened for business in November, on the west side of South Main 
street, nearly opposite the Providence Bank. The institution may 
be called an outgrowth of the old Providence Bank, and during its 
existence has been closelv associated with it. For some time it was 



566 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

located at 4S South Main, then at 50, then at 76 of the same street. 
As early as 1842 it had 2,150 depositors, whose total deposits 
amounted to $297,547. The total number of depositors at the pres- 
ent time is about 28,000, and their aggregate deposits are nearly 
twelve million dollars. It occupies a dignified and substanial granite 
building on South Main street, at No. 76, which was erected for its 
use, and is a conspicuous object among the buildings of that locality. 
The presidents since 1847 have been: Benjamin Hoppin. Robert H, 
Ives, 1869 to 1876, and William Goddard, 1876 to the present time. 
Successive treasurers have been: Henry dishing, to 1861; Samuel 
C. Blodget, 1861 to 1886; William A. Hoppin, 1886 to the present 
time. vSince 1847 the following have held the office of vice-president: 
Robert H. Ives, Isaac Brown, Alexander Duncan, Joseph Balch, 
Moses B. Lockwood, William Goddard. Royal C. Taft, Rnfus Water- 
man, Thomas P. I. Goddard, Samuel M. Noyes, Amos L. Lockwood. 
George W. R. Matteson and Lucian Sharpe. The present directors 
are William W. Hoppin, William Gammell, Samuel R. Dorrance, 
Robert Ives Gammell, R. H. I. Goddard, Rufus Waterman, William 
B. Weeden, Horatio N. Campbell, Jr.. Edward D. Pearce, John W. 
Danielson, Howard O. Sturges and Thomas P. I. Goddard. 

The People's Savings Bank was incorporated in May, 1851. It 
was for a number of years located in the What Cheer Building, on 
Market Square. Since 1881 it has been located at No. 1 Market 
vSquare. Its office at first was at the rooms of the Bank of Commerce. 
The first directors were: Earl Carpenter, George W. Hallett, Heze- 
kiah Anthony, Jabez C. Knight, James T. Rhodes, Resolved Water- 
man, William Foster, William Comstock, Matthew Watson. Ezra 
Bourn, Shubael Hutchins and Edward A. Greene. Successive presi- 
dents have been: William Sprague. 1851 to J 857; On ay Taft, 1857 to 
1866; Amos D. Smith, 1866 to 1877; Edward A. Greene, 1877 to 1884; 
Robert Knight, 1884 to the present time. The office of secretary and 
treasurer was held by Jesse Howard from the beginning to 1876. He 
was then followed by Albert C. Howard, who was succeeded in 1886 
by John G.Massie.the present official. The following have held the 
office of vice-president in this bank: Orray Taft. Amasa Manton, 
Amos I). Smith, Hezekiah Anthony, Truman Beckwith, Resolved 
Waterman, Seth Padelford, Edward A.Greene, Cyrus Harris, Robeit 
Knight, Francis W. Carpenter, Charles Morris Smith, Eugene W. 
Mason, G.C. Nightingale and E. P. Taft. The present directors are: 
Charles E. Carpenter. Francis W. Carpenter, Daniel Day. John B. 
Anthony, Daniel E. Day, Andrew Comstock, Horatio N. Campbell, 
Webster Knight, James H. Chace, Harvey E. Wellman, Henry F. 
Lippitt and Frederick Grinnell. This bank has always maintained a 
leading position among the financial institutions of the city, and has 
passed through all the panics since its organization without waver- 
ing, or any loss to its credit or reputation. The total amount of its 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 567 

deposits at the present time is more than $5,000,000, and the number 
of depositors above 8,000. The confidence which is placed in this 
bank is shown by the fact that a single depositor has placed more 
than $40,000 in its keeping at one time. 

The Mechanics' Savings Bank was incorporated in June, 1854. 
The first officers were: Zelotes W. Holden, president: Alfred An- 
thony, E. P. Knowles and A. C. Barstow, vice-presidents; and W. H. 
Harrison, secretary and treasurer. The directors were: Eli Ayls- 
worth, George W. Butts, Preston Bennett, Apollos Richmond, Samuel 
James, William Andrews, Charles Anthony, Amos W. Snow, Asa 
Pearce and Lucius Weaver. This bank takes a leadirg place among 
the kindred establishments of the city. Among its officers may be 
found some of the most substantial business men and financiers of 
the city. The deposits amount to more than $6,000,000, and are 
made by upwards of 10,000 depositors. The bank is associated with 
the City National Bank. Successive presidents have been: Zelotes 
W. Holden, from the beginning to 1861; Alfred Anthony, 1861 to 
1877; Amos C. Barstow, 1877 to the present time. The office of sec- 
retary and treasurer has been held successively by William H. Har- 
rison, to 1868, and William Knight, 1868 to the present time. The 
following have been vice-presidents: Edward P. Knowles, Alfred 
Anthony, Amos C. Barstow, Eli Aylsworth, Samuel James, Rowland 
Hazard, Charles Anthony, Zechariah Chafee and Henry F.Richards. 
The bank was first located at 41 Westminster street, but about 1867 
it was moved to the bank building at 98 Weybosset street, where it 
still remains. The following are directors: Thomas A. Richardson, 
Oliver Johnson, Charles Dudley, William B. Greene, Charles H. 
Sprague, John McAuslan, Edward P. Chapin, Louis H. Comstock, 
Edwin A. Smith, Charles C. Harrington, Henry T. Root and Joseph 
Davol. 

The City Savings Bank may be regarded as the outgrowth of the 
Old National Bank. It was opened for business in the same building 
occupied by that bank, about the year 1859. Its directors then were: 
Robert Manton, William M. Bailey, George B. Holmes, Henry C. 
Cranston, Edwin J. Nightingale, James Humphreys, Ezra W. How- 
ard, Amos N. Beckwith, Charles H. Childs and Richard J. Arnold. 
James Y. Smith, the first president, was succeeded in 1877 by Henry 
J. Steere, who has held the office until the present time. The first 
secretary and treasurerwas Barzillai Cranston, who was succeeded in 
1868 by James E. Cranston. The latter was followed in 1878 by 
George K. Cranston, who remains in the position at the present 
time. The vice-presidents have been: George W. Hallet. Thomas J. 
Hill, Francis E. Hoppin, Henry C.Cranston, Franklin A. Steere. John 
S. Palmer and James E. Cranston. About 1867 the location of the 
bank was changed to 21 Weybosset street, where it still remains. 
The directors are: Christopher Lippitt, Dutee Wilcox, Amos N. Beck- 



508 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

with, Charles J. Wheeler, J. W. Crooker, Jeffrey Davis, D. Russel 
Brown, George W.'B. Bourn, J. U. Starkweather and John H. Cady. 

The Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company was incorporated in 
May, 1867, with a capital of $500,000. It is empowered by its charter 
to receive money in trust or on deposit, and to act as administrator, 
assignee, or receiver, whether by appointment of court or of indi- 
viduals. It is also a chartered safe deposit company. It was at first 
located at 37 South Main street, but about the year 1874 was removed 
to its present location at 60 South Main. Its first board of directors 
was composed of such men as: John Carter Brown, Amos D. Smith, 
Robert H. Ives, Earl P. Mason. x\mos C. Barstow, Truman Beckwith, 
Moses B. Lockwood, William S. Slater, Thomas P. I. Goddard, Am- 
brose E. Burnside, Edward King, Rowse Babcock, Alfred Anthony, 
Zechariah Chafee, Stephen Harris, Samuel M. Noyes, Thomas P. 
Shepard, Edward D. Pearce. Rufus Waterman and Christopher Lip- 
pitt. Its first president was William Binney, who was followed in 
18S2 by Alexander Farnum, and he in turn by Herbert J. Wells in 
1 885. The secretaries have been: Henry Jacobs, 1867 to 1872; Charles 
H. Sheldon, Jr., 1872 to 1881; Herbert J.Wells, 1881 to 1885; Ed- 
ward vS. Clark, 1885 to the present time. The capital was increased 
about 1881 to $800,000. and this again in 1888 to $1,0<)0,(;00. The 
present vice-president is Samuel R. Dorrance; and the directors are: 
Amos C. Barstow, Christopher Lippitt, Royal C. Taft, R. H. I. God- 
dard, G. W. R. Matteson, S. S. Sprague, William D, Ely, Robert I. 
Gammell, William Binney, William B. Weeden, Rowland Hazard, 
Edward D. Pearce, Henry J. Steere, Horatio N. Campbell, Robert 
Knight, John W. Danielson, Herbert J. Wells, John C. Pegram and 
Lyman B. Goff. 

The Jackson Institution for Savings was opened about 1872, as 
tlie National Institution for Savings. It was associated with the 
Jackson Bank, and had its quarters in the banking rcom of that in- 
stitution, at 29 Weybosset street. The directors then were John B. 
Hennessey, Amos M. Warner, Rev. P. G. Delany, Alfred Anthony, 
William Boyd. Thomas Furlong. Rev. John Ouinn, John Bligh, and 
John P. Cooney. Its president was Charles A. Boyd; vice-presidents 
were Right Reverend Francis P. McFarland, Lyman B. Frieze and 
Thomas Cosgrove; treasurer and secretary, Theodore B. Talbot. The 
present name was adopted about 1874. The first president is still 
in office. George E. Leonard succeeded the first secretary and 
treasurer in that office about 1885. This bank has been a popular 
depositor}- for women and children under legal age, as by its charter 
it allows such depositors to control their own deposits the same as 
citizen depositors. The number of depositors is ale ut ?( 0, and the 
amount of deposits nearly a half million dollars. Other vice-presi- 
dents, since the first, have been George F. Wilson, Henry B. Glad- 
ding, Albert H. Manchester, Amos M. Warner and Gilbert F. 
Robbins. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 569 

The Citizens' Saving's Bank was first located at 346 High street, 
now at 344 High street, and is associated with*the High Street Bank, 
in whose banking rooms it transacts business. It began business about 
1872, its first board of directors being George W. Hayward, Stephen 
C. Arnold, Stillman Perkins, Henry T. Root, William S. Hayward, 
Joseph F.Gilmore, Archibald B. Rice, David Cady, John D. Cranston, 
Fitz James Rice, William H. Washburn and Jeremiah G.Pearce. Its 
presidents have been: Caleb Harris, 1871; Henry T.Grant, 1872 to 1877; 
John D. Cranston, 1877 to 1879; John Austin, 1879 to the present time. 
The offices of secretary and treasurer have been held by C. H. Bassett, 
1871 to 1874, and Elijah Allen, 1874 to the present time. The amount 
of deposits at the present time is about two and a quarter million 
dollars and the number of depositors something over 3,000. The 
directors are William S. Hayward, Henry Fiske, Fitz James Rice, 
Silas A. vSweet, Lester S. Hill, John W. Briggs, Charles Law and Ed- 
win Lowe. 

The Merchants' Savings Bank commenced business about the 
year 1872, in the banking rooms of the Liberty Bank, at No. 9 Ex- 
change Place. It had the following board of directors: Henry B. Met- 
calf, George L. Claflin, Alfred W. Fisk, John Eddy, Charles F. Samp- 
son, George A. Seagrave, George W. Payton, Elisha W. Pierce, Henry 
B. Drowne and Frederick M. Ballon. The president from that time to 
the present has been James S. Phetteplace. The secretary and treas- 
urer, from the first to 1883, was Christopher R. Drowne, and since the 
latter date that office has been filled by John W. Angell. About 1882 
the bank was moved from the rooms of the Liberty Bank to those of 
the Lime Rock National Bank, at 41 Westminster street, where it 
has since remained. The following have held the office of vice- 
president: Duty Evans, Dexter B. Lewis, Lyman B. Frieze, George A. 
Seagrave, Frederick M. Ballon, George W. Whitford, Edwin G. Angell 
and Fred. B. Evans. The number of depositors is about 800, and its 
aggregate deposits amount to nearly half a million dollars. 

The Franklin Five Cents Savings Bank was started about 1861, at 
56 Westminster street. In 1864 its name was changed to the Frank- 
lin Institution for Savings, and soon after the location was changed 
to 62 Westminster street. Its president was William Sprague,-up to 
1874, when Cyrus Harris succeeded. The bank soon after that date 
closed its business and settled its affairs. It had some 5,000 deposi- 
tors, aggregating over $600,000. Its secretary and treasurer up to 
1874 was Winthrop De Wolf, and after that date, T. Salisbury. 

Two or three other savings banks have had a brief existence and 
closed up their business. The Rhode Island Institution for Savings 
was started about 1867, and continued some ten years or more. It 
carried on business in the banking rooms of the Rhode Island Na- 
tional Bank, at 70 Weybosset street. Earl P. Mason was its presi- 
dent, and Robert A. Pearson, secretary and treasurer until 1872, 



570 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

when he was followed by S. H. Tabor. The number of depositors 
reached 1,253, their deposits amounting to $132,764. The Union 
Savings Bank began business about 1867, occupying- a place in the 
banking rooms of the Union Bank at 10 Westminster street. James 
Y.Smith was its president until followed by Charles A. Nichols, 
about 1877, soon after which date the bank closed business. Its 
treasurer was James B. Hoskins until 1870. and Joseph C. Johnson 
from that date, he having been secretary from the first, and contin- 
ued to hold that office. The last report of the bank showed 1,561 
depositors, with an aggregate deposit of $362,938. The Cranston 
Savings Bank did business for a few years in the rooms of the First 
National Bank, at 41 Westminster street, beginning about 1871. 
Amasa Sprague was its president; Arba B. Dike, vice-president; 
Joshua Wilbour, secretary and treasurer. It had over 4,000 deposi- 
tors and more than $500,000 deposits. 

The insurance business, in some form or another, has been car- 
ried on in Providence from quite an early period. At first it was 
carried on by private individuals, and was perhaps applied to forms 
of marine insurance more than to the. insurance of buildings and 
property on land. In certain documents known to antiquarians 
reference is made to insurance claims which would indicate that 
underwriters had done business here previous to the year 1756. In 
the decade previous to 1740 there was considerable activity in com- 
merce, and a large number of vessels were eno-aoed, and a writer at 
the time declared that the methods of underwriting which were in 
vogue by men of England had been learned and were being prac- 
ticed here, though no definite instances are quoted or referred to. 
Policies of insurance bearing date as early as 1772 are preserved. 
After the revolution the business became moreactive, this individual 
underwriting having reached its most active period during the last 
decade of the last century. The following advertisement of an "In- 
surance Office " which appeared in 1794, tells the story in outline as 
to the methods then in use: 

"John Mason takes this method to inform the public in general 
that he has opened an insurance office in a room in the Coffee House, 
upon such principles and under such regulations as were established 
by the principal merchants of this Town, at a regular meeting, which 
are nearly similar to those established in Boston. He flatters him- 
self that all who may apply for Insurance, will experience such At- 
tention and Punctuality as will afford entire satisfaction. The office 
will be open from Nine o'clock A.M. to One P.M.. and from Four to 
Six P.M., every day in the week, Sundays excepted." 

But there were objections to the individual method of conducting 
insurance, which suggested the formation of stock companies, and 
so, probably out of the office of this same John Mason, grew the 
Providence Insurance Company, incorporated in 1799, which at first 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 571 

transacted a purely marine business, but afterward added the regu- 
lar fire insurance. John Mason was elected its president. In the 
following year the Washington Insurance Company was organized. 
and about 20 years later these pioneer companies united, and the 
Providence Washington Insurance Company continues their history. 

The Providence Washington Insurance Company is claimed to be 
the oldest joint stock fire and marine insurance company in the 
United States, dating its existence from the incorporation of the 
Providence Insurance Company above referred to, in 1799. It is 
probably the largest, and is doing the most business of any company 
in the state. It has a paid up capital of $400, 000, and its gross assets 
amount to $1,144,316. Its total liabilities, except capital, are only 
$658,208. Its total income for the year ending in 1889 amounted to 
$995,170. This company conducts a general fire and marine insurance 
business. Its has about 600 agents in different parts of the country. 
Its offices are in the What Cheer Building, at 20 Market vSquare. The 
company has had only four presidents during its long term of exist- 
ence, since its consolidation. The first was Richard Jackson, father 
of Governor Jackson; the second was Sullivan Dorr, whose long term 
of service ended about 1858; the third was John Kingsbury, who be- 
gan about 1859 and continued till his death in 1874; and the fourth, 
J. H. De Wolf, who has served from 1874 to the present time. Warren 
S. Greene was secretary for a long term, beginning previous to 1838 
and continuing until 1880, when he was followed by J. B. Branch, the 
present secretary. Assistant secretaries since 1860 have been: J. 
Halsey De Wolf, Charles Foster, Lemuel Hayward. J. B. Branch and 
George E. Bixby. The present directors are: Rowland Hazard, J. H. 
De Wolf, William Grosvenor, William Ames, Henry J. Steere, F. W. 
Carpenter, R. I. Gammell. E. Philip Mason, Royal C. Taft, Eugene 
W. Mason and John S. Palmer. 

The Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company has had a long 
and prosperous career, having been founded and commenced busi- 
ness in the year 1800. As its name implies, it is conducted on the 
mutual plan, and it has always shown a consideration for the best in- 
terests of its patrons. It was organized to carry on the business of 
fire insurance only. William Wilkinson and George Baker have 
been treasurers. George Earned and Joseph T. Snow were succes- 
sive secretaries. The present officers are Henry R. Barker, presi- 
dent, and Hardin C. Waters, secretary. The principal office of the 
company is at 45 Westminster street, where it has been since 1870. 
For several years preceding that date it was at 20 North Main street,. 
in Aborn's Block. Previous to moving to that building it had been 
at Whipple's Building on College street. Still earlier it had its head- 
quarters in the Market House chambers. At last report its total as- 
sets were $191,074; liabilities, $83,810; income for the year, $45,121:. 
outstanding risks, $18,700,296. 



572 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The American Insurance Company was incorporated in 1831. It 
had a capital of $100,000, which, about 1869, was increased to $200,- 
()()(). It has had the following presidents: William Olney, William 
Rhodes, Allen O. Peck, J. Halsey De Wolf. Successive secretaries 
have been: Allen O. Peck, Walker Humphrey, |. W. Davenport, W. 
U. Arnold, W. Humphrey, Resolved Waterman. The great Chicago 
fire, in 1871, involved this company in a loss of over $500,000, which 
was so great that the company settled up its affairs and retired from 
business. 

The Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incor- 
porated in 1835, and commenced business on the first of December 
of that year. Samuel Nightingale was its first president. He was 
succeeded by John H. Ormsbee, about 1853, and the latter was fol- 
lowed in 1861 by Horatio Rogers, for two or three years. Henry H. 
( >rmsbee, the present president, has held the office since 1863. Suc- 
cessive secretaries have been: John H. Ormsbee, to 1853; Horatio 
Rogers, 1853 to 1861: Plenry H. Ormsbee, for two or three years; Leon 
Chappotin, 1863 for several years. William B. Burrington is the 
present secretary. The office of the company is in the Board of 
Trade building on Market Square. The gross assets of the company 
are $174,460.39. Its liabilities are $67,349.23; gross yearly income, 
$136,808.82. 

The Rhode Island Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorpor- 
ated and commenced business in 1848. The early directors of this 
company were: Edward Walcott. Zachariah Allen, Stephen Harris, 
Robert H. Ives, Orrin A. Ballou, William Viall, James Y. Smith, Wil- 
liam Foster, George C. Nightingale, Phillip Allen, Jr., George H. 
Hoppin, Byron Sprague and Thomas J. Stead. Its office was at 
Market Square, then at 48 Broad street, later at 17 South Main and 
then at 21, same street, and at 2 Market Square, which is its present 
location. Its presidents have been: Edward W'alcott, Edward E. 
Manton, James A'. Smith and George C. Nightingale. John H. 
Hughes Edward E. Manton and Addison H.White have served it 
as secretaries, the latter serving from 1856 to the present time. The 
gross assets of the company are $292;617, and its liabilities $106,175. 
The net insurance in force is about $23,000,000. 

The Roger Williams Insurance Company was incorporated in 
1848. with a capital of $100,000. Its location was at 13 Westminster 
street. The following were its early directors: Thomas Harkness, 
Earl P. Mason. William Sprague, Truman Beckwith, Seth Padelford, 
A. X. Beckwith, Henry E. Kendall. Benjamin Dyer, William J. C. 
Cross, Josiah Carpenter, William A. Robinson. Thomas J. Stead, 
Edward Pearce, George C. Arnold, William J.King, Daniel Day, 
William Whitaker, A. 15. Dike, Billings Barstow, C. B. Manchester, 
Cyrus Taft, C. H. Dabney, Orray Taft, Isaac P. Hazard, and 
John Nichols. Subsequent locations were 16 Market Square, and 17 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 573 

Market Square, and 5 Equitable Building. Its presidents were: 
Thomas Harkness, to 1853; A. C. Mauran, 1853 to 1858; Z. R. Tucker, 
1858 to 1861; R. W. Jackson, 1861 to 1867; A. A. Williams, 1867 to 
1874; J. W. Davenport, 1874 to 1879. The office of secretary was 
filled by George C. Arnold, to 1850: R. W. Jackson, to 1861; H. C. 
Baker, 1861; B. W. Comstock, 1862; Chris. T. Keith, to 1865; J. W. 
Davenport, to 1879. About the latter date the company having suf- 
fered heavy losses by the great fire of Chicago in 1871 and that of 
Boston in 1872, closed up its business and retired. 

The Merchants' Insurance Company was incorporated in May. and 
organized in July, 1851, with a capital of $150,000. Its location was 
at 20 Market Square. The first board of directors consisted of 
William Comstock, Byron Sprague, Samuel B. Wheaton, Robert W. 
Watson, Moses B. Lockwood, George W. Hallett, Edward A. Greene, 
Peleg A. Rhodes, William Foster, Robert L. Lippitt, Jabez C. Knight, 
Amos D. Smith, AValter Manton, William Viall and William French. 
The first president was W T illiam Comstock, who filled the office for 
a number of years. He was followed by Walter Paine, and he by 
William T. Barton, the present incumbent, about 1879. The secre- 
taries have been: Walter Paine, Jr., from the beginning a number 
of years; Charles Foster, and William P. Goodwin, the present secre- 
tary. The office is now at the original number, 20 Market Square. 
though it has for short periods occupied other quarters. The busi- 
ness transacted is distributed over the entire United States, except- 
ing the Southern states, and the company is represented by about 
250 agencies. Its capital stock, actually paid up. is $200,000; its total 
assets, $469,829.66; its liabilities $160,468.64. The total amount of 
premiums received by this company since its organization is about 
six million dollars; and the total losses paid in the mean time amount 
to about four million dollars; while the total of cash dividends in the 
same period was $648,000. 

The Atlantic Fire and Marine Insurance Company w r as incorpor- 
ated in May, 1852. It was first located at 12 South Main street, then 
at 10 North Main, and about 1870 was moved into the Atlantic Build- 
ing at 45 Westminster street. Its capital was at first $150,000; about 
1872 it reached $300,000, and soon after was reduced to $200,000. 
The first directors were Suchet Mauran, Edward Seagrave. David 
vSisson, William H. Reynolds, Hosea Ballou, Jr., James Y. Smith. 
Preston Bennett, Jabez M. Fisher, John A. Taft, Henry W.Gardiner. 
John D. Burgess, F. H. Richmond, James S. Phetteplace, B. Stevens 
and Henry P. Knight. The first president was S. Manton, who was 
followed by Suchet Mauran in 1855. He was succeeded about 1872, 
by J. S. Parish, who continues in office. The first secretary, B. 
Stevens, was followed by J. S. Parish, in 1860, and by T. W. Hay- 
ward, Jr., in 1872, who continues at the present time. The aggre- 
gate assets are $250,818; the total liabilities, $40,949. The company. 



.-.5.74 HISTORY OK PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

since its organization, has received premiums to the amount of 
three and a half million dollars; and has paid losses exceeding two 
and a half million dollars. It has declared dividends to the aggre- 
gate amount of nearly half a million dollars. The present directors 
are F. H. Richmond, James S. Phetteplace, Bailey W. Evans. William 
W. lloppin, George L. Clarke, Henry Lippitt, J. S. Parish, Frank 
Mauran, James C. Goff, John J. Reynolds and Elisha S. Aldrich. 

The Commercial Mutual Insurance Company, with a capital of 
§100,000, was chartered in 18f>2. Its first board of directors consisted 
of Thomas Harkness, Orray Taft, Truman Beckwith, Thomas J. 
Stead, William A. Robinson, James Y. Smith, A. B. Dike. Billings 
Barstow, Charles H. Dabney, Charles L. Fisher, Cyrus Taft. Cyrus 

B. Manchester, Amos N. Beckwith, Henry Lippitt, Hosea Ballon, Jr., 
Henry C. Mathewson, James G. Anthony, John N. Mason, Daniel 
1 )ay, Edward Pearce, George W. Chapin, William J. King, Joseph 
Carpenter, Seth Padelford and Earl P. Mason. The offices of the 
company were at 27 Market Square, until about 1866, when they were 
changed to 33 Market Square. The ofhce of president was succes- 
sivelv filled by Thomas Harkness, George C. Arnold, Cyrus Taft and 
J. A. Budlong. The office of secretary was filled successively by 
George C. Arnold, ]. A. Budlong and Stephen H. Arnold. About the 
year 1867 the company, which had become a purely stock company, 
closed up its affairs and retired from business. 

The Franklin Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated 
in May, 1854. Its office was at No. 4 Market Square. Its original 
directors were William Foster. Amos D. Smith, William G. Weeden, 
Joseph F. Gilmore, David Sisson, A. B. Dike. Earl P. Mason, Amos 

C. Barstow, William M. Bailey, Daniel E. Carpenter, Thomas |. 
Stead, William A. Williams, John F. Chapin. Albert S. Gallup, 
Thomas J. Hill, Edward A. Greene. Lucius Weaver. George C. 
Nightingale. B. B. Adams, George A. Howard and Enoch Steere. 
The first president, William Foster, served till 1862, being then suc- 
ceeded by William M. Rodman, to 1865; William H. Chandler, to 
18(H); Charles F. Ladd, to 1869; Amos M. Bowen, to the present time. 
The office of secretary has been filled by Joseph Adams, to 1858; John 
F. Driscol. to 1863; Asa Lyman, to 1865; C. 11. Ladd, to 1866; John R. 
Wheaton, to the present time. The office of the company was moved 
to 12 South Main street about 1869, where it has since remained. Its 
gn.ss assets are $69,773; its liabilities, $43,938. Its outstanding risks 
amount to about seven million dollars. 

The Firemen's Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated May 
1st. IS54. It commenced business August 1st of the same year. Itsfirst 
president was John F. Phillips: secretary and treasurer. John Eddy. 
The office was at No. 2 Market Square, up stairs. About 1860 the 
• office was changed to 3 Washington Row. The first directors were 
William Viall, Thomas J. Stead, Thomas J. Hill, Welcome B. Sayles, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 575 

Lyman B. Frieze, A. B. A. Whitaker, Amasa Sprague, George B. 
Holmes, David Sisson, Stephen Harris, Jr., Albert Dailey, David S. 
Carr, Horatio N. Slater, Pardon M. vStone and John O. Waterman. 
The office of the company was removed to its present location at 11 
Westminster street about 1880. The gross assets amount to more 
than a half million dollars, while the liabilities arc little more than 
.$200,000. The outstanding risks are about $45,000,000. 

The State Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated in 
January, 1855. Its location was at No. 3 Canal street. It commenced 
business immediately on its incorporation, February 20th, 1855. Its 
first board of directors was composed of Wanton Vaughan, Cyrus 
Fisher, David Ballon, Almoran Harris, Philip B. Stiness, H. G. 
Tucker, Hiram Hill, L. D. Littlefield, Josiah Simmons, Harvey F. 
Payton, James Fisher, Peter H. Brown and Silas R. Kenyon. Suc- 
cessive presidents have been: Wanton Vaughan, Cyrus Fisher, Jo- 
siah F. Crooker, James Y. Smith, Rhodes B. Chapman and Robert B. 
Chapman, the present head. The secretaries have been S. R. Kenyon, 
R. B. Chapman, Charles H. Wildman and Charles H. Chapman. 
-About 1867 the location of the company was changed to 21 South 
Main street, and about 1875 to the Equitable Building, at No. 1 Cus- 
tom House street, where it now remains. Its gross assets are $518,- 
299; liabilities, $232,528. Risks in force amount to about fifty million 
■dollars. The amount of assessment authorized by charter to pay 
'.losses is about two and a quarter million dollars. 

The Equitable Fire and Marine Insurance Company was incor- 
porated in May, 1859, and commenced business in September, 1860. 
Its office was then at No. 1 Market Square. Early directors were 
Thomas .G. Turner, James Y. -Smith, Edwin J. Nightingale, William 
Foster, Henry C. Cranston, Earl P. Mason, George W. Hallett, John 
■ ■( ). Waterman. A. Nicholas Brown, Francis M. Smith, Joseph O. 
Clarke, William M. Bailey, William Sprague. Thomas J. Hill, Lyman 
.B. Frieze, Augustus M. Tower and Cornelius Barrows. Thomas G. 
Turner was the first president, and he was succeeded about 1875 by 
Frederick W. Arnold, who remains in office to the present time. The 
first secretary, A. M. Tower, was succeeded in 1862 by Frederick W. 
Arnold, who, on his promotion in 1875, was followed by James E. 
Tillinghast, the present secretary. The company has a capital of 
$300,000 actually paid up. Its assets amount to $568,000; its liabili- 
ties are $165,000. Over three million dollars have been received in 
premiums since its organization, and losses of more than two and a 
■quarter millions have been paid and dividends of $449,000 have been 
•declared. The directors at the present time are Henry C. Cranston, 
Thomas J. Hill, Parley M. Mathewson, Fred. W. Arnold, John A. 
Adams, John S. Palmer, Henry J. Steere, Josiah W. Crooker, O. J. 
Rathbun, C. B. Arnold, Jr.. Robert E. Northam, Nelson W. Aklrich, 
Andrew G. Weeks, John Waterman, Orlando PL Davenport, Julius 



576 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Palmer, Hammond Vinton, Herbert F. Hinckley and Heniy Peaicc. 

The Slater Mutual Fire Insurance Company began business in 
1857, with officers as follows: James H. Read, president; Immanuel 
vSearle, secretary and treasurer; and William S. Goodell, assistant 
secretary. The following were directors: H. N. Slater, Christopher 
S. Rhodes, Edward W. Lawton, John W. Lyman, James H. Chase, 
James S. Cook, T. A. Doyle, Benjamin F. Thurston, Royal Chapin, 
fames H. Read, H. N. Campbell, George C. Ballou, Samuel James, 
L. P. Mead, Earl P. Mason, Immanuel Searle, Robert Rodman, 
Charles Anthony, Daniel E. Carpenter, William Grosvenor and J. 
Saunders. Charles H. Anthony was president from 1858 to 1802, and 
Daniel Hall held the office in the latter year. William S. Goodell 
was secretary in 1859, and forward to the close. In 1863 the affairs of 
the company were placed in the hands of Caleb Farnum, as receiver, 
under whose skillful management the business was successfully closed. 
The company in 1875, under an amended charter, again entered the 
business field as the Hope Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The 
office of the Slater Company was at 16 Weybosset street. 

The Butler Mutual Fire Insurance Company began business in 
1857, with the following directors: Zelotes W. Holden, Chester 
Pratt, Edward P. Knowles, Samuel Havens, Xoel Freeborn, John 
Congdon, John (). Waterman, William H. ( rale, Ansell E. Bradley, 
John H. Eddy, Albert Sanford, Oliver Johnson, Sylvester J. Watson, 
Samuel A. Winsor, Abner H. Angell, Benjamin N. Lapham, William 
Hicks, Daniel E. Remington, Albert G. Sprague, Joseph B. Mathew- 
son, Thomas W. Sprague, William B. Rider. Charles Burlingame, 
Joseph C. Hartshorn and A. C. Barstow. The office of the company 
was at 32 Westminster street. In 1865 it was moved to 36 Westmins- 
ter, and in 1871 to 4 Weybosset street. The first president, Zelotes 
W. Holden, was followed by Albert Sanford, in 1860, and he by Ed- 
ward P. Knowles, in 1862. The first secretary was Albert Sanford, 
followed in 1860, by Varnum J. Bates. In 1879 the company failed 
and abandoned business. 

The Gaspee Fire and Marine Insurance Company was located at 
10 Westminster street, and began business in 1857. Its first presi- 
dent was William P. Blodget, followed in 1866 by George L. Clarke. 
The first secretary, Edwin Turner, was followed in 1865, by Asa Ly- 
man. The first board of directors was composed of William P. 
Blodget, Jabez C. Knight, John N. Francis, Isaac Brown, Jr., Russel 
M. Lamed, Walter S. Burges, James B. Ames, George H. Hoppin, 
Henry A. Hidden, Benjamin B. Adams, William H. Bowen, George 
W. Butts, Samuel Foster, Arthur M. Potter, William V. Davol, Ste- 
phen C. Arnold, Isaac H. Southwick, George A. Seagrave Edwin 
Turner and Albert S. Gallup. The office was removed to 12 West- 
minster street, in 1862, and in 186(5 to 47 of the same street. The 
company gave up business in 1867. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 577 

The Trident Mutual Insurance Company was chartered in 1855, 
but did not get fairly into business until 1858. Ward Cowing was 
its president, and O. W. McKinney its secretary. It had the follow- 
ing board of directors: Ward Cowing, W. A. Bradford, S. B. Darling, 
E. B. Perry, Philip Rider, G. W. Hall, F. C. Gardner, G. E. Cleveland, 
O. W. McKinney and R. G. Place. Its office was at 37 Dorrance 
street. It had a nominal capital of $500,000, but its assets only 
reached, by the most favorable showing, $173,000. Its affairs in 
1859 were placed in the hands of a receiver and closed up. 

The National Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated 
in 1858. It was located at 34 Westminster street. Its officers and di- 
rectors were: George L. Clarke, president; Silas R. Kenyon, ,<-tcre- 
tary and treasurer; Rowland G. Hazard, Lewis P. Mead, Thomas 
Davis, Eli Pond, R. R. Hazard, Jr., Francis Sheffield, Oliver Johnson, 
Jonathan Pike, William H. Arnold, Samuel Warner, Benedict Lap- 
ham, David L. Aldrich, and Stephen Cornell, directors. Horace A. 
Wilcox was treasurer for a time. In 1864, after being in the hands 
of a trustee for about two years, it took a new departure as the City 
Insurance Company, a stock company with a capital of $50,000. 
Under the latter style it did but a small business, and in 1880 retired 
from business, its outstanding risks being re-insured in the Imperial 
and Northern Insurance Company. 

The Hope Insurance Company began business about 1859. Its 
first directors were James Y. Smith, A. C. Mauran, Royal C. Taft, 
Caleb Seagrave, Henry A. Hidden, James S. Phetteplace. John L. 
Ross, William D. Davis, William S. Slater, Elijah Kenyon, Samuel 
Shove, Joseph Martin and Joseph B. Stone. Successive presidents 
were Samuel Shove, Amos M. Warner, and William T. Barton. The 
first secretary, Joseph Martin, served for a number of years. The 
stock capital of the company was $150,000. Its office was at first at 
18 Weybosset street, and about 1870, it was changed to 9 Butler Ex- 
change. This company sustained heavy losses by the great Chicago 
fire of 1871 , from which it never fully recovered, and in or about 1880 
it closed up business. 

The Providence Fire and Marine Insurance Company was organ- 
ized and chartered in 1857. It did but a very limited amount of 
business, and in 1863 was in the hands of a receiver. Two or three 
years later it retired from business. During its term its president 
was John B. Peirce; secretary, Charles G. Taft; and assistant secre- 
tary, E. Augustus Taft. Its office was at 83 Weybosset street. 

The City Fire and Marine Insurance Compan}% succeeding the 
National, began its career under the new name and style in 1864. 
Its officers were: William R. Watson, president; S. R. Kenyon, sec- 
retary. George L. Clarke succeeded in the former office, and was 
followed about 1877 by William L. Beck with. Edward S. Babbitt 
was secretary from 1866 to the close of its career. It had a capital of 
37 



578 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

$100,000, and claimed assets amounting to about $150, 000, but about 
1880 it closed up its affairs and retired from business. 

The Narragansett Fire and Marine Insurance Company was in- 
corporated in 1857, with a capital of $f)00,0(0. This was one of the 
largest amounts ever possessed by an insurance company in Rhode 
Island. With good name and officers, large capital and fair pros- 
pects, it seemed destined to become one of the leading companies of 
the country. Its directors were William H. Reynolds, Samuel M. 
Noyes, William vS. Slater, George R. Drowne, Cyrus Taft, Samuel 
Foster, Isaac Hartshorn. Daniel Remington, Allen ( ). Peck, Lyman 
B. Frieze, Alexander Farnum, Tosiah Whitaker, Robert Manton, 
Daniel Day, Collin C. Baker, Henry Lippitt, George H. Hoppin, Shu- 
bael H. Cady and Jacob Bunnell, Jr. Its office was at different times 
in the Merchants' Bank Building, at 16 and 18 Westminster street, 
and at 41 Westminster. A. O. Peck and Henry Harris were presi- 
dents, and E. Turner, Henry Harris and Ira A. Foster successive sec- 
retaries. The great fires of Chicago and Boston caused heavv losses 
to this company, and in 1874 it reinsured its risks in the Commercial 
Union Assurance Company, of London, and gave up business. 

The Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated 
May 1st, 1863, and began business on the first of the following Sep- 
tember. The charter was granted to Tosiah Chapin, William Binney, 
Walter S. Burges, Tully D. Bowen, Seth Adams, Jr., William J. King, 
Seth Padelford, Sydney Williams and others, for the exclusive pur- 
pose of insuring dwelling houses and their contents. The office of 
this company was at first at 3 Washington Row, but about 1880 it was 
moved to 11 Westminster street, where it is now located. The career 
of this company has been a remarkably successful one. The amount 
of losses has been very light, amounting on the average to only 
about $1,300 a year. There have been three years in which it had no 
losses at all. It now carries risks aggregating about eleven million 
dollars. Its gross assets are $166,000; its liabilities being $69,000. 
Its first president was Sydney Williams, who served in that office for 
many years. He was followed by Edwin Barrows, the present in- 
cumbent. The successive secretaries have been: John Eddy, Edwin 
Barrows and Joseph T. A. Eddy, who remains at the present time. 
The directors are Henry A. Hidden, Christopher Lippitt, Thomas J. 
Hill, Amos C. Barstow, Henry Lippitt, Stephen Harris, Isaac H. 
Southwick, Edward P. Taft, Rowland Hazard, Royal C. Taft. Wil- 
liam Binney, Charles H. Smith, Francis W. Carpenter, John W. Ban- 
ielson, Edwin Barrows, James H.Chaee, John W. Slater and Fred. B. 
Evans. 

The Blackstone Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated 
in August, 1863, and began business during the same month. Its lo- 
cation was at 41 Weybosset street. About 1872 its office was removed 
to 26 Westminster street, where it remained until about 1880. It was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 579 

then removed to its present location at 41 Westminster street. Its 
president is John Eddy and its secretary William F. Worch. The 
assets of the company amount to $294,000; its liabilities, except sur- 
plus, $111,000. The cash premiums for the year reported were $215,- 
645. The outstanding risks in force amounted to $23,314,590. Losses 
during- the year amounted to about $41,000. 

The Newport Fire and Marine Insurance Company, for which a 
charter had been granted in 1859, but never used, was organized in 
November, 1871, with a capital of $200,000. It was located at 20 
Market Square. Its officers were: J. H. De Wolf, president; Resolved 
Waterman, secretary, and W. U. Arnold, assistant secretary. After 
a short business life this company, or more properly its business, was 
merged in the Providence Washington Company, in 1875. 

The Mechanics' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorpor- 
ated in 1871, and commenced business August 1st of that year. It 
was first located at 45 Westminster street, but is now domiciled in 
the Board of Trade building on Market Square. The losses during 
the year of report were $4,883; gross assets, $105,000; liabilities, 
$50,000. Its officers are: Amos C. Barstow, president; Henry H. 
Ormsbee, secretary. 

The What Cheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorpor- 
ated in May, 1873, and commenced business January 1st, 1874. Its 
office was at 10 Butler Exchange. Its officers were: Elisha Harris, 
president; Lewis T. Downes, secretary and treasurer. It is now lo- 
cated at 45 Westminster street. Its assets are $189,000 and its lia- 
bilities $106,000. It carries risks to the amount of about $20,000,000; 
and its losses for the year of report amc tinted to |33,792. The pres- 
ent officers are: Lewis T. Downes, president; Joseph T. Day, secre- 
tary. 

The Enterprise Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated 
June 2d, 1874. It commenced business on the 14th of July, 1874. It 
occupied offices at 9 and 10 in the Equitable Building. Its gross assets 
amount to $145,000; liabilities, $95,000; annual gross income, about 
$160,000; losses, about $59,000; outstanding risks, $15,000,000. The 
officers are: Scott W. Mowry, president; Robert B. Chapman, secre- 
tary. The office is at No. 1 Custom House street. 

The Merchants' Mutual Insurance Company was incorporated Oc- 
tober 12th, 1874, and commenced business on the first of November 
following. It was located first at 26 Westminster street, but about 
1878 was removed to its present location at 41 Westminster. It car- 
ries riskstothe amount of about twelve million dollars, and is author- 
ized by charter to make assessments to pay losses to the amount of 
$576,000. Its yearly losses range about $20,000. Its gross assets are 
$150,000, and its liabilities about $60,000. Its officers are: John Eddy, 
president; William F. Worch, secretary. 



580 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The American Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated: 
June 1st, 1877, and began business on the same day. Its officers are: 
James S. Phetteplace, president; Robert B. Chapman, secretary. Its 
office is at No. 1 Custom House street. Its gross assets are $150,000; 
liabilities, $92,000. Its losses for the report year were $48,000. Its 
risks in force amounted to about fifteen million dollars. 

Besides these companies there have been a number of others 
which did business for a short time, and still others which existed 
onlv in name and died in process of being- developed. Since 1869 a 
number of charters have been granted to prospective companies that 
have never been organized. The names of some of these are: Eureka, 
Globe, Phenix, Westminster, Weybosset, Mutual Boiler, Live Oak, 
Manton, and New England Mutual Reservoir. Several attempts at 
organizing life insurance companies have been made, but without 
meeting with any permanent success. Some of these have been: The 
Enterprise Loan and Insurance Company, chartered in 1836; the Life 
and Trust Company, in 1837; the American Mutual Life Insurance 
Company, in 1847, and the Rhode Island Mutual Life Insurance 
Company, in 1849. The Economical Mutual Life Insurance Company 
commenced business in 1866, having an office at No. 2 Market 
Square, and was organized with a capital of $200,000. After a career 
of about ten years it transferred its business, by re-insurance, to the 
Republic Life Insurance Company of Chicago. The Travelers' Insur- 
ance Company, an accident company, was chartered in 1865, and com- 
menced business, but in the following year it re-insured its risks in 
the Travelers', of Hartford, and gave up business. The Providence 
Mutual Steam Boiler Insurance Company was organized in Septem- 
ber, 1874, and commenced business July 1st, 1875. It was first located 
at 10 Butler Exchange, but is now at 45 Westminster street. It shows 
assets amounting to $13,216, and liabilities of $4,700. It carries risks 
amounting to about §900, 000. William Corliss is president and Lewis 
T. Downes secretarv. 



CHAPTER XX. 



MANUFACTURING IN PROVIDENCE. 



Early History of Manufacturing. — Statistics Soon After the Revolution. — Beginnings of 
the Jewelry Manufacture. — Hat Making. — Card Making.-— Saddlery. — Beginnings of 
Various Other Manufactures. — Leather and Paper Makiug. — Manufacturers in 1824. — 
Progress of a Quarter Century Succeeding 1820. — Establishments in Operation About 
1840.— Progress of Manufactures. 1855, 1875, 1880.— Providence Association of Me- 
chanics and Manufacturers. — Men Who Were Prominent in Its History. 



THE great industrial enterprise of Providence is manufacturing. 
As the maritime and commercial prowess of the town began 
to decline the growth of manufacturing interests increased. 
Indeed they had begun to grow long before; and their continued and 
rapid growth have furnished the means of wealth of which the city 
may to-day boast. Providence is conspicuous among the great manu- 
facturing cities of America, and in the lines of jewelry and cotton 
goods at least, is ahead of all others. We shall now undertake to 
give a brief outline review of the rise and growth of manufactures 
in the city. 

Previous to 1790 but little is known of the progress or products of 
this industry here. No systematic effort had been made to procure 
statistics of its variety and value. At a meeting of the Association 
of Mechanics and Manufacturers August 3d, 1790, a committee was 
appointed to collect statistics concerning it, and to the results of 
their labors we are indebted for most of the information that we now 
have on the subject relating to that time. The committee reported 
January 10th, 1791. After detailing the quantity of articles manu- 
factured, "according to the best information which they have been 
able to obtain," they add, "the manufacture of cordage, copper and 
brass, brass-foundry work, mathematical instruments, cabinet work 
and chairs, tin, stone and earthen wares, and bellows, we have not 
been able to ascertain to any exactness, but suppose most of them to 
be very considerable, and might all of them be extended largely were 
there proper encouragement given." 

In preparing to report to the house of representatives in the con- 
gress of the United States a plan for the promotion of manufactures 
in the country, Alexander Hamilton, then secretary of the treasury, 
in 1791, called upon the Association of Mechanics and Manufactur- 
ers in Providence for information concerning the status of manufac- 



582 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

turing, both in mills and in private families, in and about this town. 
From their report we learn that there were manufactured in the year 
1790: 121 beaver hats, worth $8 each; 1.827 castor hats, worth $18 to 
$18 a dozen; 4,564 felt hats, worth from $5 to $12 a dozen. This busi- 
ness was established here in 1730, and in the year 1790-1 was largely 
on the increase. In the business of block making materials were 
plenty, and more workmen were obtainable than the work would 
employ; 8,496 feet had been made up in 1790. The tanning and cur- 
rying business had suffered some embarrassment, on account of the 
large quantities of leather which was being imported from the West 
Indies. The number of hides tanned during the year was 3,010; 
calf skins, 3,226; goat skins, 1,710. In saddle and harness making- 
there had been made 999 saddles, worth $6 to $14 apiece; 164 sets 
carriage harness. Fringe and web weaving had turned out 1,100 
yards of girth, 1,350 yards of fringe and 360 yards of lace. This 
business was carried on by Jonathan Hill, who declared his ability to 
manufacture at a lower rate than could be imported for. Of woolen 
cloths there were manufactured in 1790, in factories and private fam- 
ilies, 30,000 yards, and the manufacture was being well sustained. 
Boot ar^l shoe making was suffering from cheap importations from 
Europe. There were, however, made during the year, 15,356 pair 
shoes, worth 66 cents to $1.50 a pair, and 215 pair boots, worth from 
$3^ to $8 a pair. Nails were manufactured to the number of 3,000.- 
000. Nails at that time were sold by count, not by weight. The price 
of ten-penny nails per thousand was $1; eight-penny nails, 88 cents; 
six-penny, 75 cents; four-penny, 33 cents; three-penny, 25 cents; two- 
penny, 21 cents. Those below four-penny, and including that size, 
were cut; the larger sizes were wrought. Bovs. as well as men, 
worked at this business during the winter. Slitting mills were in 
operation which it was declared were sufficient " to supply the whole 
country with rods." The manufacturers of edge tools produced dur- 
ing the year 4,500 scythes, axes and drawing-knives. From January 
to August, 1791, six eight-day clocks had been made, valued from $88 
to $40 apiece. Importations from Europe interfered here again. 
The manufacture of chocolate was carried on, reaching 60,000 pounds 
during 1790, valued at 9 pence a pound. Candles, to the quantity of 
40,000 pounds, at pence a pound, had been made. Hard soap, 10,000 
pounds, at 5 pence. During the year 56 carriages had been made. 
In silver plated work there had been turned out 100 pair silver 
buckles, 1,400 pair plated buckles and 80 dozen silver spoons. Card 
making in six months had reached 100 dozen pair cotton and 120 
dozen pair wool cards, valued, respectively, at $8 and $5 a dozen. 
The wire then had to be imported, as it was not drawn in this coun- 
try. Children were employed at making cards, and thus they were 
kept out of mischief, as well as taught a useful trade. Brass found- 
ers' work was produced in great variety, "as cheap, if not cheaper. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 583 

and as good, if not better, than any imported from Europe.'" Laniel 
Jackson had already begun the manufacture of engines for extin- 
guishing fires. Joiners' bench and moulding tools were manufac- 
tured to the value of $1,000 annually. Paper manufactures were car- 
ried on to considerable extent. From January 1st to October 1st, 
1791, there were made 1,584 reams writing paper, averaging $2.12^ a 
ream; 340 reams printing paper, at $1. 00; 824 reams wrapping paper, 
at 5s. 6d.; 153 gross fine pasteboards, at $12 a gross; 3,GC0 pounds 
sugar loaf paper, at $8.33 per hundred; 2,000 pounds candle paper, at 
same price; 7,300 pounds sheathing paper, at $3.25 per hundred; 4,800 
pounds pasteboards for bookbinders, at $4 per hundred. Leather 
dressing and glove making were carried on, the quantity produced 
being 125 dozen skins wash leather dressed, 125 dozen skins tanned 
for card leather, valued each at $3 to $'S^ a dozen; 200 dozen women's 
long gloves, at $3-g- a dozen; 583 dozen women's habit gloves, at £:> a 
dozen. A slitting mill turned out annually 50 tons of nail rods. 50 
dozen iron shovels and some iron hoops. The cotton goods factories, 
from January 1st to October 1st, 1701, reported as follows: Almy & 
Brown, no returns; William Potter. 2,164 yards; Lewis Peck, 2,500; 
Andrew Dexter, 466; James M'Kenis, 700. Prices then ran as fol- 
lows: Double twilled cord, two-thirds of a dollar a yard; double fancy 
cord, same price; Jeans, half as much; fustians, 1£J cents. In L790 
11,191 yardsof cotton goods were manufactured in factories and 2,< CO 
yards in private families. In the same year 210 pairs "leather 
breeches "and 500 pairs of gloves were made, 560 pairs stockings 
woven and 3,500 books bound. There were also manufactures of 
cabinet work, chair work, cordage, coppersmiths', braziers' and pew- 
terers' work, of which no statistics were obtained. During the year 
1791 some of the principal manufactures were: 25,265 yards linen 
cloth, 5,858 yards cotton cloth, 3,105 yards woolen cloth, 51 2£ yards 
carpeting, 4,093 pairs stockings. 859 pairs gloves, 158 handkerchiefs 
and 260 yards fringe. 

Of the beginninofs of the 2freat industrv of iewelrv manufacture 
we may notice the following persons and their work. Seril Dodge, 
in 1788, carried on the manufacture of shoe buckles " two doors north 
of the Baptist meeting house." He was successful in accumulating 
property, and built the so-called " Doctor Wheaton house," and the 
" Obadiah Brown house." It was jocularly said that he "paid for 
them in silver buckles." Mr. Dodge served his apprenticeship with 
a Scotchman named Harland, of Norwich, Conn. Mr. Dodge re- 
moved to Pomfret, Conn., where he died, April 22d, 1802. Saunders 
Pitman, a manufacturer in this line, had his place of business in the 
three story house on the west side of North Main street, near Jail 
lane. He was highly esteemed by his cotemporaries, died August 
15th, 1804, in the 71st year of his age, and was succeeded in the busi- 
ness by his son, John K. Pitman. John Cairns, a man of much in- 



5S4 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ventive genius, was the only watchmaker of his time who manufac- 
tured watches entire. He advertised that he made watches, "of any 
fashion required, for $2. r ); horizontal, $28, warranted for two years 
without expense, except in case of accident." His shop was near St. 
John's church, " next door to Mr. Saunders Pitman's." He was acci- 
dentally drowned, falling into the Moshassuck, between Mill and 
.Shingle bridges. 

Ezekiel and William Burr carried on the business of gold and sil- 
ver smithing, in 1792, "a few doors south of the Baptist meeting 
house and directly opposite Capt. Richard Jackson's." Calvin 
Wheaton carried on the business in 1790, " opposite Governor Fen- 
ner's." In 1791, he removed "to the shop in the houpe of Ambrose 
Page, Esq., at the sign of the Clock, directly opposite the Friends' 
meeting house." Caleb Wheaton carried on the business at what 
was later numbered as 83 North Main street. He manufactured 
clocks, and was scrupulously correct in his business transactions. 
He was a worthy member of the society of Friends. He died Octo- 
ber 31st, 1827, at the age of 70 years. Edward Spalding manufac- 
tured clocks in a shop on North Main street, on the spot afterward 
covered by Waterman's Block. John Gibbs carried on the same 
business on the corner of Westminster and Exchange streets. He 
died October 6th, 1797. David Vinton came hither from Boston, and 
established the business of a goldsmith and jeweler. In 1792 his 
shop was on the northeast corner of the Market parade, nearly oppo- 
site Governor Fenner's residence. William Hamlin, having learned 
the trade at Middletown, Conn., set up the business of gold and silver 
smithing on North Main street, in a shop which stood next north of 
St. John's church. He afterward turned his attention to engraving, 
and to the manufacture of nautical instruments. Payton Dana and 
Nathaniel Dana, Jr., were clock and watch makers, and in 1800 occu- 
pied " the shop at the sign of the Turk's Head," on the corner of 
Westminster and Weybosset streets. 

Nehemiah Dodge established himself in the business of a gold- 
smith, jeweler, clock and watch maker, a few years before the close 
of the last century. His shop was on the Roger Williams estate, 
near the celebrated spring. In 1798 he moved to a shop "a few doors 
north of the Baptist meetinghouse, directly opposite Mr. Barker's 
Inn." Mr. Dodge manufactured gold necklaces, knobs and twists, 
gold rings, miniature cases, fancy jewelry and various descriptions of 
silver ware. He occupied different shops and at different times was 
associated with Stephen Williams and General Josiah Whitaker, and 
was succeeded by George Dana and Thomas Whitaker. Among 
workers in pewter, copper and brass, William Billings occupied a 
shop on North Main street, "directly opposite Colonel Knight Dex- 
ter's" house in 1701. In 1799 he formed a partnership with Job 
1 lanforth, Jr., in the same business. In 1784 Gershom Jones carried 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 585 

on the coppersmith business " on the west side of the bridge, at the 
sign of the Pewter Platter, near Mr. Jacob Whitman's Hay Scales." 
Samuel Hamlin manufactured pewter and copper work at his shop 
which stood at the head of Long wharf, near the present custom 
house. He was a native of Middletown, Conn., and served his ap- 
prenticeship at Newport. Among other products of his ingenuity, 
he manufactured several fire engines. He died in April, 1801, in the 
55th year of his age, and was followed in the same business by his 
son, Samuel E. Hamlin. In 1790, Johnson & Frost manufactured all 
kinds of tin ware at their shop on the north corner of Steeple street. 

Hat manufacturing was a business of considerable importance in 
those days. Peter Taylor was engaged in it "at the sign of the Hat, 
on the west side of the river." An anecdote is related by John How- 
land, a prominent man of that day, which not only refers to Mr. Tay- 
lor and the hat manufacture, but illustrates the depreciation of the 
paper currency in the revolutionary period. Mr. Howland says: " I 
recollect that I called in at Peter Taylor's hatter's shop, as I was on 
my way home to dinner, and asked him the price of a castor hat. 
He said it was four hundred dollars. I selected one which fitted me, 
and told him, on my return I would call and pay for it, and take it. 
On my return, perhaps an hour afterward, I stopped with my bun- 
dle of money, to pay for and take the hat. He then told me he had 
been calculating what he could buy the stock for, to make up another 
batch of hats, and found that, at four hundred dollars, he could only 
replace the stock, without allowing anything for his work; but as he 
had agreed with me for the price, he should charge me no more. I 
told him I did not wish to have the hat less than its present value, 
and asked him what it now ought to be. He said about four hundred 
and fifty dollars; which I readily paid him, and told him I was glad 
I had called to-day, for if I had waited until to-morrow, it might have 
been five hundred dollars." Mr. Taylor died October 29th, 1823, at 
the age of 72 years. Barzillai Richmond manufactured hats near 
the Beneficent Congregational meeting house. 

Card making was carried on, in its various branches, in 1789, by 
Gsorge Bradford and Jesse Whitmore, " at their shop near the 
jail." Cotton weaving was carried on in 1791 by John Maguire at 
his weaving house on Lewis Peck's wharf. He was weaving cordu- 
roys, velveteens, velverets, thicksets, honeycomb, jeans, fustians 
and cottonades. He also had dyeing and finishing done for patrons 
at his shop, employing, as he claimed, an artisan from Manchester, 
England, to superintend that work. Captain William Potter carried 
on the manufacture of jeans at the same time. In 1789 Amos Turner 
manufactured sleys for weavers, " at his shop a little westward of 
Amos Atwell's, west side of the river." In 1789 stockings were 
woven by machines owned by William Almy and Smith Brown. In 
1793 or 1794 a stocking loom was in operation in the house on North 



586 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Main street afterward numbered 510. The owner, after operating it 
a few months without receiving sufficient encouragement, removed 
from town. George Gordon carried on the manufacture of various 
kinds of hosiery. In 1789 the clothiers' business was carried on by 
John Olney Waterman and also by Robert Newell. Samuel Clarke, 
in 1789, carried on the manufacture of soap and candles. James 
Waterman pursued the same business, his shop being on the later 
site of Howard's Block. In 1790 Oziel Wilkinson erected a manufac- 
tory of steel at Pawtucket Falls. In 1788 a slitting- mill was erected 
in the vicinity of Providence. Bar iron sent there was returned in 
good nail rods. 

Two chocolate mills were in operation at the north end. One of 
these was owned by Robert Newell, and steed on the site later occu- 
pied by the Franklin Foundry Machine Company. The other was 
operated by Obadiah Sprague, and steed on Charles street, near Mill. 
Mr. Sprague died in June, 1800, in the 83d year of his age, leaving 
behind him the reputation of " an honest man and a respecteel citi- 
zen." Bleaching and calendering were introduced into Provider] ee 
by Doctor Bowen, at great expense, but at just what time we are not 
definitely informed. 

The saddlery business was a branch of manufacturing industry i if 
considerable importance in the years immediately succeeding the 
revolution. John Sebring, in 1784, carrieel on this business in all its 
branches, including chaise trimming, '' in the shop of Mr. James 
vSabin, at the sign of General Washington, on the west side of the great 
bridge." Ward Cowing also carried on an extensive business in this 
line, giving employment to 40 hands. In 1789 his shop was "next 
door but one to Jacob Whitman's." He manufactured saddles of the 
newest and most approved styles for exportation. The business was 
later carried on under the firm name of Cowing & Hurlburt. Mr. 
Cowing died April 13th, 1832, in the 77th year of his age. Jabez Gor- 
ham and James Burr pursued the same business on North Main 
street, nearly opposite the court -house. The business was probably 
started in 1775 by some one else, whose name we do not know. They 
manufactured ladies' side-saddles and men's saddles, both of various 
styles; holsters, half covers, pillions, portmanteaus, saddle bags, sword 
belts and other goods in the line; also chaises, sulkies, saddles and 
bridles for exportation. Mr. Gorham was a native of Providence, born 
July 15th, 1700, and in his public and private relations was highly is- 
'teemed for his integrity, usefulness and kindness of heart. He died 
May 27th, L802, in the 42d year of his age. Mr. Burr, who had acquired 
the title of colonel, died February 19th, 1826. "His whole life was 
made up of active enterprise and useful labors, frcm the eventful 
period of the revolution to within a few days of his death, and he 
left behind him a memory delightful to his friends, and an example 
worthv of all imitation." 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 587 

The business of manufacturing' chaises was carried on by Reuben 
Thorp, Noah Smith and Edward Taylor. Benjamin Taylor carried 
on harness making. In 1794 Lemuel Brown, Jr., was established as 
saddle and chaise, trimmer on South Main street. Pitcher & Daggett 
were coach and chaise makers. In 1709 they moved their shop to a 
few rods south of Transit lane. The manufacture of edge tools was 
carried on in 1791 by John Lindenberger. Charles Keene manufac- 
tured scythes and axes on Bark street. Samuel Gorham manufac- 
tured shovels and spades on a wharf somewhere "between the 
Church and Mill Bridge." Messrs. Helme & Boorom manufactured 
snuff " at the corner of the Packet wharf, two doors south of Mr. 
Thomas Sabin's Inn." William and John Eveleth manufactured and 
sold snuff and tobacco. In 1782 Daniel Box manufactured and sold 
snuff and tobacco " on Col. William Wall's wharf." Scotch snuff was 
sold at 3s., 6d., a pound, at retail, and Rappee snuff at "is. Colonel 
Wall's house stood on the site of the Providence Institution for Sav- 
ings, and his wharf was in that vicinity. 

At what time the trade of bookbinding was begun here is not 
known. As early as 1785 it was carried on, and probably the work 
was done at or in connection w 7 ith the shop of Caleb Greene, " oppo- 
site the house of Darius Sessions, Esq." James Gardner carried on 
the business in a shop nearly opposite from the state house previous 
to 1798. In that year he moved to a place " a few doors north of 
General Thayer's." In 1791 Robert Adam carried on this business 
" at the sign of the Bible, west side of the river." In 1799 Rufus 
Greene carried on bookbinding at the " second shop west of the Great 
Bridge, south side of the street." 

In 1792 Oliver and Nathan Pearce manufactured stone ware. In 
their announcement to the public they said, " They sincerely hope, 
that all well wishers to this infant country, will encourage this so 
useful a branch of American manufacture; and that Patriotism and 
Stone Ware may be spread throughout the United States." John Lee 
carried on the manufacture of boots and shoes, a few doors north of 
the custom house, in 1792, and in the following year moved his shop 
to a site nearly opposite the court house. Josiah Gifford carried on 
the same business at the south end of the town. In 1798 the same 
business was carried on by Abraham Hayden. 

The manufacture of cedar tubs, pails, churns and the like was car- 
ried on at an early date by Deacon Ephraim Wheaton in the base- 
ment of his dwelling, later numbered 414 North Main street. He died 
November 3d, 1802, at the age of 78. The manufacture of chairs was 
carried on by Samuel Proud, near the old Pine Street Baptist meeting 
house; by Benjamin Marshall, on Constitution hill, and by Benjamin 
Veazie and John S. Bruce in other places in the city. 

About 1790 Levi Burr carried on the tailoring business, Nehemiah 
Sweet the blacksmith. Joshua and David Burr the wheelwright, and 



588 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

George Weeden the baking business, all on " the hill," as it was 
called, north of the junction of North Main and Benefit streets. In 
1798 Benjamin Howland carried on the business of a "tailor and 
ladies' habit maker " at the corner shop next south of the market. 
He was prepared to make " fancy breeches, without leg, side, seat, 
waistband or kneeband seams, which, for ease and elegant set, are 
far superior to any former plan." Israel Amsbury carried on tailoring 
a little north of the court house. The millinery business was carried 
on in 178G by Elizabeth Rice, from Boston, on the west side of the 
bridge, in a house which stood on the site later occupied by the east 
end of the " Union Building." Among the list of articles which she 
offered for sale were "balloon hats, ladies' hoops, and best scented 
hair powder." In 1799 James Anderson, from Hartford, carried on 
baking, and offered, among the products of his oven, "shortcake, 
Oueen cake, diet bread, muffins, rusk, whigs and cookies." 

The manufacture of fifes was carried on here as early as 1776. In 
1791, Wallen & Rawson manufactured fifes on Westminster street. 
They supplied several brigades in the continental army, and war- 
ranted their instruments equal to any imported from Holland. In 
1789, John Niccols carried on the manufacture of all kinds of brushes 
at the south end of Waterman's block. In 1794, Messrs. Schaub, Du- 
bosque & Tissot were associated in calico printing, at the Robert 
Newell works, on Charles street. They used cotton cloth imported 
from the East Indies, and wooden blocks to impart the desired figures 
and colors. The enterprise seems to have been unsuccessful. The 
following year Mr. Tissot set up the dyeing of European blue linen 
and cotton yarn. In 1800, Mr. Schaub was engaged w T ith Robert 
Newell and Samuel Thurber, Jr., in the manufacture of paper hang- 
ings. vSail making was carried on in 1791, by John Davis, in the sail 
loft of Edward Thurber, at the south end of the town. 

The distillery business was caried on in 1791, by Brown & Fran- 
cis, and Daniel Tillinghast. Their distillery was devoted to the man- 
ufacture of gin, from rye, barley, buckwheat, and juniper berries. 

The tanning and currying business was carried on in the north 
part of the town, probably as early as the middle of the last century. 
In 1779. this tannery was purchased by Amasa Gray, and subsequently 
enlarged. A large business was done here for those days. Mr. Gray 
died August 27th, 1798, aged 47 years. The tanning business was 
continued here by Colonel Stephen Abbott and Mr. Thomas Abbott, 
for a number of years after the death of Mr. Gray. At some time 
previous to the revolution, probably as early as 1750 or 1700, Aaron 
Mason commenced the tanning and currying business in the north 
part of the city, near Moshassuck river, directly in the rear of what 
is now 467 North Main street. Mr. Mason died November 22d. 1812, 
aged S4 years. Captain John Demount carried on the tanning busi- 
ness on the west side of what is now Charles street. He died March 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 589 

22d, 1787, aged 46 years. After his decease the business was contin- 
ued for a short time by his widow, Mary. She died in 1790, and then 
the business was continued by Oliver Bowen. The large braid fac- 
tory of the Fletcher Manufacturing Company stands where this tan- 
nery was located. In 1789, Michael and Joel Metcalf carried on tan- 
ning near Mill Bridge, and sold "good hemlock and oak tanned sole 
leather at fourteen pence halfpenny per pound."' James Hammond 
carried on tanning in a yard opposite Dean street. Deacon Hammond 
held the office of town sergeant for 21 consecutive years, discharg- 
ing its duties with a dignity that commanded deserved respect. With 
his resignation, in 1830, terminated the ancient custom of warning 
town meetings by beat of drum and proclamation. He died Febru- 
ary 18th, 1831, in the 81st year of his age. Calvin Dean carried on 
tanning and currying for many years, on what is now Dean street; 
Joseph Healy did some business in this line in the valley nearly ad- 
joining Angell street. The Moshassuck Leather Manufacturing 
Company commenced the tanning business in the north part of the 
city, in 1810, and this business was subsequently continued by the 
United Manufacturing Company. They at one time had the largest 
and most convenient tannery in the state. Tanners' bark becoming 
scarce and expensive in this vicinity, most of the business was aban- 
doned, it being found more profitable to send the hides away to 
other localities to be tanned, rather than to bring the bark here for 
the operation. 

The manufacture of paper was one of the earlv industries here. 
In the year 1780, vSamuel Thurber and his sons, Martin, Samuel and 
Edward, erected a paper mill at the south end of a dam across Mos- 
hassuck river, at the north end of the town as it was then defined. 
The dam had been erected by Colonel William Brown and others, 
■for a grist and saw mill, more than 30 years before, and was soon 
sold to Mr. Thurber. The grist mill was continued for more than 60 
years. Paper of various kinds was manufactured here until the year 
1812. The first bank paper issued by the Exchange and Roger 
Williams Banks was made at this mill. There were two other paper 
mills in Olneyville, one of which was known as the " Brown George," 
and the other as the ,; Rising Sun." Both were owned by Christo- 
pher Olney, who in 1801 had a paper warehouse a few doors north of 
Market Square, where he sold the products of his mills. After his 
decease the " Rising Sun " mill became the property of Wheaton & 
Eddy, from whom it passed into the hands of Philadelphia parties, 
of whose agents it was purchased by Richard Waterman, who was a 
lineal descendant of the original Richard Waterman among the 
early settlers of Providence, and this mill property was on land which 
had been taken up by that Richard Waterman as an original pro- 
prietor. 

The persons and corporations engaged in various manufactures in 



590 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the city in 1824 were as follows: Joseph Adams, Jr., distiller; Philip 
Allen, cotton manufacturer, at 104 North Main street; Zachariah 
Allen, woolen manufacturer, at the same number; Adams & Foster, 
cotton goods, 17 South Main; Almy & Brown, 57 Cheapside; Samuel 
Ames, 117 South Main; John Andrews, Butler's wharf; David Anth- 
ony, Anthony's wharf; Ahab Arnold, 84 Westminster; James U. Ar- 
nold, S6 and 88 Westminster; Samuel Arnold, 25 South Water; Beaver 
Hat Company, 41 Market; the Blackstone Company, warehouse, 23 
Weybosset; Joseph S. Cooke, cotton goods; Hassard Cory, currier; 
Joseph CunlifT, cotton goods, 385 North Main; J. Cunliff & Co., weav- 
ers' pickers, 387 North Main; Thaddeus Curtis & Co., brushes, 42 
Weybosset; Peter Daniels, tanner, 463 North Main; Davis & Ray, 
dressers of clothing, 66 South Main; Thomas Davis, brewer, 61 Paw- 
tuxet: Calvin Dean, tanner and currier, 60 High; Joseph S. Eldridge, 
combs, 152 Benefit; Frost & Mumford, jewelry, Cady's lane; Ezekiel 
Gardiner, currier, Charles; Gorham & Bebee, jewelry, 73 North Main; 
Isaac Greene, distiller, near Charles; William Hamlin, engraver and 
manufacturer mathematical instruments, 135 South Main; Sheldon 
Hawkins, currier. Mill; Benjamin Holbrook, pickers; Hope Manufac- 
turing Company, 12 Westminster; Lippitt Manufacturing Company, 
"69 Westminster; Lyman Cotton Manufacturing Company, warehouse, 
123 South Main; Merino Manufacturing Company, 10 West Water; 
Joel Metcalf & Sons, tanners and curriers, corner Charles and Mill 
streets; Henry Mumford, sugar refiner, Sugar lane; Newel Stanford, 
manufacturer woolen goods, Charles; Otter Manufacturing Company. 
86 Westminster; Pawtuxet Manufacturing Company, warehouse, 9 
West Water; Phenix Manufacturing Company, 16 South Water; 
Samuel Pike, pocket-books, 261 North Main; Plainfield Union Manu- 
facturing Company, Anthony's wharf; Providence Dyeing, Bleaching 
and Calendering Company, Sabin street; Providence Iron Foundry, 
Eddy street; Providence Cotton Manufacturing Company, 26 North 
Main street; Edward Randall & Co.. machine makers, Bark street; 
Rhodes & Smith and C.& W. Rhodes, both at 9 West Water; Sterling- 
Cotton Manufacturing Company, warehouse, 117 South Main; Peter 
Temple, currier, rear of 53 Cheapside: Thornton & Lothrop,19 South 
Mam; S. Townsend & Co., wool hat bodies, 103 South Main; Stephen 
Tripp, 23 Weybosset; United Cotton Manufacturing Company, 429 
North Main; Joseph Veazie, jewelry, 218 North Main: Wool Hat 
Body Manufacturing Company, 105 South Main street; the Belfont 
Manufacturing Company; Bowen Bleaching and Calendering Com- 
pany. John street. 

The census of Providence for the year 1820 returns five cotton 

mills, two woolen mills, two bleaching establishments, three dye 

houses, one gram mill, one oil mill, two clothiers' work, three rope 

walks, one gin distillery and four rum distilleries. The Providence 

'Woolen Mill was built in 1813. It was operated by a steam engine 



e 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. f>91 

made in Philadelphia by the celebrated Oliver Evans, the inventor 
•of the long cylinder boilers now in general use. The superintendent 
•of this mill, Mr. vSanford, was an Englishman, of great inventive 
genius. Under his direction was made the first self-acting mule 
spinning machine in use in the United .States. The threads were 
drawn upward, or vertically, instead of horizontally, as is the cat 
in that class of machines at present in use. This woolen mill in its 
•day w r as deemed the most perfect in New England, and in it were 
made very good fine broadcloths, which w 7 ere sold as high as ten and 
twelve dollars a yard during the war of 1812. The principal iron 
foundry was operated by David Wilkinson, where the Franklin 
Foundry now is. Charcoal was used for melting the iron. The blast 
was obtained by bellows operated by water power. Ten or twelve 
years later it was considered a great achievement to burn anthracite 
•coal in this furnace. In 1812 a machine shop was put in operation by 
Samuel Ogden, on Bark street, opposite the old grist mill on Charles 
street. Cotton machinery was made here, and a large force of ex- 
perienced mechanics had an opportunity to exercise and develop 
their inventive genius, and many of them became eminent in their 
line of work. The old Wanskuck Mill, running 800 spindles, which 
stood where the new mill of that company now stands, was one of the 
•earliest cotton mills operated in this vicinity. It is said to have been 
the first building in the city lighted by coal gas. 

The manufacture of jewelry, which had been begun in a small 
way, soon after the close of the revolution, continued to increase in 
importance until, in 1815, it reached the value of $300,000 in its 
annual products. It received a severe check in 1810 and 1817, but 
revived with renewed vigor in the following year, and in 1820 about 
$000,000 worth of jewelry was produced, and the manufacture em- 
ployed the labor of 300 hands. Among the names of men and firms 
then engaged in the business were: Ezekiel Burr, Frost & Mum ford, 
Gorham & Bebee, Samuel Lopez, Whiting Metcalf, Jonathan B. 
Nichols, Galen and Arroet Richmond, Franklin Richmond. Christo- 
pher Burr, Adnah Sackett, Lloyd Shaw, George Simmons, Pardon 
Simmons, William R. Taylor, Ichabod Tompkins, Joseph Veazie, Ar- 
nold Whipple, Josiah Whitaker & Co.. Davis & Babbitt, Samuel 
Yeazie.Ezra W. Dodge, Ellis Richmond and Edward S. Lyon. There 
were ten jewelry and watchmakers' stores. 

During the quarter of a century succeeding 1820 great advance 
was made in the material growth of the city, and perhaps to no other 
cause could so much of it be attributed as to the stimulus of manu- 
facturing. During that period the population had increased from 
IT), 000 to 40,000. The number of hands employed in the various 
^branches of manufacturing in 1840 was upward of 5,000. In that year 
.there were in the city four bleaching and calendering establishments, 
b'leaching 18 tons of cotton cloth per day, including printing cloths, 



592 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

and employing- nearly 500 hands. There were printed every week 
13,000 pieces of cloth, or 390,000 yards, employing- 500 hands. Four 
cotton mills were in operation, running 34,000 spindles and turning 
out 58,000 yards of cloth per week. In these mills 730 hands were 
employed. Two woolen mills were in operation, manufacturing 375,- 
000 yards of satinets and jeans, consuming 12(5, 000 pounds of wool 
annually and employing 120 hands. Two factories for cutting w< < d 
screws were at work, annually consuming 700 tons of iron and em- 
ploying 475 hands. There were 14 furnaces, consuming 5,000 tons 
of pig iron, for machinery and other castings, and turning out annu- 
ally 14,000 parlor, cooking and counting-room stoves and 550 plows. 
This industry employed from 250 to 275 hands. Three establish- 
ments were engaged in building steam engines, employing 240 hands.. 
One rolling mill employed 275 hands, making 30 tons of railroad iron 
and three tons of wire daily, from pigs and blooms. One hardware 
manufactory annually turned out 31,200 dozen plane irons. 100 tons 
of hinges, 300 tons of bolts, 200 tons of nuts, 100 tons of pickaxes and 
other forgings, employing 95 hands. Three India lubber shoe fac- 
tories were in operation, making annually from 180,000 to 200,000 
pair of shoes, and employing 200 hands. One factory for manufac- 
turing shoe-ties, corset-lacings and braid employed 57 hands, and 
consumed 1,200 pounds of cotton per week. Four planing mills were 
in operation, working ten million feet of lumber annually, making 
75,000 boxes for candles, soap and other goods, and 100,000 lights of 
sash. These mills gave employment to 400 hands. Eight engraving 
shops prepared copper rolls for printing cloths, employing 80 hands. 
Three butt hinge factories employed 30 hands, and annually turned 
out 100,000 dozen hinges. There were in the city 5 brass foundries 
and 17 tin and sheet iron shops. Some 15,000 weavers' reeds were 
annually manufactured from steel wire. The construction of cotton 
and woolen machinery employed 1,200 men. There were employed 
in the city then 500 house carpenters and 350 stone and brick masons. 
Sixty-five steam engines furnished power for various factories. 
There were annually paid for labor alone in the manufacture of jew- 
elry upward of $100,000. 

In the following list we notice particularly some of the principal 
manufacturing enterprises in operation in the city about that time. 
Philip Allen & Sons' calico print works were in operation at the 
north end of the city, employing five printing machines and 250 
hands. Steam power was used, and about 130,000 yards per week 
were printed. Austin Shinkwin's Canal Calico Print Works were in 
operation, employing 20 hands, on the corner of Smith & Charles 
streets. The Eddy Street Steam Cotton Mills for which Mr. E. W. 
Fletcher acted as treasurer, were manufacturing yarns numbers 38 
and 42. These mills were fitted with 10,000 spindles and 240 looms, 
and were operated by 220 hands. The weekly product amounted to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 593 

some 22,000 yards of sheetings and shirtings. The Eagle Cotton 
Mills in Olneyville manufactured number 30 yarn, employed 6,000 
spindles, 200 looms and 150 hands. Some 30,000 yards of sheetings 
and print cloths were manufactured weekly. The Elm Street Woolen 
Mills were managed by George A. Allen, agent. They ran 766 
spindles, 24 looms, 4 sets of cards and employed 30 hands. Fletcher 
& Brothers' Cotton Mill, located on State street, manufactured cotton 
braids. The works contained 725 spindles and employed 51 hands. 
They used 1,200 pounds of cotton weekly. The Providence Bleach- 
ing, Dyeing and Calendering Company, employing 200 hands, were 
at work on Sabin street, under the direction of William C. Snow, the 
agent. The Rhode Island Bleaching and Cambric Works on Paw- 
tuxet turnpike, employed 50 hands and were managed by Samuel 
Dexter, agent. The Canal Bleaching Company was in operation on 
Charles street. The agent was Mr. C. S. Rhodes. They employed 
steam power. The New England Screw Company was in operation 
at 23 Eddy street. They employed 200 hands and manufactured 
2,000 gross of screws per day. The works were in charge of Alex- 
ander Hodges, agent. The Eagle Screw Company was in operation 
on Stevens street. Its agent was William G. iVngell. About 100 
hands were employed. The Franklin Foundry and Machine Com- 
pany were manufacturing all kinds of cotton machinery, calico print- 
ing machines, iron and brass castings and the like. They made use 
of water power for driving machinery, and employed 100 hands. 
The works were located on Charles street, and were directed by 
Cyril Babcock. The Phoenix Iron Foundry was then in operation 
on Eddy and Elm streets, the locality then being called Eddy's 
Point. George B. Holmes was the agent, and castings of all kinds 
were manufactured, and the general work of finishing and setting up 
machinery was carried on. The High Street Furnace and Machine 
Company was being carried on at 140 and 142 High street. Isaac H. 
Holden was the agent and 50 hands were employed. A foundry 
was being carried on by Albert Fuller on Point street. The Provi- 
dence Furnace and Stove and Plough Manufactory located at 160 
High street, was carried on by Israel G. Manchester, agent. A cast 
iron foundry was also being operated at 32 Eddy street, by Lewis P. 
Mead & Co., who employed in the work 24 hands. Another on the 
same street was known as the Eddy Street Cast Iron Foundry. This 
employed 18 hands and was managed by Harris J. Mowry. Freder- 
ick Fuller's iron foundry was located on Fox Point street, but we 
have no knowledge of its magnitude. The Providence Machine 
Company, located on Eddy street, employed 30 hands and was man- 
aged by Thomas J. Hill, agent. The Steam Engine Works on Fox 
Point street, manufactured all kinds of steam engine machinery. 
The business was carried on by R. L. Thurston & Co., who employed 
50 hands. A print works and grist mill was carried on in the locality 
38 



5i»4 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

known as Olneyville. Messrs. Fletcher & Metcalf carried on a steam 
grist mill on Charles street. The Providence Butt Company, B. P. 
Stiness, agent, was at work on Point street, employing 12 hands. 
The New England Butt Company was located in the rear of 163 and 
165 High street. John P. Mumford was agent. Fourteen hands were 
emploved. Tallman & Bucklin carried on a steam planing mill on 
Dyer street. Another planing mill was> carried on at Fox Point, by 
Barstow, Mason & Brown. Nineteen hands were employed by them. 
Messrs. J. H. 8z. E. J. Martin carried on another planing mill at the 
corner of Potter and Friendship streets. A paper mill was also in 
operation in Olneyville. Richard Waterman was the proprietor, and 
George Annis, agent. A large machine shop was carried on at India 
Point by Fairbanks, Bancroft & Co., who employed 100 hands. The 
manufacture of engines, boilers, planing machines, lathes and other 
machinery was carried on. A marine railway was owned and 
operated at Fox Point, by Bailey & Mason. 

The census of Providence for 1855, taken under the direction of 
Doctor Edwin M. vSnow, reports 5(5 establishments as then engaged 
in the manufacture of jewelry and silverware, producing a value of 
$2,696,000, and employing about 1,400 hands. The census of 1865 
reported in this line of manufactures 45 establishments, employing 
724 hands with a total value of products of $1,200,025, while three 
manufacturers of silverware employed 304 hands, and produced a 
total value of $725,000. The largest establishment of the latter class 
in Rhode Island, and probably the largest in the world, is the Gor- 
ham Manufacturing Company, of this city. 

The census of 1875 shows 940 different establishments in the city 
•engaged in the various branches of manufacturing industry. These 
•employed a capital in working material, including tools and ma- 
chinery, amounting to $7,572,137. They were operated by 194 steam 
engines, aggregating a force of 11,511 horse power, fed by 431 steam 
boilers. There were in addition 29 water wheels in use. There were 
employed in these manufactories 20,271 hands, less than one-fourth of 
whom were females. The total value of products for the census year 
amounted to $52,782,875. There were ten establishments manufac- 
turing cotton goods, the machinery of which was valued at $545,358. 
These were run by 11 steam engines and 3 water wheels, giving an 
aggregate working force of 1 ,549 horse power. There were in use 
95,715 spindles, 1,712 looms, 4,500 braiding machines and 15 knitting- 
machines. The manual force required to attend and opeiate them 
was 1,537 hands. The manufacture consumed 4,896,791 pounds of 
•cotton, worth $781,831, and the product was 6,254,648 yards of print 
cloths, 9,136,663 yards of sheeting, shirtings and twills, and 184,780 
pounds of cotton yarn, the total value of all products amounting to 
$1,874,300. This value also includes 95,000 dozen spool cotton, 1,058,- 
OOO pounds of lacings, lamp wicks and braids, 75,000 dozen cotton 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 595 

braid, and 19,000 pounds of stockinet. The manufacture of woolen 
goods then employed machinery to the \ r alue of $656,000, in 7 estab- 
lishments. Motive power was furnished by 11 steam engines and 1 
water wheel, aggregating- 1,310 horse power, driving 83 sets of cards, 
4*2<) looms and 39,374 spindles. There were emploped 1,858 hands, 
using 5,271,390 pounds of w t oo1, and producing 150,000 pounds of 
woolen yarn, 2,108,308 yards of woolen goods, 250,000 dozen worsted 
braids, 4,402 dozen cardigan jackets and 750 dozen nubias. The 
aggregate value of woolen manufactures was $4,291,574. 

The number of establishments engaged in the different branches 
of manufactures in 1880, with the number of hands employed and the 
annual value of products, were as follows: 02 blacksmithing, 105, 
$176,463; 5 bookbinding and blank book making, (57, $83,000; 81 boots 
and shoes (including repairs), 95. $103,298; 4 wooden packing boxes, 
36, $04,000; 9 brass castings, 00, $172,921: brooms and brushes, 17, 
$28,225; 47 carriages and wagons, 105, $271,0)59; 42 men's clothing, 
987, $1,869,819; 7 women's clothing, 65, $137,880; 10 coffins and burial 
cases and undertakers' goods, 34, $91,293; 5 confectionery, 20, $08,550; 
3 cooperages, 29, $60,560; 17 cotton goods, 2,012, $2,250,273; 4 cutlery 
and edge tools, 45, $45,30)0; 5 drugs and chemicals, 22, $103,000; 7 dye- 
ing and finishing textiles, 1,131, $2,273,254; 4 dye-stuffs and extracts, 
40, $221,705; 10 electroplating, 01, $208,10)4; 7 files. H?>y>, $40)0,950; 4 
flouring mills, 30, $45<s,<s<M5; 55 foundries and machine shops, 3,356, 
$4,522,179; 15 furniture, 319, $686,705; 3 gas and lamp fixtures, 01, 
$86,600; gold and silver refining and reducing, 25, $1,421,100; 7 hair 
work, 20, $34,945; 5 hardware, 143, $154,543; 4 ivory and bone work, 
08. $72,007; 142 jewelry, 3,204, $5,444,092; 7 lapidary work, 43, $42,333; 
3 leather goods, 41, $9(5,815; 3 malt liquors, 88, $392,1(53; 5 lock and 
gimsmithing, 5, $10,515; 7 looking glass and picture frames, 20, $57,- 
745; (5 lumber planing. (53, $09,912; 23 marble and stone work, 281, 
$299,82(5; 4 mattresses and spring beds, 27, $113,(55(5; 22 patent medi- 
cines and compounds, 119, $70(5,442; 17 printing and publishing, 360, 
$53(5,598; 3 pumps, 6, $15,000; 2(5 saddlery and harness, 79, $112,477; 
<S ship-building, 83, $133,331; 3 shoddy, 55, $179,795; (5 slaughtering 
and meat packing, 89, $1,458,740; 6 soap and candles, 10, $37,250; 4 
stationery goods, 27, $50,425: 3 straw goods, 1(5, $10,100; 40 tin, copper 
and sheet iron, 202, $407,332; 32 tobacco and segars, 105, $105,844; 3 
trunks and valises, 12, $35,530: 5 woolen goods, 1,7(54, $3,(502,947; 4 
worsted goods, 1,900, $3,537,000. In addition to these, the census 
shows in the city manufactures of agricultural implements, leather 
belting and hose, rubber boots and shoes, cigar boxes, paper and 
fancy boxes, bridges, buttons, collars and cuffs, paper, corsets, cotton- 
ties, drain and sewer pipe, firearms, foundry supplies, chairs, dressed 
furs, cut, stained and ornamental glass, hand-stamps, stencils and 
brands, fancy articles, models and patterns, umbrellas and canes, 
hats and caps, hooks and eyes, iron and steel, iron forgings, wrought 



596 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

iron pipe, lead bars, pipes and sheets, shot, dressed skins, lime, musi- 
cal instruments (organs and materials), cotton-seed oil and cake, 
paints, paving- materials, pickles, preserves and sauces, plated and 
britannia ware, rubber and elastic goods, fireproof safes, doors and 
vaults, sash, doors and blinds, saws, screws, sewing machines and at- 
tachments, shirts, silk and silk goods, silverware, sporting goods, 
starch, stone and earthen ware, taxidermy, toys and games, uphol- 
stering, watch cases, window blinds and shades, wire and wire work. 

One of the most prominent institutions of the city, in promoting 
its business and material interests, in the line of our present subject 
especially, has been the Providence Association of Mechanics and 
Manufacturers. This organization had its beginning about a cen- 
tury ago, and we may profitably review its rise and progress. 

On the 27th of February, 1789, a number of the principal mechan- 
ics and manufacturers of Providence met at the house of Captain 
Elijah Bacon, on Union street, to form an association " for the pro- 
motion of home manufactures, the cementing of mechanic interest, 
and for raising a fund to support the distressed." William Barton 
was chairman and Bennett Wheeler secretary of that meeting. A 
committee consisting of Amos Atwell, Charles Keene, John Davis, 
Robert Newell, Bennett Wheeler, Elijah Bacon and Nicholas Easton 
was appointed to draft a constitution and report at an adjourned 
meeting. The second meeting was held at the house of Daniel Jack- 
son, on the 4th of March, when the constitution was adopted and the 
following officers elected for the first term: Barzillai Richmond, 
president; Charles Keene, vice-president; Amos Atwell, treasurer; 
Bennett Wheeler, secretary. A petition was forthwith presented, 
through Levi Hall, to the general assembly for an act of incorpora- 
tion, which was granted, and the charter was signed by the governor 
on the 16th of the same month. The association passed a vote of 
thanks to Governor John Collins, " for his politeness in signing the 
charter of the Association without the usual fee." The parchment 
upon which the charter was written was purchased in Boston at a 
cost of six shillings, eight pence. A seal was adopted, which is thus 
described: " That the seal be of the size of a French crown piece; 
that round the edge the name of the Association be engraved; that 
within the circle containing the name of the Association the seven 
mechanical powers be displayed by their proper emblems, viz.: — a 
lever, a balance, axis and wheel, a pulley, a wedge, a screw, an in- 
clined plane; a circle in the centre, with the motto, * United we stand, 
divided we fall ' ; within the circle, a beaver ornawing a tree, as an 
emblem of perseverance; and a bee hive, as an emblem of industry." 

The association from the start took high moral ground in matters 
pertaining to social life and business principles. The members were 
enjoined to discourage as far as possible all foreign manufactures by 
using in their own families the goods produced in this country: to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 597 

avoid extravagance in dress or other expenses; to exercise the 
utmost punctuality in meeting debts contracted and other engage- 
ments, and scrupulously to avoid all such as were beyond their abil- 
ity to perform; to avoid taking advantage of any law to distress an 
honest debtor or defraud an honest creditor: to look after the conduct 
of their apprentices and see that such were not strolling the streets 
late at night, disturbing the inhabitants by their revels; and action 
was frequently taken looking toward the preservation of a high 
standard of integrity in the members of the association, as well as 
asserting and defending the rights of their members in transactions 
with the outside world, and looking after the welfare, not only of 
their own members, but of society in general. To this body is due 
the credit of having been the first influential body to urge upon the 
general assembly the passage of a free school law, which resulted in 
the establishment of the excellent free school system of the state, 
modified somewhat as it appears at the present time. This associa- 
tion was active and alert for every opportunity by which their influ- 
ence might be strengthened or exercised for the benefit of society. 
When the president of the United States visited Providence, August 
18th, 1790, this association voted to attend the reception and take 
place and part in the escort from the wharf to the Golden Ball Inn. 
They also participated in the public solemnities in commemoration 
of the lamented death of General Washington, and appeared in the 
procession, with their standard and warden's wands duly draped in 
mourning. 

The association commenced its chartered existence with 78 mem- 
bers. The following year it numbered upward of 200. In 1798 it 
had 250 living members. In 1827 there were 275. The increase for 
many years kept pace with the growth of mechanic and manu- 
facturing business in the city. In 1800 it had reached about 700. 
Since then the membership has declined, the present number being 
about 250. From its organization to 1825 the business meetings of 
the association were generally held in the state house. Occasionally 
they met at the Golden Ball Inn, and elsewhere. As early as 1790 
action was taken in regard to securing a permanent building of their 
own to hold meetings in. Many projects to this end were held up 
but failure met them all, until the erection of the Franklin Building, 
on Market Square, in 1824, when provision was made for a hall for 
the use of the association in that building. It was formally taken 
possession of with an address delivered by the president, who then 
was John Howland. A few years later, however, they moved to the 
Washington Building, where they held their headquarters until 
1853, when they moved to a hall in Dyer's Block on Westminster 
street. From this they moved, in 1800, to accommodations in the 
Bank Building then erected on the Amos Atwell estate, at the cor- 
ner of Weybosset and Orange streets. Here they remained until 



598 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

about 1875. For a short time they occupied rooms at 27 North Main 
but about 1879 they were quartered at 54 North Main, where they 
have continued to hold their meetings to the present time. In 182] 
the association established a library for its members and apprentices. 
This library reached the number of 6, COO volumes, and in 1870 it was 
donated to the city as the beginning of a public library. At the same 
time members of the association made up about $5,000 for its in- 
crease and donated the money with the library. Among the other 
good works of the association as a body, in 1847 it took an active 
part in the promotion of the temperance cause, and was influential 
in the establishment of the reform school. In 1850 it instituted a 
course of lectures to raise money to be devoted to the erection of a 
monument to Roger Williams, and the sum thus procured was sup- 
plemented by subscriptions of the members, and deposited as a 
nucleus of the monument fund. 

It will be of interest here to notice briefly some of the men who 
w r ere prominent in the early history of the association. Elijah 
Bacon, at whose house the first meeting for organization took place r 
was a carpenter by trade, and a captain of militia. His shop stocd 
on the east side of Union street, near Broad, opposite his residence. 
The shop was burned October 7th, 1790, with about $700 worth of 
sash, doors and the like. The association raised a subscription 
among its members to make up in part this loss. Captain Bacon died 
August 14th, 1801, aged 72 years. Barzillai Richmond was by trade 
a hatter. He was one of the founders of the Beneficent Congrega- 
tional church, in 1743. He was much interested in the education of 
youth, and in 1751, associated with Gideon Comstock, Alexander 
Frazier, Joseph Potter, Thomas Angell. James Field, and Nehemiah 
Sprague, obtained permission of the town to build a school house on 
the west side of the river. He died January 5th, 179(5, in his 75th 
year, respected for his moral worth, by the entire community- 
Charles Keene was born in Providence, January 25th, 1733. He 
learned the blacksmithing business in his youth, and afterward en- 
gaged in the manufacture of edge tools. In 1757 he was associated 
with George Payson, and became joint owner in the water privilege 
on the east side of the Moshassuck, at the dam on Bark street. Two 
years later he purchased Mr. Payson's share of that property, and 
occupied the same until his death. About 1784 he engaged in the 
manufacture of scythes and axes. He was an active member of the 
association, and its president for three years beginning in 1790. He 
represented Providence in the general assembly in the years 1780, 
'81, '84, '85 and '8(5, and was for six years a member of the town 
council. Mr. Keene was remarkable for energy, integrity and in- 
telligence. He was a staunch patriot during the revolution, and 
served as a captain in Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island. He 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 599 

afterward received a major's commission. He died January 4th, 
1794, universally respected and deeply lamented. 

Amos Atwell was a descendant of Amos Maine, the original pro- 
prietor of the province of Maine. During the revolutionary war he 
received a colonel's commission in the militia, and in 1790-1 represent- 
ed Providence in the general assembly. He was the first treasurer of 
the association, and held the office three years. In 1793 he was 
elected its president, and held the office four years. He built and 
occupied the house on Weybosset street subsequently known as the 
Weybosset House, which was demolished in I860, to give place to the 
Bank Building. For several years he and his son kept a West India 
goods and hardware store at the place mentioned. The son with- 
drew in 1796, and Mr. Atwell continued the business alone. He died 
August 10th, 1807, in the 77th year of his age, and was buried with 
Masonic honors. 

John Carlile was a native of Providence. His grandfather came 
to this country with his relative, the father of Paul Revere, of revo- 
lutionary fame. On his maternal side Mr. Carlile was descended from 
James Franklin. After learning the trade he established himself 
here in the business of cabinet making. He married Nancy, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel Dana, by whom he had 13 children. He built and 
occupied No. 14 George street. He was president of the association 
from 1817 to 1823, and was elected colonel of the United Train of Ar- 
tillery, which position he held for nine years, discharging its duties 
in a most acceptable manner. He was also for many years Grand 
Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons. He was prominent in 
town affairs, and was often called to the chair in town meetings. On 
the occasion of La Fayette's visit, in 1824, he was appointed to re- 
ceive that distinguished visitor, presenting the address to the general 
and presiding at the entertainment given on the occasion. He repre- 
sented Providence in the general assembly in 1801 and 1802, and was 
a member of the town council from 1818 to 1824. He died July 17th, 
1832, in the 70th year of his age. 

James Burrill was a native of Lynn, Mass., and learned the trade 
of a tin plate worker in Newport, R. I. He set up that business in 
Providence, and continued to labor in it nearly to the close of his life. 
For many years he occupied a shop in Waterman's Row, near the 
foot of President street, where the daily music of his hammer was a 
familiar sound for many long years. He was distinguished for the 
superior excellence of his manufactures. He was vice-president of 
the association in 1794, and held the office of president from 1797 to 
1809. Mr. Burrill was a man of sound sense and practical wisdom. 
He was a representative of Providence in the general assembly in 
1797, a member of the town council in 1793 and 1794, and frequently 
a moderator in town meetings. He died December 15th, 1825, in the 
82d year of his age. His son, James Burrill, Jr., was the distinguished 



600 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

senator of the United States from Rhode Island in the years 1817 to 
1821 . 

Bennett Wheeler was a printer. He was born at Halifax, N. S., in 
1758. At the age of 18 he emigrated thence, and arrived in Provi- 
dence September 20th, 1770. In the militia he was several times pro- 
moted during the revolution, until soon after its close he was com- 
missioned brigade major for the county of Providence and inspector 
general of militia for the state. He was also appointed collector of 
excise in this county. In 1770 he began the publication of the Ameri- 
can Journal and General Advertiser, which was continued upward of 
four years, and in 1784, having resigned his military and civil offices, 
he established the United States Chronicle, which he continued to the 
year 1802. That paper advocated the adoption of the constitution of 
the United States and the general views of the federal party. Mr. 
Wheeler was the first secretary of the association, and held the office 
six years. He died April 13th, 1806, in the 47th year of his age. 

William Barton was born in Warren, R. I., May 26th, 1748. He 
learned the trade of a hatter, married at the age of 22, and came to 
Providence and set up business previous to the revolution. He joined 
the regular army in the war as corporal, and by successive promo- 
tions reached the rank of colonel. He served with honor to himself 
and usefulness to his country. In repelling the attack on Bristol in 
177") he was wounded in the thigh, which confined him for three 
months. But the crowning exploit of his military career was the 
daring and successful expedition for the capture of the British Gen- 
eral Prescott. In this affair " he displayed a firmness of nerve, a fix- 
edness of purpose and an intrepidity of conduct not surpassed by any 
deed of heroism on the page of history." The military services of 
Colonel Barton were highly appreciated by congress, which presented 
him with a sword, bearing the inscription, "Gift of Congress to Col. 
Barton, 25th July, 1777." He also received a grant of land in Ver- 
mont. In 1802 he received the commission of general of militia of 
Rhode Island. He was an active member of the association, for two 
years its vice-president, and in 1700 presented it with an elegant silk 
standard. His residence stood on the site of the present Blackstone 
Block, 27 to 33 Weybosset street. He died October 22d, 1831, at the 
age of 85, and was buried with military honors. 

William Richmond, son of Barzillai, was born in Providence Aug- 
ust 1 Till , 1714 (O.S.). He was a hat manufacturer, served as presi- 
dent of the association from 1800 for seven years, was an earnest ad- 
vocate of the encouragement of home manufactures, and occupied 
many local offices of importance. His tombstone bears this record: 
" He served in various public trusts for more than thirty years, and 
was President of the Town Council of Providence from 1813 to 1825. 
In every station faithful, assiduous and energetic, watchful of the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 601 

public interest, and sparing of the public money. He died in the 
faith, hope and consolations of Christianity October 4. N. S., 1828." 

Gershom Jones was a native of Somers, Conn., and after learn- 
ing the trade of a coppersmith in Norwich, he came to Providence at 
the age of 21, and was soon after married. In 1781) his residence was 
on Westminster street, west side of Pleasant, and his workshop was 
on the north side of Westminster, nearly opposite the west end of 
Whitman's Block. He afterward moved his shop to the rear of his 
dwelling house. In the militia he held the commission of a major. 
He is described as a large, portly man, active in the affairs of his 
time, a man of considerable musical powers and taste, and a promi- 
nent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died May 1st, 1809, in 
the 58th year of his age. 

Samuel Thurber was born February 15th, 1757, in the house which 
his father had erected on Constitution hill about the year 1750. This 
house became 271 North Main street. In his early days young 
Thurber was employed in the store of his uncle, at the site later 
known as 283 North Main street. When Sullivan's expedition was 
making ready to go against the British on Rhode Island, he with one 
of his younger brothers joined it. His mother fitted them out, fill- 
ing their knapsacks with food and clothing, and charged them to go 
and behave themselves like men. He was afterward appointed 
commissary to the hospital which was established in what was later 
known as the Butler house, its site being directly in the rear of the 
present Church of the Redeemer on North Main street. In 1780 Mr. 
Thurber, with his father and two brothers, erected a paper mill in 
the north part of the town, on the same dam on which his father 
already had a grist mill. They were known as the Thurber Mills. 
He afterward kept a store at the foot of Star street, and also in the 
Hubbard house on North Main street, for the sale of paper and col- 
lecting paper stock. During the latter part of his life he was en- 
gaged somewhat in farming. He held the office of justice of the 
peace for several years, beginning with. 1794. He was the son of 
Samuel, who was the son of Samuel, who was the son of James, who 
was the son of John, who came to this country from England in 1672, 
and settled at a place then called New Meadow Neck, now a part of 
Barrington, in this state. In 1797 he was elected treasurer of the 
Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, and held the office for 28 
successive years, when he declined a re-election. Mr. Thurber was a 
man of plain manners, frugal habits, benevolent disposition and 
scrupulously exact in all his transactions. He died November 6th, 
1889, aged 82 years, three months, and 22 days. 

Robert Newell was a clothier. He was a thin, spare man of com- 
mon height, strong mind and aged appearance. His residence was 
on the west side of Charles street, a little north of Mill bridge. His 
coloring and finishing shop was somewhat nearer the bridge. His 



602 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

fulling mill was further up this street, on a part of the lot where the 
works of the Franklin Machine Company now stand. In the chambers 
over the fulling mill he had a chocolate mill, where he manufactured 
an article which became celebrated for its good quality. On the same 
lot he had several other buildings, in some of which, between the 
years 1790 and 1800, he was engaged in calico printing and coloring 
some designs of wall paper. He was a prominent man in town affairs,, 
frequently serving on important committees. He died April 10th, 
1810; and it was said of him — " He was a very worthy and respectable 
citizen — one who feared God and eschewed evil." 

wStanford Newell was the youngest son of Robert Newell. With 
his brothers, John and Franklin, he continued the business after his 
father's death. Subsequently they set up a carding machine for card- 
ing wool; also a jack and jenny for spinning wool, with looms for 
weaving satinets and woolen cloths. This proved unprofitable, and 
was soon given up. Then Mr. Newell and others set up an iron 
foundry, at the same place, using the water power for operating the 
bellows. Some time later additions were made to the company and 
the manufacture of cotton machinery was begun. Mr. Newell was in- 
terested in this business until his death, which took place November 
14th, 1843, in the 53d year of his age. He was at different times a 
member of the general assembly, a town councilman and an alder- 
man of the city, and was the first president of the Mechanics' and 
Manufacturers' Bank, which office he held for a number of years. 

Isaac Greenwood came from Boston to Providence about 1778 or 
1779, and commenced the manufacture of mathematical and optical 
instruments. Possessing some knowledge of dentistry, he added that 
department to his business, and in the course of a few years he made 
that the principal branch of his business. In 1790 he removed to New- 
port, but returned in 1793, and set up business in dentistry " directly 
opposite the Custom House." In 1803 he appears to have been en- 
gaged again in the mathematical instrument manufacture, which,, 
indeed, he probably never entirely abandoned. In 1807 he erected 
the brick dwelling house on Westminster street later owned and 
occupied by Thomas C. Hoppin, Esq. Previous to 1812 Mr. Green- 
wood removed to New York, where he died. 

John Howland, one of the most conspicuous figures of the city in 
the development of its manufacturing and various other public in- 
terests, was born in Newport, R. I., October 31st, 1757. He was the 
son of Joseph and Sarah Howland, and was of the fourth generation 
from John Howland, one of the founders of Plymouth, who was born 
in 1592. In his thirteenth year he came to Providence and engaged 
as an apprentice with Benjamin Gladding, in the hair dressing busi- 
ness. He grew to be a man of independent thought, and incorporated 
with his practice the principles advocated by Roger Williams. Hav- 
ing found what he considered as the right, he maintained it inflexi- 



. HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 603 

bly. With but very limited advantages for culture, his natural 
endowments were uncommon, his intellectual acquirements exten- 
sive, and his capacity to use them to the best advantage, singularly 
complete. After completing the term of his apprenticeship, he 
opened a shop on North Main street, near what was afterward known 
as the Manufacturers' Hotel. His shop soon became the resort of a 
superior class of patrons, among whom were the prominent men of 
the time in political and public affairs, and the intercourse with 
them thus afforded him gave him an excellent opportunity for de- 
veloping the powers of his own mind and the acquirement of a fund 
of practical information in regard to the topics of public interest at 
the time. He was married to Mary, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth Carlile, and by this union became the father of 13 children, 
eight of whom died when less than three years of age. Among 
the offices of trust which he was at different times called to fill, 
he was a town auditor 14 years, town treasurer 14 years, treasurer 
of the Providence Savings Institution 21 years, president of the 
Peace Society 17 years, president of the Rhode Island Historical 
Society 21 years, a member of the school committee 20 years, and 
deacon of the First Congregational church 40 years. As an ardent 
advocate of temperance reform, an industrious founder of the pub- 
lic school system of the state, and an active supporter of the 
Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, the Institution for Sav- 
ings, the Historical Society, and other organizations for the promo- 
tion of the welfare of the people, Mr. Howland was one of the 
most conspicuous men of his time. He lived to a great age, and 
died, full of years filled with usefulness and honors, November 
5th, 1854, at the age of 97 years. He thus lived to be the last 
one of the patriot band who enlisted under Captain David Dex- 
ter in the war of the revolution. He was also the last surviving 
member of Lippitt's regiment, the bravery of which drew forth the 
commendation of General Washington, and whose sufferings in the 
campaign of 1776 he so graphically described. " Gathered to his 
fathers in a good old age 'like as a shock of corn cometh in his sea- 
son,' he still lives in the beneficent influence of his deeds. The mon- 
uments of his usefulness are with us; and while the Providence In- 
stitution for vSavings and the Public Schools of Rhode Island exist, 
his memory will be held in honor." 

Peter Grinnell was a native of Little Compton, and came to Provi- 
dence to engage in mechanical pursuits. He became an active mem- 
ber of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association, was its vice- 
president for six years and its president for three years, and was a 
warm advocate of the free school system which was partially estab- 
lished in 1800. He was a representative of Providence in the general 
assembly in 1804, '5, '6, '7, '12 and 13, and it was said of him that he 
" discharged his duties as a public officer and a good citizen, with 



604 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

honor and fidelity." His death took place September 13th, 1836, at 
the age of 72 years. 

Gabriel Allen was the son of George Allen, who came from Eng- 
land to Boston and later settled in Seekonk, where he carried on the 
stone cutting business. Gabriel learned the trade and established 
himself in it in Providence. Here he married the daughter of Doc- 
tor Benjamin West, and was made assistant postmaster, while Mr. 
West held the post office. When the latter died, in 1813, Mr. Allen 
became postmaster, and he continued to hold the office until his death. 
During a time he held the commission of major in the state militia. 
His death occurred April 3d, 1824, in the 75th year of his age. 

Samuel W. Wheeler, son of Bennett Wheeler, was born in Provi- 
dence in 1790. He learned the jewelry business with Messrs. Pitman 
& Dorrance, and afterward was employed as a book-keeper for the 
firm, and later engaged in the grocery business. He was secretary 
of the Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Association from 1829 to 1830. 
He died June 1st, 1857, aged 06 years. 

Joseph Balch was descended from a family of that name in Essex 
county. Mass. He was by trade a tailor, but between the years 1790 
and 1800, taught school in Whipple Hall, at the north end of Benefit 
street, and was distinguished for excellence in penmanship. For a 
time he held an office in the custom house. He was an original mem- 
ber of the association, and was its secretary from 1797 to 1805. He 
died July 25th, 1845, aged 79 years. 

Joel Metcalf was a native of Providence, and a tanner and currier 
by trade. He was a prominent figure in the Mechanics' and Manu- 
facturers' Association, an original member, and vice-president for six 
years and president for one year. From 1795 to 1800 he was a mem- 
ber of the town council. He was an early and ardent advocate of pub- 
lic schools, and took a lively interest in all measures affecting the 
public welfare. He died November 25th, 1834, aged 79 years. 

Joseph G. Metcalf, son of Joel, was engaged in the leather busi- 
ness. His life ran tolerably smooth, with not many changes of re- 
markable importance, but was spent chiefly in the routine of busi- 
ness and the quiet of a cherished home. He served the city in the 
common council, and was regarded as a judicious adviser. A man of 
quick sympathies and great kindness of heart, he manifested a ready 
interest in works of philanthropy. He was a worthy citizen, of un- 
obtrusive manners, and was universally esteemed for Christian recti- 
tude. He was elected vice-president of the M. and M. Association in 
I842 and president of it in 1845. He died June 29th, 1854. 

Henry Gushing was born in Hingham, Mass., May loth, 1777. 
After learning the trade of a hat maker, in Bath, Me., he entered the 
printing office of his brother Thomas in Salem, Mass., and worked on 
the Gazette of that town. In 1800 he came to Providence and took 
possession of a book-store as the successor of Joseph Todd, and a little 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 605 

later sold out this business and engaged in the manufacture of paper 
hanofinofs. This business he bought of Colonel Thomas S. Webb, and 
he continued in it until 1840, when he was elected to succeed Mr. John 
Howland as the treasurer of the Providence Institution for Savings. 
Beginning with 1825, he was for 35 years treasurer of the M. and M. 
Association. He died June 22d, 1860, at the advanced age of 83 years. 

Thomas R. Holden, son of Charles Holden, was a native of Provi- 
dence, and did business as a merchant tailor in Granite Block on 
Market Square. Previous to this, however, he had occupied a shop on 
North Main street, on the south side of Waterman street. He was 
three years president of the M. and M. Association, and for many years 
was connected with public affairs, as a member of the common council 
and board of aldermen, and for a time discharged the duties of the 
mayor's office, to complete the official term broken by the death of 
Hon. Samuel W. Bridgham. Mr. Holden took a deep interest in the 
prosperity of the public schools of Providence, and rendered import- 
ant services in the revision of the system. He died suddenly Janu- 
ary 7th, 1847, aged 66 years. 

Grindall Reynolds was the second of seven sons of John and 
Dorithy Reynolds. He was born at Bristol, R. I., October 12th, 1755. 
At the age of nine years he was apprenticed to Jonathan Capron, a 
tailor, of Providence. For twelve years following 1780 he worked at 
his trade in a shop next north of the present No. 83 North Main 
street. He then removed to Norfolk, Va., but soon returned, and 
previous to 1795 engaged in the shoe business in Providence, in com- 
pany with James Temple. In 1706 he withdrew from the partnership 
and opened a wholesale boot and shoe store on the east side of North 
Main street, near Market Square. In 1801 he removed his store to the 
house of John Mason, next west of Mr. Aldrich's tavern onWeybosset 
street. He was a prominent and active member of the M. and M. As- 
sociation, and was a coadjutor of the leading spirit in the enterprise 
of establishing free schools in Rhode Island. He built the first public 
school house on the west side of the town, on land not long since 
owned by Peleg Gardner, on Claverack street. He was one of twelve 
who established a private Insurance Association, which, in 1799, was 
merged in the Washington Insurance Company. In 1808 he removed 
to Boston, and was subsequently concerned in different manufactur- 
ing establishments in that city and other places. He died May 8th, 
1847, being 91 years of age, and his remains were brought to Provi- 
dence for interment. 

Benjamin Tallman was born in Portsmouth, R.I. , in the year 1741. 
He established himself in Providence as a ship-builder, and was re- 
garded as one of the most skillful naval architects of his time. He 
was the builder of about one hundred sail of merchant vessels, some 
of which were ships of the largest class built in those days. Two of 
them, the " Ann and Hope " and the " George Washington," attained 



606 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

a distinguished reputation. A ship previously built by Mr. Tallman 
was one of the first vessels that sailed out of Providence for the East 
Indies. On her return trip, loaded with a valuable cargo, she was 
wrecked by running ashore on Block Island. In November, 1775, he 
was appointed major in a regiment then raised by Rhode Island and 
commanded by Colonel William Richmond. A year later, this regi- 
ment being disbanded, he was commissioned colonel of a regiment 
raised for the continental service, but four months later was induced 
to relinquish the field to superintend the building of a ship of war in 
Connecticut. In 177(5 he built for the continental congress the frigate 
" Warren," which was launched in Providence May 24th. Colonel 
Tallman was vice-president of the M. and M. Association from 1795 
to 3805. On retiring from business he passed the residue of his days 
with little incident to break the gradual but protracted dissolution of 
his physical powers. He died at his residence on Eddy street June 
K»th, 1836, at the age of 95 years, universally respected for soundness 
of judgment, integrity of character and moral worth as a citizen. 

Levi Hall, a native of Marsh field, Mass., established himself in 
Providence as a leather dresser. His place of business was " at the 
sign of the Buck," on North Main street, opposite St. John's church. 
Here he manufactured small clothes, gloves and other articles of 
leather. He held for many years the commission of lieutenant-colonel 
in the United Train of Artillery, and at his death was buried with 
military and Masonic honors. He died June 28th, 1789, aged 45 
years. 

John C. Jenckes was born on the island of Rhode Island, a few 
years before the revolution. With his parents he fled to Westport, 
Mass., when the British took possession of the island. Some ten 
years later they removed to Providence, and here young John learned 
the trade of a jeweler with John Gibbs, whose shop was on the corner 
of Westminster and Exchange streets. In 1798 Mr. Jenckes formed 
a partnership with Mrs. Eliza Gibbs, widow of his employer, who was 
now dead, and the business was thus continued until 1800, when he 
set tip by himself " opposite the Turk's Head." He afterward entered 
a partnership with Mawney Jastram, and later pursued his business 
for many years on his own estate on Friendship street. He died 
March 29th, 1852, at the age of 75 years. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



PROMINENT MANUFACTURING CONCERNS OF PROVIDENCE CITY. 



The Allen Fire Department Supply Co. — American Enamel Co. — American Electrical 
Works. — American Multiple Fabric Co. — American Screw Co. — American Ring Trav- 
eler Co. — American Ship Windlass Co. — American Supply Co. — American Tubing & 
Manufacturing Co. — Atlantic Mills. — Atlantic Manufacturing Co. — W. E. Barrett & 
Co. — Barstow Stove Co. — R. Berry & Co. — R. B. Bannister. — N. C. Briggs. — Henry 
Blundell & Co. — Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. — Builders" Iron Foundry. — 
( Jorliss Safe Manufacturing Co. — Corliss Steam Engine Co. — Chatterton's File Works. — 
City Machine Co.— H. J. & H. F. Campbell.— Geo. E. Cole & Co.— George M. Cruik- 
shank. — Davol Rubber Co. — Perry Davis & Son. — Davenport Arms Co. — Diamond 
Machine Co. — J. C. Dod.ue & Son. — George C. Douglass. — Elm wood Mills. — Henry 
W. Ellis.— The Elizabeth Mill.— Elmwood Paper Box Co.— Wm, H. Fenner & Co.— 
Fletcher Manufacturing Co. — Wm. A. Harris Steam Engine Co. — A. J. Hams. — 
Franklin Machine Co. — Fuller Iron Works. — Granger Foundry & Machine Co. — John 
Gillington. — G. F. Glauner. — The Gorham Manufacturing Co. — J. A. Gowdey & Son. 
—John Heathcotc— Heaton Button Fastener Co.— Hicks Boiler Works.— A. & C. W. 
Holbrook. — John Hope. — Hope Webbing Co. — George Hawes & Sons. — L. F. Joslin 
& Son. — Kendrick Loom Harness Co. — King & Richards. —Reliance Flour and Grain 
Mills. — Macnair & Burlingame. — Martin & Norris. — Thomas Mabbett. — Manton Steam 
Steerer Works. — Miller Iron Co.— Dutcher & Eames. — Volney W. Mason. — McWilliams 
Manufacturing Co. — Miles Alarm-till Manufacturing Co. — Moulton & Ingraham. — 
New England Coffee and Spice Mills. — National Tubing Co. — National Worsted 
Mills.— Nayatt Brick Co.— N. E. Butt Co.— Nicholson File Co.— Nottingham Mills. 
— Tlios. Phillips & Co. — Phenix Iron Foundry. — Presbrey & Myrick. — Providence Ma- 
chine Co. — Providence Steam Engine Co. — Household Sewing Machine Co. — Provi- 
dence Worsted Mills.— E. R. Randall.— R. I. Bleach & Dye Works.— R. I. Braiding 
and Machine Co. — R. I. Concrete Co. — R. I. Coupling Co. — R. I. Locomotive Works. 
— R. I. Machinery Agency. — R. I. Malleable Iron Works. — William B. Rider. — Royce, 
Allen & Co. — Slater Mill and Power Co. — Spicers & Peckham. — S. S. Sprague & Co. 
— Geo. W. Stafford Manufacturing Co. — Stednian & Fuller M'f'g Co. — Stilhnan 
White.— Horace Thurston. — Towel Rack & Novelty Co. — Union Eyelet Co. — Union 
Oil Co.— Vallev Worsted Mills.— What Cheer Paint Works.— Rice & Havward. 



IX the following paragraphs we shall notice briefly the conspicu- 
ous manufacturing enterprises of the city. 

The Allen Fire Department Supply Company was established 
by the late Albert F. Allen. It is located at the corner of Eddy and 
Friendship streets. The works are accommodated in a wooden build- 
ing covering a site 40 by 120 feet. Twenty to thirty hands are 
kept employed in the manufacture of fire department supplies and 
•other machinery. Goods to the value of about $30,000 are annually 
manufactured. Steam power is used. The present officers of the 
company are: Robert O. Gilmore, manager, and Samuel G. Colwell, 
treasurer. 



608 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

In the year 1866 the business of the American Enamel Company 
was organized and the company incorporated. Their object was to 
manufacture under patents held by them, royal enamel, designed to 
protect iron, pipes from rust or corrosion, and applying the enamel 
to iron pipes, fancy goods and other articles. The office and factory 
is located at 17 Warren street, the work being carried on in a build- 
ing 30 by 100 feet, two stories high, and in other accessory buildings 
of smaller size. There is also a branch located at Mashapaug lake, 
covering one and one-half acres, upon which there are several build- 
ings. The factories are amply provided with every facility in the 
shape of mechanical appliances that can aid in the -rapid production 
of perfect work, and furnish employment to some 75 operatives. The 
capital of the company is $100,000; treasurer, Charles A. Gamwell. 

The American Electrical Works, established by Eugene F. Phil- 
lips, in 1870, are at 67 to 79 Stewart, and 16 to 20 Conduit street. The 
main buildings are three brick structures, one of which is 120 by 40 
feet and the other two each 68 by 23; a frame building 115 by 30 
feet, and a brick engine house. The work of the concern is the man- 
ufacture of insulated electric wire, the annual product amounting to 
about $600,000 in value. An average number of about 325 hands are 
employed. The present officers are: Eugene F. Phillips, president, 
and William H. Sawyer, secretary and treasurer. 

The American Multiple Fabric Company was organized in 1884.. 
It carries on the manufacture of tubular woven fabrics, fire hose and 
multiple woven goods, for mechanical, manufacturing and other pur- 
poses. The works are at Olneyville, and are accommodated in a 
main building of stone and wood, 225 by 45 feet. The spinning- 
room is Q5 by 24 feet. An average of 50 hands are employed, and 
about 250,000 pounds of material are annually used. The officers 
are: Charles Fletcher, president; W. A. Wilkinson, agent and 
treasurer. 

The American Screw r Company had its beginnings in the Eagle 
Screw Company, incorporated in 1838, and the New England Screw 
Company, incorporated in 1840. The buildings occupied by the 
former are at 21 Stevens street, and those occupied by the latter 
are at 588 Eddy street. They are three stories high, and built of 
brick. They manufacture wood and machine screws, and kindred 
goods, employing several hundred hands. The president of the 
company is Edwin G. Angell: and its directors are in addition, J. S. 
Phetteplace, 15. W. Evans, B. Wall and H. J. Steere. 

The American Ring Traveler Company is one of the largest man- 
ufacturing concerns in this line in the country. The business was 
started in 1881, and the present company was incorporated in 1883, 
with a capital of $25,000. The factory is a two-story building, 35 by 
75 feet, and is equipped with specially constructed machinery operated 
by steam power. The company manufactures every description of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. (509 

steel and composition twister travelers, a specialty being made of 
United States standard and elliptic and quarto travelers, patents for 
which are controlled by the company, and also Wilson's patented 
round pointed travelers. The business is conducted by the agent, 
Mr. A. C. Tingley. The works are located at 108 and 110 Dorrance 
street. 

The manufacture of ship windlasses, begun by Mr. James Emer- 
son in 1856, resulted in the organization of the American Ship Wind- 
lass Company. This is one of the most successful concerns engaged 
in the manufacture of ship windlasses in the country. The works, 
located on the corner of Waterman and East River .streets, occupied 
a building two and a half stories high and 200 by 54 feet in size. The 
products of these works consist of improved windlasses and capstans 
for handling anchors and chains on ship board. 

The American Supply Company manufacture reeds, harness, belt- 
ing and general mill supplies. They occupy an office at No. 10 Ex- 
change Place, and have a factory at 49 Clifford street, in the city, and 
others at Fall River and Valley Falls. The works here were started 
in 1883, by the Myron Fish & Kendrick Loom Harness Company. 
They employ about 100 hands and produce some $400,000 worth of 
manufactured goods per annum. The present officers of the company 
are: George W. Holt, president; John Kendrick, vice-president; 
Myron Fish, treasurer. 

The business of the American Tubing & Manufacturing Company 
was started in 1883 by Alfred Caldwell. It is located at 52 Aborn 
street. Here it occupies a brick building three stories high, 140 by 
90 feet in size. The goods manufactured are flexible gas tubing, oil 
stove wicks and elastic webbing. About 30 hands are employed and 
about $30,000 worth of goods are annually turned out. 

The Armington & Sims Engine Company was established in 1878 
by Pardon Armington and Gardiner C. Sims. The company was in- 
corporated in 1882. They have works on Eagle street, the buildings 
being two to four stories high and covering about 90,000 square feet. 
Power is furnished by steam. About 175 hands are employed and the 
manufacture of stationary steam engines is carried on. The present 
officers of the company are: Henry Howard, president; John W. Dan- 
ielson, vice-president; Pardon Armington, treasurer; H. C. Cranston, 
assistant treasurer; Gardiner C. Sims, manager; Theodore Andrews, 
secretary. 

The Atlantic Mills, located on Manton avenue, at Olneyville, is 
one of the largest class of manufacturing establishments in the city. 
It was formerly known as the Atlantic De Laine Company. The ini- 
tial mill was built by General Charles T. James, who was afterward a 
member of congress from this state. It is a stock company mill, and 
in business is represented by Charles D. Owen and George Owen, Jr., 
as Owen Brothers, agents. The works occupy several large, three- 
39 



610 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

story buildings. No. 1 mill is 60 by 300 feet, and was built in 1851; 
No. 2 is 250 by 350 feet, built in 1871; No. 3 is 250 by 350 feet, built 
in 1882; No. 4 is the old Union Mill, a wooden building, 150 by 50 
feet. Nearly 2,500 looms are in use, and from 2,500 to 3,500 hands 
are kept employed. Power for driving the machinery is afforded by 
the Woonasquatucket river, on which the works are located, and this 
is supplemented by powerful steam engines. The office of the agents, 
Owen Brothers, is at 20 Market Square. The works are employed in 
the manufacture of ladies' dress goods. 

The Atlantic Manufacturing Company, formerly known as the 
Atlantic Tubing Company, have works at 07 Stewart street engaged 
in the manufacture of flexible gas tubing. These works are equipped 
with the latest and most improved machinery known, including five 
90-carrier braiders and twelve 48-carrier braiders. Motive power is 
furnished by a 15 horse power engine, and 20 skilled workmen are 
employed. The chief officers are William C. Wood, president, and 
E. F. Phillips, secretary and treasurer. 

The firm of W. E. Barrett & Co. are manufacturers of agricultural 
implements. The business of this firm originated with the firm of 
Burdick & Barrett, founded in 1843. The present proprietors assumed 
full ownership in 1863. The offices, salesrooms and warehouses are 
located on Canal street, occupying a four-story brick building, ISO 
feet square, and a number of lofts over other stores in the vicinity. 
The factory is located on Burges street, and consists of a two-story 
building, 50 by 150 feet in size, supplied with all necessary machin- 
ery, which is driven by a steam engine of 25 horse power. The prin- 
cipal implements manufactured here are conical plows, the Narra- 
gansett horse hoe, the Shares harrow and the Syracuse hard metal 
plows. The firm does a large business as general dealers in agricul- 
tural implements and seeds. 

The Barstow Stove Company continue the business established in 
1836 by Amos C. Barstow. The company was incorporated in 1859. 
The works are located on the corner of Point and Chestnut streets. 
The buildings cover an area of two and a quarter acres, and the main 
building is three stories high. Stoves, ranges, furnaces and oil stoves 
are manufactured here, as well as other goods in the line. The works 
employ 200 hands. The company received a grand medal of merit 
at the World's Fair at Vienna in 1873 for the best cooking stoves and 
ranges. The present officers of the company are: Amos C. Barstow, 
president; Amos C. Barstow, Jr., vice-president. The company have 
warehouses also in Boston and New York. 

The manufacturing business of R. Berry & Co. was established 
by Mr. Berry in 1883. It consists of cotton and woolen knit goods. 
The mills are located at the corner of Bassett and Butler streets, oc- 
cupying two buildings, one of which is 30 by 160 feet and the other 
40 by 160 feet, both being three stories high. About 300 hands are 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 611 

employed. The firm is composed of R. Berry and George E. 
Boyden. 

The business of manufacturing' ladies' dress and cloak buttons was 
established in 1877 at 235 Eddy street, by Robert B. Bannister. He 
is said to be the most extensive producer in his line in New England. 
His factory occupies three floors, each 50 by 150 feet in size, fitted 
up with various improved appliances for prosecuting the work. Em- 
ployment is furnished to over 100 hands. The house has an exten- 
sive patronage from all parts of the country. 

The carriage manufactory of X. C. Briggs deserves a passing 
notice, not only on account of its importance, but because of its long 
standing. The business was established by Thomas R. Briggs in 
1836, and he was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1846. The 
manufactory is located at 530 and 532 High street, and occupies a 
three-story building, 30 by GO feet in size. Fifteen skilled workmen 
are employed, and a superior class of work is turned out. 

The machine works of Henry Blundell & Co. were founded by Mr. 
Blundell in 1849. They are located at 39 Clifford street, occupying a 
one-story building 80 by 30 feet. Brass couplings and small machin- 
ery are manufactured; 20 hands are employed, and goods to the value 
of about $25,000 are annually produced. Steam power is used. The 
active members of the firm are the brothers, William H. and J. C. 
Blundell. 

The business of the Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company was 
established in 1833 by David Brown and his son, Joseph R. Brown, 
From 1841 to 1853 it was conducted by Joseph R. Brown alone, and 
from 1853 to 1868 it was continued by Joseph R. Brown & Sharpe. 
The Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 
1868. The works of the company occupy the square bounded by 
Promenade, Holden, Beach and Valley streets. The main building 
is 291 feet long by 51 feet wide, three stories and basement, with 
wings 50 and 75 feet long, making about 83,000 feet of floor area. 
The No. 2 building is 195 feet long by 51 feet wide, four stories, with 
wing 41 feet long, making, exclusive of storage, carriage, reading and 
lecture room, about 35,000 square feet of floor area. The smith shop 
is 130 by 50 feet. The foundry is 265 by 67 feet, exclusive of adjoin- 
ing pattern shop, cleaning rooms, cupola house, w r ash and bath rooms 
and the like. The buildings are of brick, except the foundry, which 
is of wood. The works employ about 850 men. A variety of ma- 
chinery and castings are turned out, among which may be named 
sewing machines, iron castings, patented articles, milling machines, 
grinding, screw and tapping machines, chucking machines, gear cut- 
ting- machines, engine and hand lathes, machines for cotton and 
woolen manufactures, cutters for gear wheels, taps, reamers, twist 
drills and sewing machine and gun parts, and various other appli- 



612 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ances used by machinists. The president and treasurer of the com- 
pany is Lucien Sharpe and the superintendent is Richmond Viall. 

The Builders' Iron Foundry was started by Zachariah Chaffee. 
The works are located at 22 Codding: street, covering about three 
acres of ground. The main building is three stories high, and built 
of brick. All kinds of heavy iron castings are produced. About 200 
men are employed, and some 5,000 tons of iron are annually cast into< 
various forms. The present officers of the company are: Zachariah 
Chaffee, president, and R. A. Robertson, Jr., treasurer. 

The Corliss Safe Manufacturing Company is located near the N. 
Y., P. & B. Railroad, in the suburb of the city known as Auburn. 
The manufacture of a burglar proof safe, constructed on a new prin- 
ciple, is carried on here, the founder of the company and the inventor 
of the safe being Mr. William Corliss, a younger brother of Mr. 
George H. Corliss, of the steam engine company. The location of 
the works is at 158 Cove street. The company was organized and the 
business begun about 1881, the officers being William Corliss, presi- 
dent, and H. W. Wilkinson, treasurer. 

The Corliss Steam Engine Company is the outgrowth of a busi- 
ness established here by George H. Corliss, a native of Washington 
county, New York, who came to this city to reside about the year 
1844, and turned his attention to the improvement of the steam 
engine. A company for the purpose of developing his inventions 
was incorporated in 1856. The works are located at the Charles 
street railroad crossing, where the buildings and premises cover 
nearly nine acres of ground. The buildings, which include machine 
shop No. 1, machine shop No. 2, foundry, wareroom, erecting shop, 
boiler shop, smith shop, pattern shop and store rooms, engine and 
boiler rooms, stable and offices, have a total floor area of 216,533 
square feet. With the exception of machine shop No. 2 and pattern 
shop, they are all of but one story in height. Machine shop No. I is 
008 feet long by 70 feet wide. The buildings are constructed of 
brick. The works are employed in the manufacture of stationary 
engines, pumping engines and steam boilers. Mr. George H. Corliss 
was the inventor of the celebrated Corliss engine. The famous 
" Centennial Engine," exhibited at the Philadelphia Exposition in 
1876, and which furnished power for the machinery in the great exhi- 
bition building there, was designed by Mr. Corliss and built at these 
works. He also designed and built the " Pawtucket Pumping 
Engine," which, though in its eleventh year of continuous service, 
still maintains its world wide reputation as being the most economi- 
cal pump on record, in the use of fuel. Its average duty in pounds 
of water raised one foot high, per hundred pounds of coal consumed, 
is 124,512,184. This is calculated on the total amount of coal used 
for starting, pumping and banking, with no deductions for ashes and 
cinders. The present officers of the company are: William M. Cowan, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 613 

vice-president; William B. Sherman, secretary; Charles E. Giles, super- 
intendent. 

Chatterton's File Works are located at 33 Randall street. Here 
the celebrated patent hand-made adamantine files are made. It is the 
oldest file manufactory in the city, having been established in 1839 
by George Chatterton, by whom the business is still conducted. At 
the time these works were established the manufacture of files in this 
country was unknown, but it has since increased so rapidly that now 
the larger part of the files used in America are manufactured in this 
country, and considerable quantities are exported through New York 
and Boston commission houses. From 30 to 50 hands are employed 
in the work. Mr. Chatterton was awarded a medal by the Rhode 
Island Industrial Exhibition in 1858 for the best American files and 
rasps. Mr. Chatterton is a native of Sheffield, England, where he 
learned the trade. 

The business of the City Machine Company was begun under 
favorable circumstances in 1868. Its works were built up for the pur- 
pose, on Harris avenue, at the corner of Acorn street. The plant 
covers one and one half acres. The main building is three stories 
high, 145 by 45 feet. There is also a pattern shop, 100 by 24 feet, 
and an erecting shop, 145 by 45 feet. The machinery is driven by a 
Corliss engine of 72 horse power. Cotton and woolen machinery is 
manufactured. About 150 men are at times employed. In 1882 the 
works were in charge of R. A. Peck, president; Almon Wade, treas- 
urer, and C. L. Eaton, agent. About that time they passed into the 
hands of the George W. Stafford Manufacturing Company, by whom 
they are now occupied. 

The business of top roll coverers was started by the firm known as 
H. J. & H. F. Campbell in 1854. Their shop, located at 99 Orange 
street, has been maintained by them and they do work for the manu- 
factories of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Eight or ten skilled 
workmen are employed. 

The manufacture of gilt moldings and picture frames is carried 
on by George E. Cole & Co. at 204 Broad street, where a room 45 by 
75 feet is occupied, and a number of men are kept employed. 

The steam engine works of George M. Cruikshank were estab- 
lished by him in 1876. They are located at 286 Dyer street, where a 
building 75 by 150 feet, two stories high, is occupied. About 25 hands 
are employed in the building and repairing of steam engines and 
other machinery, annually using about 500 tons of metal. Mr. Cruik- 
shank being now deceased, the business is continued by Mrs. G. M. 
Cruikshank. 

The Davol Rubber Company was established as the Perkins Manu- 
facturing Company by Joseph Davol, who furnished the capital, but 
took no active part in the management of the business. In 1878 Mr. 
Davol took charge of the works, and in 1882 a company was incor- 



614 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

porated as the Davol Manufacturing- Company, which in 1885 was 
changed to the Davol Rubber Company. Mr. Davol is still its presi- 
dent and treasurer. The goods manufactured are fine rubber goods, 
such as are found in the druggists' sundries and stationery trades, or 
used in surgical and dental operations. The works are located at 16 
Point street, in a handsome brick building, loo by 200 feet on the 
ground, and three stories high. Here are employed an average num- 
ber of about 275 hands, and many thousand pounds of Brazilian gum 
are consumed. 

Not the least among the manufacturing enterprises of this city is 
the establishment of Perry Davis & Son, whose celebrated " Pain 
Killer " is a household word in thousands of families in all parts of 
Christendom. More than half a century ago Mr. Perry Davis, a poor 
man, by experiments prompted by his own sufferings, discovered the 
efficacy of a certain compound of drugs, which he named Davis' Pain 
Killer, and commenced offering it in the market in a small way. The 
medicine rapidly gained popularity, and this was doubtless augmented 
by the recurrence of a season of cholera, for which the remedy seemed 
peculiarly adapted. Its reputation spread from the local confines to 
a national extent, and was even carried into every nation of the globe 
where civilization is known. The manufactory is carried on at 130 
High street, the son of the original proprietor being its present man- 
ager. The manufactory comprises four large two-story buildings, 
covering an area of 15,000 square feet, and a large number of hands 
are constantly employed. 

The Davenport Arms Company was organized in May, 1880, with 
a capital of $25,000, for the purpose of manufacturing firearms under 
patents owned by William H. Davenport. The officers were H. S. 
Taft, president; J. W. Coffin, treasurer, and W. H. Davenport, super- 
intendent. Operations were begun at 79 and 81 Orange street, the 
company occupying four floors of a building 30 by 70 feet in size, 
and employing about 40 men in the various departments of its work. 
After a few years the company withdrew from the business. 

The business of the Diamond Machine Company, formerly called 
the Diamond Emery-wheel and Machine Company, was established 
by the late Benjamin H. Hadley in 1875. The works are located at 
48 Aborn street, in a building 70 by 120 feet and three stories high. 
The manufacture of grinding and polishing machi'nes and emery- 
wheels and similar goods is carried on, some 00 hands being em- 
ployed and about $75,000 worth of goods being annually manufac- 
tured. vSteam power is used. The business is under the management 
of George A. Hadley. 

The planing, molding, sawing and turning mill of J. C. Dodge & 
Son occupies a three-story building, 50 by 100 feet, at 450 South Main 
street. The mill is equipped with a full complement of wood work- 
ing machinery, which is operated by an engine of 45 horse power. 





&r??, 




U^t<3 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 615 

Twenty or more workmen are employed to attend the machinery. 
The business was started in 1859 by William Turner, who was suc- 
ceeded by the present firm in 1866, since which time the business has 
been largely increased. 

The manufacture of boot, shoe and corset laces and braids was 
carried on a few years since, at the corner of Sabin and Callender 
streets, by Mr. George C. Douglass, who had in operation some 300 
braiding machines, and employed about 30 hands. This business 
was started in 1837 at Geneva, R. I., by the firm of Heaton & Cow- 
ing. Mr. Douglass obtained possession of the Geneva Mills in 1865, 
and in 1876 removed the business to the city. 

The Elmwood Mills were started in 1886. They are located on 
Daboli street. They occupy two buildings, which are connected, 
the size of which is 160 by 45 feet, constructed of stone. Cotton 
cloths, prints, sheetings and fancy goods are manufactured. The 
works employ 130 hands, and produce about 450,000 yards per annum. 
Lemuel Hayward is the treasurer of the company and F. H. Potter 
its agent. 

The business of Henry W. Ellis, in the manufacture of wagons 
and wagon makers' wood work, was established here by Mr. Ellis in 
1851, and by him it has been continued to the present time. Fortune 
has at times seemed to be against him, but, though twice burned 
out and once washed out by a freshet, he has not been annihilated, 
nor abandoned the business. A two-story frame building is occupied 
at No. 2 Clifford street, on the corner of Dyer, the building having 
an area of 8,000 square feet on each floor. About 40 men are em- 
ployed in the different departments of work required by such a 
business. 

The Elizabeth Mill, located at Hill's Grove, a suburb of Provi- 
dence, was started in 1880. A three-story brick building, 72 by 320 
feet, was occupied with machinery for the production of cotton yarns, 
ranging from No. 40 to No. 150 in size. The officers of the company 
were: Thomas J. Hill, president and treasurer, and Albert Hill, 
secretary. 

The Elmwood Paper Box Company manufacture plain and fancy 
paper boxes for jewelry and general purposes. The business was 
founded in 1879, and in 1884 the present company was incorpor- 
ated, Mr. George T. Paine being the treasurer and George H. Lincoln 
the manager. The establishment was located at 54 Greenwich street, 
where improved machinery was provided for the work, which em- 
ployed 35 to 40 hands. The office of Mr. George T. Paine, who is 
still the treasurer, is at 29 Weybosset street. 

The firm of William H. Fenner & Co. are located opposite the 
Narragansett Hotel, at 143 and 145 Broad street, corner of Eddy. 
Here they manufacture and deal in a large range of house furnish- 
ing goods. The firm was established here in 1849. The building, 



61 ti HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

which is fully occupied by them, is four stories high, with a finished 
basement, and covers a ground area of 35 by 68 feet. About 40 em- 
ployes are kept at work in the business. 

The business now carried on by the FletcherManufacturing Com- 
pany has grown up from the beginning made by Thomas Fletcher, a 
cotton weaver, who began weaving narrow goods, such as tapes, 
fringes, lamp wicks and the like, in a small room in Boston in 1798, 
and in 1808 removed to Providence. Here he established a manufac- 
tory on South Main street, near the site of the Providence Institution 
for vSavings, and in 1809 removed to a house on Charles, near Smith 
street. In 1820 he established himself on the corner of Davis and 
Smith streets, where he remained until his death in 1824. His three 
sons continued the business. A partnership was formed by the two 
older, Thomas and William, and Joseph, the youngest brother, was 
employed by them. In 1826 a number of braiding machines were 
introduced, and the manufacture of boot, shoe and corset laces was 
begun. In 1837 Joseph was admitted to the partnership, and the firm 
name became Fletcher Brothers. In 1840 the manufactory was re- 
moved to the mill on Charles street, formerly known as the "town 
grist mill," and at present as Lewis' Dye-wood Mill. In 1844 they 
purchased the land on Charles street now occupied by the company's 
factories, and erected the first building. In 1860 the firm was en- 
larged, by the addition of John S. Ormsbee, William B. Fletcher, 
Henry Fletcher and Samuel G. Trippe, and the name was made 
Fletcher Brothers & Company. In 1865 the company was incorpor- 
ated, with a capital of $300,000, the present name being adopted. The 
first officers were: Thomas Fletcher, president; William Fletcher, 
vice-president; John S. Ormsbee, treasurer; Henry Fletcher, secre- 
tary and agent. The buildings of the company now cover more than 
four acres of ground, and the works employ about 750 hands. The 
goods manufactured are called small wares, and include boot, shoe 
and corset laces, wicks for kerosine lamps and stcves, tcrcb arc 1 fuse 
wicks, star rick-rack, diamond, glace, plain braids and bobbins, yarns, 
harness and seine twines, wrapping twines and a variety of similar 
goods. The company have warehouses in New York and Boston. 
The present treasurer is J. S. Ormsbee. 

The William A. Harris .Steam Engine Company is located on 
Park street, a short distance west of the Union passenger depot, and 
near the buildings formerly used as a state prison. The buildings 
were constructed for the purpose, and consist of a machine shop, 
pattern shop, blacksmith shop, iron foundry, brass foundry, pattern 
storehouse and other structures, containing in all 96,625 square feet 
of floor space. The number of hands employed varies at times from 
2oo to 300. The manufacture of the Harris-Corliss steam engines is 
carried on. This business was started by Mr. William A. Harris in 
L864. At that time he occupied the old building on Eddy street 







my^ 




HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 617 

which had years before been made historic by being the headquarters 
of the insurgents in the Dorr war. The building stands at 286 Eddy 
street. The present works of the company were first occupied by 
Mr. Harris November 17th, 1868. 

The enamel business was established in 1873, by A. J. Harris, who 
had previously been connected with the American Enamel Company. 
The Union Enamel Company was formed in 1877. The works of 
the company consist of four two-story frame buildings, which 
together with the grounds, cover an area of 30,000 square feet. All 
were supplied with the necessary small machinery and tools required 
for the business, and driven by steam power. About 60 hands were 
employed, the most of them being skilled workmen. Several artisans 
were imported from Great Britain to work on pipes made from a pe- 
culiar kind of clay resembling in texture and other attributes meer- 
schaum. Besides these pipes the company manufactured a general 
line of enameled fancy goods, jewelry, parasol and umbrella handles. 
Mr. A. J. Harris was superintendent of the business, and A. B. Fos- 
ter, treasurer. 

The business now represented by the Franklin Machine Com- 
pany was established about the year 1800, by Stanford Newell, Isaac 
Thurber and others, and by them incorporated in 1836, as the Frank- 
lin Foundry and Machine Company. The company was re-incorpor- 
ated in 1886, under modern laws, as the Franklin Machine Company. 
The works are located on Charles street, and cover a triangular piece 
of ground between Randall and Nichols streets, of about six acres in 
extent. The principal building is 300 by 50 feet, and is extended in 
two L-shaped wings of about 200 by 50 feet each, the entire struc- 
ture being three stories high. Several other shops and foundries 
of smaller size are included in the plant. The works are engaged in 
the production of cotton mill machinery, printing presses, special 
machinery of all kinds, and foundry castings. From 350 to 400 
hands are employed, and the value of work annually turned out is 
about $300,000 to $400,000. The managers of the business are: 
George C. Nightengale, president; Edgar G. Durfee, treasurer, and 
Everett G. Gibson, agent. 

The Fuller Iron Works are located at No. 416 South Main street. 
The business was established by Frederic Fuller, in 1839. The 
works occupy a brick building 40 by 80 feet, and three stories high, 
besides other buildings of smaller size used as foundry and engine 
rooms, carpenter and pattern makers' shops, etc. The works are en- 
gaged in the manufacture of portable and stationary steam engines, 
heavy machinery castings, water pipe and general foundry work. 
About 75 hands are employed. The proprietors are George Fuller 
and Frederic Fuller, the latter being- the active business agent. 

The Granger Foundry & Machine Company was established in 
1879, by William S. Granger. It is engaged in the manufacture of 



618 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

bleaching-, dyeing, drying and finishing machinery and other ma- 
chinery used in the manufacture of textile fabrics. The works are 
located at Gaspee and Francis streets, occupying three buildings, one 
of which is of stone, three stories high, 150 by 40 feet, and the other 
two of wood, in size 100 by 55 feet and 116 by 30 feet. About 80 
hands are employed. The present officers are: W. S. Granger, presi- 
dent; H. A. Du Villard, treasurer; and H. A. Tillinghast, secretary. 

The manufacture of umbrellas and parasols is carried on by John 
Gillington, at 288 Westminster street. He has been established 
here for more than a quarter of a century, and is equipped in his 
workshop for a great variety of work in the line. 

The manufacture of dress buttons is carried on by Mr. G. F. 
Glaunsr, on Summer street. His business was established in 1882. 
vSteel, brass and white metal are used in the manufacture, and some 
60 hands are employed. 

The Gorham Manufacturing Company is the leading manufac- 
turing concern in the line of silverware in this country, if not in the 
world. This immense establishment had its origin with Mr. Jabez 
Gorham, who in 1831, began in this city the manufacture of silver 
spoons, thimbles, and a few other articles in that line. vSix years 
later, as business gradually increased, he took his son John into 
partnership with him, the style of the small but energetic business 
house then becoming Jabez Gorham & Son. In 1847, on the death 
of the founder, Mr. John Gorham succeeded to the entire manage- 
ment of the business, and in 1850 he en^ag-ed in the manufacture of 
silver hollow ware, such as pitchers, teapots and the like. At this 
time he introduced the use of steam power into the work of his shop. 
He also took into partnership with himself, Mr. Gorham Thurber, 
the style of the house becoming Gorham & Thurber. In 1852, Mr. 
Lewis Dexter was admitted to an interest in the concern, and the 
firm title was changed to Gorham & Co. The firm continued to en- 
large their facilities for manufacturing, and increasing the variety 
of their products, until in 1801 they had some 200 workpeople in 
their employ. In 1865 the stock company was incorporated under its 
present name, with a capital of $300,000. which in 1872 was increased 
to $600,000, and this has since been doubled again, so that the 
present stock capital is $1,200,000. In 1872 the number of hands had 
reached 450, and has continued to increase until at the present time 
it is nearly 000. The plant of the Gorham Manufacturing Company 
occupies the entire square bounded by North Main, Steeple, Canal 
and Friend streets; upon which are erected several brick buildings, 
the combined working floors of which amount to several acres. Here 
every apparatus and arrangement for convenience and economy of 
labor, for facilitating the conduct of operations, and for the comfort 
and health of the employes, have been provided. Steam engines, 
of 100-horse power, drive almost innumerable lines of shafting. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 619 

Steam elevators and pipes throughout, afford communication, heat- 
ing or lighting, conduct gas, air blast, water — hot, cold, hard and 
soft — and either live or exhaust steam. It is a cardinal principle of 
the company to make goods, not only of the highest purity, but also 
of the best workmanship and highest art. The company guarantee 
all their plate to contain 925 parts in a thousand of pure silver, and 
so long have they maintained this rule that their stamp is accepted 
without question, as a sufficient proof of superior quality of the 
goods, wherever the house is known. Among the specimen products 
of this establishment, whose fame is world wide, may be mentioned 
the "Century Vase," which was designed and made for the Centen- 
nial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in 1870. This vase is of solid silver, 
more than five feet in length and more than four feet in width, and 
its weight is 2,000 ounces. Another remarkable specimen was the 
" Hiawatha Barge," which was sold to General Grant. The barge, 
or boat, is of sterling silver, resting on a plateau whose mirror sur- 
face depicts the placid stream, while on its surface rest the water- 
lilies and other aquatic plants. The plateau is 44 inches in length. 
and the height of the mast of the boat is 35 inches. Besides the works 
here in Providence, the company have branch establishments in 
Chicago, San Francisco and New York, their elegant building at the 
corner of Broadway and Nineteenth street being one of the conspic- 
uous objects of architectural magnificence in the latter city. 

J. A. Gowdey & Son are probably the most extensive reed manu- 
facturers in the United States. The manufacture of reeds for 
weavers' use was commenced by James A. Gowdey in 1834. The be- 
ginning was small, Mr. Gowdey then employing but one workman 
with himself. The present establishment, which is located at No. 
40 Clifford street, employs about 20 skilled workmen. In 1848 they 
received a silver medal from the American Institute Fair in New 
York, and in four successive years received the first premium, the 
last of which was a gold medal. They have also received premiums 
from many other exhibitions, among which was a silver medal from 
the Crystal Palace exhibition in New York in 1852. The managing 
partner and head of the firm since the death of its founder, is Mr. 
David Gowdey, who was first connected with the business in 1841, 
as an apprentice, and has risen by successive steps to his present 
position. 

The business of manufacturing woolen machinery, carried on by 
John Heathcote, was established by him in 1867. His shop is 
located at 60 Friendship and 176 Eddy street, occupying one floor of 
a building 50 by 100 feet in size. Ten to twenty hands are employed, 
and from five to ten thousand dollars worth of machinery are annually 
fitted up. 

The Heaton Button Fastener Company carries on the manufac- 
ture of button fasteners and machines, at the corner of James and 



620 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

South Water streets. The business was established by David Hea- 
ton, in 1875. It occupies a building 60 by 90 feet in size and three 
stories high, built of brick. About 30 hands are employed, and 
goods to the value of about 100,000 are annually manufactured. 
The officers of the company are: George W. Prentice, president; 
Franklin A. Smith, Jr., treasurer. 

The Hicks Boiler Works are the outgrowth of business estab- 
lished in 1861, by George G. Hicks, now deceased. The works are 
located at 446 South Main street, in a brick building 60 by 150 feet 
in area and two stories and a loft in height. The work carried on is 
the manufacture of steam boilers and general machinery. An 
average of 30 hands are employed, and the business is at present 
under the management of Robert W. Hicks. 

The manufacture of loom pickers and other rawhide goods, also 
the " Tenax " brand of picker leather, is carried on at 748 North 
Main street, by A. & C. W. Holbrook, the firm being composed of 
A. Holbrook, Jr., C. W. Holbrook, 2d, and George A. Holbrook. 
The business was established in 1822, by Joseph Cunliff, a cotton 
spinner, Benjamin Holbrook, shoemaker, Samuel Evans, shoemaker, 
and John Gorham, under the firm name of J. Cunliff & Co. They 
were succeeded by Benjamin A. Holbrook, in 1837, who with A. and C. 
W. Holbrook formed the Loom Picker Manufacturing Company in 
1S42. In 1847, A. & C. W. Holbrook became proprietors, under the 
firm name indicated. This name was continued after a further 
change in the company was made in 1868, by the withdrawal of C. 
W. Holbrook, and the admission of the three sons of the senior 
member, viz., George A., Albert, Jr., and Charles W., 2d. Albert 
Holbrook, Sr., retired from the firm in 1878. The first place occu- 
pied by the firm, in 1822, w T as on Nash lane and North Main street; 
in 1830 it was on the corner of Bacon and North Main; in 1S42 
moved to Stevens street; in 1853 to the corner of North Main and 
Mill streets; and in 1872 to its present location at 748 North Main 
street. Here two buildings, one 72 by 36, and the other 70 by 30 
feet, and both three stories high, are occupied, also another 36 by 36 
feet. About 40 hands are employed. 

The business now carried on by John Hope was commenced in 
1867, by John Hope, Thomas Hope, and Heber Le Favour. This 
business is the manufacture of pantograph machines, and other 
machines for engraving copper rolls, and bank note ruling machines 
for steel or copper plate engravers. John Hope being the inventor 
of the pantograph machine, engraving copper rolls was commenced 
in 1861). The works were then located at the corner of Dorrance 
and Dyer streets. The present location is on Mashapaug street, 
Elmwood. The works were built by John and Thomas Hope, in 
L882. John Hope is at present the sole owner and proprietor of the 
plant and patents. The building is of brick, 40 by 00 feet, three 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 621 

stories and basement. The average number of hands employed 
is 25. 

The Hope Webbing Company was established for the manufacture 
of a great variety of webbing, for use in boots and shoes, base ball 
suits, skirts, suspenders, saddlery and harness, carpet bindings and 
wicking, by Charles Sisson and Oscar A. Steere, in 1888. These gen- 
tlemen are respectively the treasurer and superintendent at the 
present time. The works are located on vSprague and Harrison 
streets. They occupy the third floor and part of second, of a build- 
ing 2()() by 60 feet, and about 75 hands are employed in 'the business. 
Goods to the value of about $100,000 are annually manufactured. 

The firm of George Hawes & Sons consists of J. M. Hawes, G. H. 
Hawes, E. C. Hawes and R. G. Hawes. They are located at 23 and 25 
Dyer street, the factory being on Friendship street, and are engaged 
in the manufacture of Hawes' Patent Improved Steam Traps. The 
business was established in 1879 by the present proprietors. A force 
of twelve or more hands are employed, and from 2,500 to 2,800 steam 
traps are annually manufactured. 

One of the largest manufacturing firms in sash, doors and blinds 
in the city is that of L. F. Joslin & Son, at 663 Broad street. This 
house was established in 1857 by the senior member of the firm, who, 
in 1872, admitted his son as a partner. They recently occupied prem- 
ises at 431 Broad street, a three-story building, 60 by 200 feet, filled 
with machinery for the prosecution of their work. 

The Kendrick Loom Harness Company are located at 46 Clifford 
street, and engaged in the manufacture of metal knotted patent ma- 
chine loom harness. It is the most extensive establishment of its 
kind in the country. Its works are operated by steam and equipped 
with the requisite machinery, and furnish employment to 75 hands, 
a large number of whom are skilled workmen. They also make 
double knotted and loop machine loom harness, and a patent " Jack- 
nard Heddle." The annual product of the factory reaches sometimes 
the value of $80,000. The capital invested in this business is some- 
thing like $200,000. 

The firm of King & Richards do a considerable business in the 
manufacture of fine furniture. Their manufactory occupies the sec- 
ond floor of a building, 50 by 175 feet in area, at No. 112 Dorrance 
street. They have steam power to drive the machinery with which 
their works are fitted, and they employ a number of skilled mechan- 
ics in the production of goods which find sale throughout New 
England. The members of the firm are H. J. King and J. Richards. 

The Reliance Flour and Grain Mills, operated by Dexter N. 
Knight, are one of the most extensive of their class in New England. 
They are located on a site 100 by 150 feet, at 208 to 214 Dyer street, 
and are equipped with a grain elevator and all the latest improved 
mechanical appliances for the milling of flour, operated by steam 
power. 



622 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The manufacture of jewelers' findings is carried on at 226 Eddy 
street by the firm of Macnair & Burlingame. This fh m hegfn busi- 
ness in 1881, at Pawtucket, and in 1885 moved to the present location 
in this city. Here they are provided with the necessary machinery 
and have facilities for employing about 20 hands. Besides jewelers' 
and jobbers' findings, a specialty is made of seamless balls and screw 
work. 

The firm of Martin & Norris began the business of scroll sawing, 
turning and the like in 187G. A year or two since the firm dissolved, 
and the business is carried on now by Mr. Henry O. Martin at No. 
323 Fountain street. The building is 40 by 90 feet, three stories high, 
and is equipped with a variety of machines for sawing, molding and 
turning, which are operated by steam, and employ some 20 or more 
hands in the various branches of work. 

The manufacture of woolen yarns is carried on by Mr. Thomas 
Mabbett at 02 Bacon street. This business was established in Thorn- 
ton, Johnston, Mr. Mabbett being part owner. It was moved to 36 
Bacon street in 1882, the firm then being Mabbett & Wood. A build- 
ing of brick and stone, three stories high, was occupied. Subse- 
quently Mr. Mabbett became sole proprietor, and the business was 
removed to 62 Bacon street, where it is now carried on. Thirty hands 
are employed and some 8,000 pounds of vara are manufactured per 
month. 

The Manton Steam Steerer Works are located on the Boston & 
Providence railroad, in the suburbs of the city. The windlass busi- 
ness of this country was established by Joseph P. Manton in 1857, 
who also established the American Ship Windlass Company, from 
which he withdrew in 1878, when he founded the present company. 
Mr. Manton has been foremost in bringing out improvements in this 
line, and was the first man in the world to handle anchors by steam. 
He is the agent and manager of these works. The main building is 
150 by 50 feet, two stories high, with ceilings 15 feet in the clear 
above the floors. There is also an annex 50 by 35 feet. It is a heavy 
frame building. The works employ about 50 men, and build wind- 
lasses and capstans, both hand and steam working, also steam steer- 
ing machinery. The value of goods turned out reaches an annual 
amount of about §100,000. 

The Miller Iron Company was incorporated in 1887 to continue 
the business which had been established by George Miller in 1868. 
it is located at 176 Harris avenue. The main building is 180 by 100 
feet, a part of it being one story and part two stories in height. 
Another building, 70 by 60 feet, is two stories high. The company 
manufacture machinery castings, plumbers' castings, hardware deal- 
ers' and stove dealers' castings and specialties. Some 75 hands are 
employed, and goods to the value of $100,000 are annually pro- 
duced. The officers of the company are: Sterns Hutch ins, presi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 623 

-dent; George O. Miller, treasurer; Henry Miller, superintendent; F. 
A. Vickere, secretary. 

The manufacture of hats and caps was established in 1840 by 
Messrs. Dutcher & Eames,on Market Square. In 1855 it was removed 
to No. 87 Westminster street, where it is still carried on by James T. 
Moore, who succeeded O. F. Dutcher in 1879. 

Mr. Volney W. Mason began the manufacture of machinery in 
this city in 1861, the specialty being friction clutches. Since that 
time these clutches have been greatly improved, until they are now 
considered by experts to be the best of their kind. The manufac- 
ture is still carried on by Volney W. Mason & Co., who also manu- 
facture elevators and a great variety of hoisting machinery- At the 
Centennial Exhibition they received two diplomas and medals " for 
compactness" and "well-studied details." They also received the 
medal at the Paris Exposition of 1878 in their class for friction 
clutches and elevators, and also a silver medal at the Melbourne Ex- 
hibition of 1880 for their friction clutch pulley. The manufactory 
is located on Lafayette, between High and Washington streets. It 
comprises a series of two-story frame buildings, occupying an area 
of 10,000 square feet, and is equipped with a 25 horse power steam 
engine and all requisite machinery. Some 25 or more artisans are 
employed. The hoisting machinery designed and built by this house 
is in use in the slaughtering and packing houses of Boston, Chicago, 
St. Louis and Cincinnati, and other cities, as well as in the gold and 
silver mines of Montana and Colorado, and their friction pulleys are 
in use all over the United States, being celebrated for the ease and 
freedom from shock or jar with which machinery may be started by 
their use. 

The McWilliams Manufacturing Company, of which John McWil- 
liams is president, is located at 111 Orange street, and engaged in 
the manufacture of patent presses, cutter holders, drops, rolls, lathes, 
draw benches and model works, and other jewelers', silversmiths' 
and watch case makers' machinery. The company was incorporated 
in 1875, with John McWilliams as treasurer. The large brick build- 
ing on the corner of Orange and Clifford streets, in which the manu- 
facturing is carried on, is furnished with a great variety of tools and 
machinery, power for driving which is furnished by a steam engine, 
and 40 expert mechanics are employed under competent foremen. 

The Miles Alarm-till Manufacturing Company, of which A. O. 
Miles is treasurer, is located at 165 Broad street. Mr. Miles com- 
menced the manufacture and sale of alarm tills in 1859, going from 
store to store with a drawer under his arm as a sample. In the course 
of ten years the business increased so much that a stock company was 
formed for their manufacture, and he was elected its superintendent 
and treasurer. The manufacture is carried on under protection of a 



024 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

patent. The goods are sold in all parts of this country and in most 
foreign countries. 

The sawing and planing mill of Moulton & Ingraham at 22 Mill 
street is worthy of notice. The establishment was founded by this 
firm in 1851, since which time it has pursued a successful career. 
The partner, Mr. R. O. Moulton, died in 1872, but the firm name was 
continued, Mr. M. W. Ingraham, the surviving partner, managing 
the business. Two three-story buildings were built, being respec- 
tively 45 by 60 and 30 by 75 feet. A 60 horse power steam engine 
furnishes power for driving the various machinery with which the 
buildings are supplied, consisting of band saws, circular saws, scroll 
saws, jointers, dovetailing machines, matching machines, plane rs, 
mortisers and many others. Forty hands, more or less, as the fluctu- 
ations of business demand, are kept employed. 

The New England Coffee and Spice Mills were established in 1851 
by Thomas W. Sprague. He was succeeded by the present proprie- 
tor, George J. Hampson. The " Mills " occupy two floors of the build- 
ing at 77 and 79 Dorrance street, in size 50 by 80 feet, and are equipped 
with the necessary machines for the work, driven by a 20 horsepower 
steam engine. Twelve or more hands are employed, and the manu- 
facture of flavoring extracts is carried on, in addition to the grinding 
of coffee and spices, and roasting coffee. 

The National Tubing Company manufacture flexible tubing for 
gas portables, gas stoves, elevators and medical purposes. Their 
works are in the rear of 270 and 272 Dyer street. Their goods are 
covered by patents held by Samuel Barr, who is and has been the 
principal proprietor and manager. The business was established in 
1882 by Isaac Arnold and Samuel Barr. The works are on the third 
floor of a brick building 120 by 30 feet in area. Seven hands are now 
employed. 

The National Worsted Mills were established in 1884 by Charles- 
Fletcher and Frederick S. Farwell. Their location is at 445 Valley 
street. They consist of several brick buildings, one of which is 340 
by 40 feet and four stories high; another is 260 by 60 feet and four 
stories high, and another is 100 feet long, with an average width of 
50 feet, and two stories high. The floors are all of 13 feet stud. In 
these commodious buildings the manufacture of worsted suitings is 
carried on by 750 hands, attending the vast amount of machinery 
necessary to such an establishment. The annual product amounts to 
900,000 yards of six-quarter goods. The present officers are: Charles 
Fletcher, president and treasurer; Frederick S. Farwell, superinten- 
dent and secretary, and two additional directors, viz., A. E. Farwell 
and E. A. Farwell. 

The Nayatt Brick Company has its office and headquarters at 115 
South Water street. The manufacturing plant is located at Nayatt, 
R. I., in the town of Barrington, about seven miles from the city.. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 625 

Some 400 acres are held by the company at that place, a large portion 
of which is clay land. The brick are made by machinery, some 200 
men at times being employed. Thus a capacity of 162,000 bricks a 
day is reached. A large yard is occupied in this city, whence brick 
are brought from the works in scows and unloaded directly into the 
yards, though large quantities are shipped direct from the works to 
customers in all parts of the state. The business was established in 
1847. George B. Connley is the present treasurer and selling agent. 

The New England Butt Company was established byN. A.Fenner 
and others in 1842. The works are located on Rice, Perkins and 
Pearlstreets. The building is 131 by 500 feet on the ground and four 
stories high, constructed of brick. They manufacture braiding ma- 
chinery for silk, worsted and cotton braid, and for covering tele- 
graph, telephone, electric light and crinoline wire, single and double 
winders. They also manufacture all kinds of castings to order in 
their foundry. An average number of 175 hands arc employed, and 
goods to the value of $250,000 to $300,000 per year are produced. Mr. 
Herbert N. Fenner is the present treasurer. The house is repre- 
sented by an agency in Boston. 

The Nicholson File Company was established and incorporated in 
1864, the moving spirit in its formation being Mr. William T.Nichol- 
son, whose inventions it was designed to produce. The works are 
located at 118 Acorn street, where the numerous buildings cover an 
area of about four acres of ground. The buildings are of brick. The 
usual number of hands employed is about 400. The manufacture of 
files and rasps and filers' tools and specialties is carried on, and the 
goods find sale in all parts of the country. The present management 
is in the hands of William T. Nicholson, president: George Nichol- 
son, treasurer, and Samuel M. Nicholson, secretary. 

The Nottingham Mills were established by Edward P. Taft, 
though we are not able to give the date. They are located at 314 
.Dyer street. Two large brick and stone buildings, one about 90 by 
300 feet, the other about 100 by 450 feet, having four floors each, are 
occupied with machinery for the manufacture of cotton cloths. The 
mills when in active operation employ about 500 hands, using steam 
power. Mr. Edward P. Taft is treasurer of the company. 

The firm of Thomas Phillips & Co. are extensively engaged in 
the manufacture of plumbers' work and all description of copper 
work, including drying machines, slasher cylinders, color kettles, 
seamless rolls and sugar mill work. Also proprietors of the Provi- 
dence Lead Company, as manufacturers of lead pipe, sheet lead, tin 
and tin lined pipe, solder and plumbers' supplies. Their works are 
located at 75 to 81 South Main street. This is the oldest house in 
its line in Providence. It was established in 1804, by Josiah Keene, 
under whose management it continued till 1830, when he was suc- 
ceeded. by the firm of Calder & Phillips, who continued the business 
40 



626 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

until 1853, when it passed into the hands of the present firm. The 
plant consists of a building 80 by 70 feet on the ground and two 
stories high, the upper floor and the cellar being devoted to manu- 
facturing purposes, in which 75 artisans usually find employment. 
A 20 horse power engine drives the various machines with which 
the plant is supplied. The house also deals in the various goods be- 
longing to their line of work, their extensive trade being both at 
wholesale and retail. 

The business of the Phenix Iron Foundry was established in 
1830, bv Georg-e B. Holmes and others. It is located on the corner 
of Eddy and Elm streets. The main building is 115^ feet by 163 
feet, constructed of stone and brick. There is also the Elm and 
Butler Machine Shop, a stone building two stories high, 63 by 200 
feet, with an L 50 by 70 feet. The works are employed in producing 
machinery and iron castings of great variety and quantity. The 
average number of hands employed is 125, and the value of products 
reaches an annual amount of about $250,000. The managers of the 
business are: Charles R. Earle, president and treasurer; Amos W. C. 
Arnold, agent. 

The firm of Presbrey & Myrick are manufacturers of kegs and 
packing boxes, their works being located on the corner of Summer 
and Meadow streets. In addition to the work already mentioned 
they are contractors and builders and dealers in pine kindlings. 
The business was established in 1850, by Mr. J. P. Haskins, who was 
succeeded by the present firm in 1879. Their works cover an acre 
of ground, and they have a well equipped shop, with improved ma- 
chinery operated by a 60 horse power engine. Employment is given 
to about 40 hands. The members of the firm, Messrs. A. A. Presbrey 
and E. ( ). Myrick, were both trained as apprentices in the work, 
under Mr. Haskins. 

The business now carried on by the Providence Machine Com- 
pany was established by Thomas J. Hill, in 1846. Its location is at 
564 Eddy street. Here it occupies a large brick building, 220 by 60 
feet on the ground and three stories high. There are in addition 
several smaller buildings, in which particular branches of the busi- 
ness are carried on. The latest improved machinery with which the 
works are supplied, is driven by a Corliss engine of 120 horse power. 
The machinery manufactured here consists of cotton and worsted 
machinery, though it is to the former that their principal efforts are 
given. This business grew from that established by the Providence 
Machine Company, in 1834, in the buildings of the Providence Steam 
Cotton Manufacturing Company, at which time the demand for cot- 
ton machinery was in its infancy. In 1846 the business was removed 
to its present location, as we have before stated. In 1866 the present 
company was incorporated. Mr. Thomas J. Hill is its president and 
treasurer, and George J. Hazard its agent. The company employ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 627 

about 270 hands, and manufacture about $250,000 worth of machinery 
a year. 

The Providence Steam Engine Company occupy a large plant at 
373 to 379 South Main street. The origin of this business goes back 
to the early years of the century. The names of R. L. Thurston 
and John Babcock are associated with the early developments of the 
business. The latter is said to have begun the work here in 1821. 
Since that time the work has been continued by various individuals 
and firms. In 1863 a joint stock company was incorporated, with a 
capital of $300,000. The plant was then greatly enlarged, the build- 
ings increased three-fold, new machinery and processes introduced, 
improvements made in various departments, and the whole establish- 
ment placed upon a footing which would enable it to take front rank 
and grasp the business which the progress of the times demanded. 
The plant now covers an area of 300 feet square, nearly the whole of 
which is occupied by buildings, several of which are very large. 
The works are conveniently located, so that heavy articles can be 
loaded on vessels directly from the yard, the wharves of the com- 
pany having a frontage of 22.") feet on the river, and shear poles 90 
feet high have been erected, which are capable of handling a weight 
of 100 tons. The works are divided into several constructive de- 
partments, where, with the assistance of 250 skilled mechanics, the 
manufacture of steam boilers and general machinery is prosecuted 
with a system and celerity hardly suspassed in any other establish- 
ment of its kind. An immense engine and a battery of boilers are 
required to move the machinery, all of which is remarkably ingeni- 
ous, much of it complex, and the greater part has been invented or 
adapted especially for the performance of certain given work. The 
main building of the plant is of brick and stone, three stories high, 
60 by 450 feet. While these works were conducted by the firm of 
Thurston, Gardner & Co., they were involved in the celebrated con- 
troversy and litigation concerning the use of the automatic cut-off 
as applied to steam engines. This was the invention of Mr. Frederick 
E. Sickles, with whom the firm of Thurston, Gardner & Co. were 
identified in the controversy. The present company, soon after its 
formation, obtained certain important government contracts, among 
which were the fitting of two sloops of war, each with a pair of en- 
gines of 60-inch cylinder and 36-inch stroke, and with boilers and 
appurtenances complete; also two double enders with engines, one 
of 48-inch cylinder and 10-feet stroke, and the other of 59-inch 
cylinder and 8-feet stroke. One of these, the "Algonquin," became 
famous for its trial in New York, in the case of Dickinson vs. Isher- 
wood. One of the sloops had the honor of being selected as the 
flagship of the squadron. The company have introduced important 
inventions and improvements in the handling and construction of 
engines and boilers. Prominent among these are a machine for 



028 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

holding boiler plates in close contact, with a pressure of several tons, 
while being riveted, and another machine for planing immense 
blocks of metal, of 20 tons or more in weight. In the years since 
the war the company have given much of their energies to the manu- 
facture of the Greene Engine, an improved engine with Noble T. 
Greene's automatic valve gear. The engine at work at the Hope 
Pumping Station, in this city, was built by this company, and is said 
to show a capacity of 85,000,000 foot pounds to every hundred pounds 
of coal consumed. The splendid results of this engine have directed 
the attention of manufacturers to the advantages of compound en- 
gines. This company have built engines of capacity as high as 600 
horse power. The present officers of the company are: Rathbone 
Gardner, president; W. B. Waterman, treasurer; Theodore W. 
Phillips, secretary and manager. 

The Household Sewing Machine Company, of which Mr. G. H. 
Dart is treasurer, is located at 103 Wickenden street. It continues 
the manufacture of the Household Sewing Machine, which was 
formerly manufactured by the Providence Tool Company. The last 
mentioned Company changed its organization about the year L883, 
one branch of its work being taken by the Household Sewing Ma- 
chine Company, and another being taken by the Rhode Island Tool 
Company. The latter continued the manufacture of machinery at 
148 West River street, while the former held the Wickenden street 
plant. The Providence Tool Company, during its palmy days, was 
one of the largest manufacturing establishments in the city. Its 
business was established previous to 1847, and at that time its annual 
product amounted in value to $70,000, and it employed 40 men, the 
monthly pay-roll amounting to $1,200. In 1875 the product reached 
$3,500,000; the number of hands employed was 1,500; and the 
monthly pay-roll was $100,000. The manufactures consisted of 
marine hardware, railroad supplies, breech-loading fire-arms, and 
sewing machines. The manufacture of fire-arms, which had been an 
important factor in their business, was discontinued at the close of 
the Turko-Russian war. Besides the Household sewing machine 
they also manufactured the Keats sewing machine. Their factories 
were on the most extensive scale, and included spacious and com- 
pletely equipped machine shops, forge shops, buildings for anneal- 
ing, case hardening, galvanizing, and other special work. Five 
steam engines furnished 1,000 horse power to propel the machinery, 
and there were 27 boilers for supplying steam. The factories cov- 
ered some four acres of ground. The fire-arms manufactured by 
them were the Peabody-Martini rifles. Their works were situated 
on Wickenden street, and at 148 West River street. 

The Providence Worsted Mills, located at 445 Valley street, were 
established in 1875 by -Mr. Charles Fletcher, who is still the presi- 
dent and treasurer of the corporation. Under his management they 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 629 

have attained a magnitude in their operations and achieved a success 
highly creditable to all concerned. The works manufacture worsted, 
mohair and genappe yarns, also floss, zephyr and Shetland, for knit- 
ting purposes. The plant of this concern is on Valley street, near 
Atwell's avenue, and consists of several buildings of large size, cov- 
ering more or less of several acres of ground. A 250 horse power 
engine drives machinery, when a water power of the force of 65 horse 
power is not sufficient. Among the machinery may be mentioned 10 
sets of worsted cards, 12 combing machines, 1 set of preparing 
machines, 4 sets of drawing frames, 24 twisting and doubling frames, 
22 dresser spoolers, 6 patent doublers, 12 rules, 1 three-bowl and 1 
single bowl washer, and 4 cold air dryers. In 1884 the proprietor, in 
association with others, formed the National Worsted Mills and com- 
menced the additional manufacture of worsted cloth here. 

The sawing, moulding and planing mill of Mr. E. R. Randall is 
an old established wood-working business. It was commenced by 
Eben Simmons about the year 1858. After passing through the 
hands of several successive owners, it came into the sole proprietor- 
ship of Mr. Randall in 1878. Some 15 or 20 hands are employed, and 
a 60 horse power engine furnishes power to drive the various ma- 
chines with which the establishment is supplied. It is located near 
the foot of South street. It was formerly known as the City Planing 
and Moulding Mills. 

The Rhode Island Bleach and Dye Works are located at 632 Eddy 
street. They occupy two buildings, each two stories high and about 
50 by 150 feet in size, and employ 100 hands. This is one of the old- 
est established manufacturing concerns in the city, having been 
founded in 1816 by Doctor Bowen, who commenced operations on 
Brook street in a comparatively small way. In 1838 the works were 
removed to their present location on Eddy street, where their 
capacity was from time to time increased, as the demands of the 
trade required. The plant now occupies about nine acres, two acres 
of which are covered with buildings. The mechanism here in use is 
of the newest and best ever invented for the purpose, and of such 
variety and quantity as to bring into requisition a 150 horse power 
engine to propel it. The capacity of these works is about six tons 
of sheetings and 800 pieces of dyed goods per day, and much of the 
time they are steadily run up to their full production. The work 
done here comprises the bleaching- and finishing- of sheetings, shirt- 
ings and other white goods, and the dyeing and finishing of cam- 
brics, plain shades, paper muslins, dress goods, silesias, and the like. 
Gray cloths are also calendered and baled. The firm under whose 
proprietorship and management the business is now conducted is 
composed of J. C. Butterworth, Jr., and James Whittle, both of whom 
have had long experience in the business. ' The style of the firm is 
Butterworth & Whittle. 



630 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The Rhode Island Braiding Machine Company was established in 
October, 1865, by Arnold S. Hood, Oilman K. Winchester and Benja- 
min B. Edmands, the latter of whom acted as agent of the works. 
The manufactory is located at 89 Aborn street, occupying one frame 
building, 40 by 70 feet, and two brick buildings, one 40 by 80 feet 
and the other 40 by 50 feet, all being three stories high. They manu- 
facture a variety of machines for braiding flat, round, square and 
fancy braids; also machinery for covering telegraph and telephone 
wire, and for other similar purposes. They employ about 20 men. 
and the value of their annual product is about $35,000. The present 
officers of the company, which was incorporated in 1885, are: Gilman 
K. Winchester, president; Arnold S. Wood, treasurer; Benjamin B. 
Edmands, secretary. Three or four small companies or firms hire 
rooms and power in connection with this establishment, and manu- 
facture braids, aggregating in their annual product about $8,000 
worth. 

The Rhode Island Concrete Company manufacture and put down 
" Abbott " asphalt street pavements, concrete driveways, sidewalks 
and lawn paths, basement floors and the like. Mr. E. D. Smith, the 
founder of this enterprise, associated himself with Providence about 
the year 1865. The premises occupied by the company for preparing 
the materials, on Dean street, cover about one-half acre. Here some 
25 hands are employed in preparing the materials and in laving the 
walks, the principal machinery in use being heavy rollers for con- 
solidating the work. The Abbott pavement may be seen on Eddy 
street, between Broad and Pine streets; on Washington Row bridge; 
on Custom House street, and on walks in Prospect and Roger Wil- 
liams Parks, and on walks and streets in many other parts of the 
city. The work of this house extends throughout the southern part 
of New England, and, as Mr. Smith was the first to lay concrete in 
Rhode Island, the house is the oldest, and probably the most promi- 
nent, in the state. The present superintendent is William H. Shat- 
tuck, and the agent is John S. Whitehouse, whose office is at 9 Custom 
House street. 

The manufacture of fire department supplies, among which a 
prominent specialty is that of patent round thread coupling and con- 
trolling nozzle, is carried on by the Rhode Island Coupling Company 
at 77| Dorrance street. This business was established in 1873 by 
Mr. E. M. Waldron, who is superintendent of the company. The 
factory is on the second floor, and is well equipped with machincrv, 
operated by steam power. Their goods find sale in the cities through- 
out the country. 

The Rhode Island Locomotive Works is one of the most extensive 
establishments of its kind in the United States. It is thoroughly 
equipped, and gives employment, in its various departments, to about 
1,200 hands, its yearly pay roll aggregating more than half a million 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 631 

dollars. The works are engaged in building locomotives and station- 
ary boilers. The locomotives built heie arc noted for their superior 
workmanship, power and finish, ana are in use on many of the lead- 
ing railroads of the United States and British Provinces. The works 
are located on Hemlock, corner of Valley street, where they occupy 
about ten acres of ground. The main building is about 50 by Moo 
feet in area and 13 feet stud. About 250 locomotives are annually 
built here. The works were established in I860 by Earl P. Mason. 
Charles [ackson, Isaac Hartshorn and others for the manufacture of 
rifles. The direction of the business was changed to the manufac- 
ture of locomotives in 1865. The present officers of the company 
are: Charles F. Mason, president; Earl Philip Mason, vice-president; 
William P. Chapin, treasurer; A. L. Mason, secretary; Joseph Lyth- 
goe, agent and superintendent. 

The Rhode Island Machinery Agency, conducted by Hiram 
Peavey, was established in the latter part of 1882 by Mr. Peavey and 
Daniel Sullivan as the Providence Machinery Agency. Mr. Peavey 
took the lease May 1st, 1883. The works, at 211 Eddy and 66 Clifford 
street, are accommodated in a two-story building 50 by 200 feet, 
where the general work of a machine shop is carried on, six or eight 
hands being employed in the business. Specialties of the shop are 
repairing and putting up, as well as dealing in. engines, boilers, pul- 
leys, shaftings, hangers and iron and wood working machinery. 

The Rhode Island Malleable Iron Works has its office at 564 Eddy 
street, while its manufacturing plant is at Hill's Grove. Its finances 
are ably managed by Mr. Thomas J. Hill, treasurer. The works were 
established in 1867. The plant at Hill's Grove, which is a suburb of 
Providence, comprises a one-story brick foundry, 60 by 180 feet, with 
a wing 100 by 175 feet and a core building 20 by 40 feet. About 50 
hands are employed. The products consist of malleable iron cast- 
ings of all kinds, of the best quality of material. The annual product 
is valued at about $50,000, the trade extending to different parts of 
New England and New York. 

The dye wood, drug and grain mills of William B. Rider, estab- 
lished in 1846, are located at 365, 367 and 373 Eddy street. The busi- 
ness, answering to an increasing demand, was begun by Mr. Rider 
in a comparatively small way, but it has since been considerably en- 
larged, its facilities increased and its influence extended. The 
premises owned and occupied by Mr. Rider for this business consist 
of three mills, covering an area of about 9,000 square feet. They are 
equipped with all necessary machinery and appliances requisite for 
the business, including four mills for drugs and grain and two dye 
wood cutters and improved elevating machinery, all operated by an 
engine of 60 horse power and attended by about eight men. Mr. 
Rider was born in Newport, R. I., in 1814, and has resided in Provi- 



632 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dence since L834, nearly the whole of which period he has been 
actively engaged in promoting the industrial interests of the city. 

The manufacture of all kinds of ladies' dress and cloak buttons is 
carried on by the firm of Royce, Allen & Co., at No. 6(5 Stewart street. 
The premises are commodious and admirably adapted to the busi- 
ness, and a large force of skilled and proficient hands are employed. 
The firm also import and deal largely in buttons of European manu- 
facture. Their trade extends throughout the United States and 
Canada, and their trade mark has won a high reputation. The pres- 
ent members of the firm are Edward H. Royce and Myron H. Fuller, 
Mr. Frederick W. Allen, who was one of its members, having died 
March 4th, 1888. The firm are represented by a branch on Broadway, 
in the city of New York. 

The Slater Mill and Power Company was organized in 1882, with 
a capital stock of $300,000, in three thousand shares. The object of 
the company was to erect buildings for manufacturing and other pur- 
poses, and to let them to parties for a rental fee. The office of the 
company is at 37 Weybosset street. The name of the company was 
adopted in honor of the pioneer of the cotton manufacturing business 
here, Samuel Slater, of whom and the introduction of the business 
the historian, Staples, gives the following mention: "The first com- 
pany in the state for the manufacture of cotton was formed in Provi- 
dence in 1787. Their object was to make homespun cloth by hand. 
At first they built a jenny of 28 spindles, and after that a spinning- 
frame, having eight heads, of four spindles each. They obtained the 
models of these machines from Massachusetts. They had also a 
carding machine. The jenny was first operated in one of the cham- 
bers of the market house. In the following year two Scotchmen 
came to Providence who knew how to use the fly-shuttle. A loom 
was constructed for one of them and set up in the same place. The 
spinning-frame was afterward removed to North Providence, to be 
worked by water, but it was found quite too imperfect for use. 
Samuel Slater, the acknowledged father of American cotton manu- 
factures, arrived at the same place in January, 1790. Before the end 
of the year he had started three cards, one drawing frame and seventy- 
two spindles, by water. From this small beginning have arisen 
the cotton manufactures in this country. The first cotton thread 
spun by machinery in Rhode Island was spun in the chambers of the 
market house in Providence. The first cotton thread spun by water 
in the United States was spun in North Providence." The Slater 
Mill and Power Company have built a series of buildings of brick, 
varying from three to seven stories high, and covering nearly an acre 
and a half of ground. These have light and convenient rooms, are 
furnished with steam power, and are equipped with elevators for 
freight and passengers, fire escapes and all modern conveniences. 
Mr. George E. Barstow is the treasurer of the company. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 633 

The business now conducted by Spicers & Peckham, stove foun- 
ders, was established in 1850 by Dutee Arnold & Co. Their works 
are located at the corner of Aborn and Cove streets, and they have a 
salesroom at 22 Exchange place. They- also have warerocms in Bos- 
ton, Chicago and San Francisco. Their works are accommodated 
in a main building 50 by 200 feet, where they employ about 100 
hands, and the work is carried on under the direction of men who 
have had many years experience in the business. The first stove 
made by them was called the " Roger Williams." They now have 
what is known as the " Grand Model " range as a specialty, and man- 
ufacture also both parlor and cooking stoves of about 40 styles, be- 
sides 12 or 15 other styles of furnaces and ranges. Their annual 
product amounts to about 2,000 tons in weight, with an approximate 
value of about $300, <)<><). The present members of the firm are 
William A. and Henry R. Spicer, and Charles H. Peckham. 

The flour, feed and grain mill and warehouse of S. wS. Sprague & 
Co., at 144 and 146 Dyer street, was established in 1876. It is known 
as the Columbia Elevator and Grain Mills. It is located on the river, 
and is also connected with the railroad system by tracks running into 
the building. The elevator has a capacity for the storage of 75,000 
bushels of grain. The mills contain five run of stone, affording 
capacitv for the manufacture of 200 barrels of meal per day. Power 
is supplied by a 200 horse power steam engine, and 20 men, more or 
less, according to the demand of the business for the time being, are 
employed in the establishment. The firm also own warehouses at 
Tavlorville, Stonington and Clarksdale, Illinois, where they purchase 
grain direct from producers and store it until needed by their trade. 
The members of this firm are Samuel S., Charles H. and Henry S. 
Sprague. 

The business of the George W. Stafford Manufacturing Company 
was established in 1882, by George W. Stafford. It is located on 
Harris avenue, at the corner of Acorn street. The main building is 
a brick structure two and three stories high, 135 by 46 feet, with an 
L loo by 24 feet, one story. There is also a detached frame build- 
ing, of one storv, 140 by 45 feet. The goods manufactured are ma- 
chines for weaving textile fabrics and other supplies for the same 
class of industries, the specialties being Jacquard and fancy weaving 
machinery. About 50 hands are employed. The officers of the 
company are: Gardiner C. Sims, president; Charles H. Poland, 
secretary; and George W. Stafford, treasurer and general manager. 

The works of the Stedman & Fuller Manufacturing Company 
were established in 1856, by the firm of Stedman & Fuller. The 
present company was incorporated in 1883. The location of the 
works are at Warren and Westfall streets, where they occupy a 
main building 50 by 190 feet on the ground and three stories high. 
The manufacture of card clothing and leather belting is carried 



634 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

on, and about forty hands are employed. The company is managed 
by George A. Fuller, president: A. L. Kelly, treasurer, and John J. 
Hoey, agent. 

The brass foundry of Stillman White, at No. 1 Bark street, was 
established by Mr. White, in 1856. It occupies a two story brick 
building, 25 by 100 feet, and employs six to ten hands in the manu- 
facture of brass castings and lining metal. 

Horace Thurston began the manufacture of hardware and ma- 
chinery here October 1st, 1883. His works are at 419 Eddy street 
and 23, 25 and 27 Point street. A one story brick building 50 by 
100 feet, is occupied and about 25 hands are employed, the man- 
ufacture being annually worth $25,000 to $30,000; 

The Towel Rack & Novelty Company was started in 1875, by the 
firm of C. A. Brickley & Co., of whom F. F. Tibbetts was the silent 
partner. The company are engaged in the manufacture of novel- 
ties, the works being at 52 Aborn street. Ten to fifteen hands are 
employed, and goods to the value of about $7,200 are annually 
manufactured. 

The Union Eyelet Company carries on the manufacture of 
jewelry eyelets, lacing hooks, excelsior button fasteners and novel- 
ties in brass. The business was started by David Heaton, in 1866. 
The works are located at 47 Borden street. The main building is S9 
by 33 feet, and has a wing 67 by 21 feet. An average number of 
about one hundred hands are employed here. The officers of the 
company are: Stephen Harris, president: Fred. A. Young, treasurer. 
The Union Oil Company is a corporation formed to develop the 
manufacture of oil from cotton seed. The inventor of the process, 
and the chief manager of the enterprise was Mr. Lyman Klapp, who 
died suddenly in September, 1889. Mr. Klapp was a native of West- 
hampton, Mass., where he was born in 1827. Being naturally in- 
clined to scientific investigation, particularly in the realm of chem- 
istry, he spent several years in perfecting processes and machinery 
for extracting and refining vegetable oils, visiting Europe for the 
purpose of gaining more perfect information bearing on the subject. 
About the year 1854 he perfected machinery for hulling cotton seed, 
and discovered a process refining the oil made from this seed. In 
1855, the Union Oil Company of Providence and New Orleans, was 
formed, and the first mill for the manufacture of cotton seed oil was 
established in Providence. Mr. Klapp was made president of the 
company. The works of the company are located at 239 to 291 Tock- 
wotten street. 

The Valley Worsted Mills were incorporated in 1872. They arc 
located on Eagle street, the main building, of brick, being 200 by To 
feet, and four stories high. The goods manufactured are worsted 
yarns for manufacturing purposes, floss, zephyrs, knitted worsted. 
Shetland, .Spanish, Saxony and frosted yarns. Some 450 hands are 







t^L 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 035 

employed, and about 700,000 pounds of yarn annually manufactured. 
The officers of the company are: James R. Doudge, of New York,, 
president; William R. Arnold, treasurer. 

The What Cheer Paint Works are an outgrowth of the business 
enterprise of the firm of Oliver Johnson & Co. This firm are im- 
porters and wholesale and retail dealers in paints, oils, drugs and. 
medicines. The house was founded by Oliver Johnson in 1833, but 
the manufacture of paint was not begun until the Year 1805. They 
then placed some machinery in the upper stories of their warehouse, 
and began grinding and mixing paints. Their business increased 
so much that they were obliged to enlarge their facilities, and in 
1872 they erected a large factory at the corner of Eddy and Elm 
streets. This is a five story building, 00 feet square, and is thoroughly 
equipped with improved machinery for this business. A 50 horse 
power engine furnishes the motive power, and 2<> hands are employed 
in the manual force. The factory produces "King Philip Lead," 
"Villa Paints," "Excelsior Paints," "Geneva Green," and other 
brands and colors. The present members of the firm are Oliver 
Johnson and Benjamin W. Spink. William S. Johnson, who was a 
member of it some 35 years or more, died December 6th, 1887. 

The baking establishment of Messrs. Rice & Hayward is one of 
the important manufacturing concerns of the city. It was estab- 
lished in 1840, by Fitz James Rice and George W. Hayward. They 
then occupied the present location, at the corner of Broad and Pearl 
streets. On the admission of William S. Hayward, in 1860, the firm 
name became Rice, Hayward & Co. In 1S03 the senior members re- 
tired and the business was conducted by William S. Hayward. He 
continued alone until 1865, when Mr. F. J. Rice re-entered the busi- 
ness, and the firm name of Rice & Hayward was restored. From 
time to time the facilities of the house have been increased, as the 
business grew, until they are now sufficient for working up 125 
barrels of flour a day. They have twelve ovens in all, the greater 
number of which are of large size and improved model. About 70 
hands are employed in the establishment, and about a thousand dif- 
ferent kinds of goods are made. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



THE MANUFACTURE OF JEWELRY IN PROVIDENCE CITY. 



Providence the Leading City. — Magnitude of the Interest. — Before the War of 1813. — 
Later Progress. — Location of the Shops. — In Time of the War. — Short-lived Jewelry 
Houses. — Brief notices of the Principal Manufacturing Establishments now in 
Operation. 



THE manufacture of jewelry is one of the conspicuous features 
of Providence industries. No other city in the Union is so 
largely engaged in this line of manufacture. The annual 
value of products in this line aggregate more than six million dollars, 
and the work gives employment to between three and four thousand 
persons. The first jewelry manufacturer in the city of which we 
have account, was Seril Dodge, who made shoe buckles of silver, 
about the time of the revolution. Among others engaged in the 
line about that time or a few years later were Calvin Wheaton, 
Ezekiel and William Burr, Caleb Wheaton, Edward Spaulding, John 
Gibbs, David Vinton and William Hamlin. Nehemiah Dodge estab- 
lished himself as a goldsmith and jeweler in the city, in 1794. John 
C. Jenks, Ezekiel Burr, and the firm of Pitman & Dorrance were en- 
gaged in the business in 1805. In 1810 there were about 100 work- 
men employed in the trade, who made about $100, 000 worth a year. 
The business increased to nearly double these proportions in a few 
years, but its progress was checked somewhat by the war of L812. 
After that, however, it was resumed and in L820 it was estimated 
that there were 300 artisans at work in the trade, and that the manu- 
factured products amounted to nearly $600,000 annually. 

Previous to 1850 the shops were mostly on North Main street, but 
soon after that time they began to move westward to the section of 
the city in which the more rapid growth was being made. From 
that time the jewelry manufacturers began to congregate in the 
neighborhood of Orange, Eddy, Page, Pine, Friendship and Broad 
streets, in the Fifth ward of the city, where the most of them are 
located to-day. Many of them were obliged to close up business in 
the stringent financial times of 1857, but soon after they resumed 
work again. Just preceding the panic there were 50 shops. In 1800 
there were 86. The war that soon followed again reduced the life of 
the business, and in 1804 the number of shops was reduced again to 
56. Some, however, who were prepared to seize the opportunities of 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 637 

the moment prospered exceedingly. Those who turned their atten- 
tion to making badges and medals suggestive of the various men or 
scenes which the war made conspicuous, made money, as also did 
those who secured federal or state contracts for the manufacture of 
brass buttons, belt clasps and other soldierly trappings. 

The period of existence of a manufacturing jewelry house is on 
the average a short one. The fluctuations of the business make it 
unstable. Of the number who were in operation in 1860, but 15 are 
found on the directory a quarter of a century later, though parts of 
some others may exist under different names. In recent years the 
manufacture of cuff and collar buttons has been a branch of promi- 
nent importance. A general tendency is observable toward closer 
margins in the manufacture, and the production of cheaper grades 
of goods. The plating business is an important auxiliary to this line 
of manufacture. Some of the largest establishments do their own 
plating, but the majority of manufacturers buy the rolled plate as 
they need it to use, the plating being carried on as a distinct branch. 
We purpose now to give very brief notices of the principal manufac- 
turing jewelry establishments of the city. Many of them, it will be 
seen, are of recent origin. 

Mr. D. F. Adams established himself in 1881, at 6(5 vStewart street. 
He occupies, a floor 40 by 100 feet, manufacturing onyx and mourn- 
ing goods. The business employs 45 hands and turns out some 
$60,000 worth a year. 

The S. Albro Company manufacture rolled plate chains, at 80 
Clifford street. The companv was established in 1875, with Mr. S. 
Albro as manager, and Mr. S. K. Merrill as treasurer. This company 
are represented by an office at 176 Broadway, New York city. 

The refining of gold and silver is carried on by John Austin & 
Son at 74 and 76 Clifford street. Mr. Austin has been engaged in 
this business since 1857. In 1873 he became sole proprietor. The 
works comprise three large brick buildings, one of three stories, 38 
by 40 feei, another of one story, 40 by C^y feet, and a smaller build- 
ing. The annual value of materials refined amounts to about 
$1,250,000. 

Thomas F. Arnold continues the business at 29 Point street, car- 
ried on a few years since by the firm of Arnold & Webster. The 
premises occupied are in the second story of the building, and have 
an area of 3,600 square feet. Twenty-five skilled workmen are em- 
ployed in the manufacture of solid gold band rings, of which over 300 
patterns are made. 

The firm of B. A. Ballou & Co. pursue the business at 61 Peck 
street, started by Mr. Ballou January 1st, 1870. They occupy a room 
about 40 by 80 feet, and employ 30 hands, producing jewelry to the 
value of about $60,000 annually. The " company " is Mr. J. J. Fry. 
The house has a branch at 10 Maiden Lane, New York. 



•638 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Nathaniel Barstow and W. T. Luther began business in May, 
1881. They were succeeded by Nathaniel Barstow & Co. in 1887, and 
the firm name became Barstow & Williams in August, 1888. They 
are located at 29 Point street, and manufacture silver plated and gold 
plated jewelry, employing some 40 hands. 

The business of Bassett Bros. & Co. was started in May, 1887, by 
Isaac P. and William B. Bassett. They are located at 102 Friendship 
street and manufacture gold jewelry of 10 caret fineness. They em- 
ploy six hands. 

The business of the Barker Manufacturing Company was started on 
Snow street, in 1875. It was afterward moved to 9 Eddy street, and 
-again a few years since removed to its present location at 38 Friend- 
ship street. The product of this house is patent graduated, stiffened, 
gold and silver thimbles. 

Robert Barton carries on the manufacture of a full line of elegant 
jewelry at 30 Page street. He has been in the business something 
-more than 30 years. 

Messrs. S. B. Champlin & Son began the business in 1872. They 
are located at 74 Chestnut street, on the corner of Clifford. They 
occupy about 3,680 square feet of floor space, and manufacture 
solid gold stone rings. Thev employ about 30 hands. The mem- 
bers of the firm are Stanton B. and George B. Champlin. 

Messrs. Coombs & Tuttle started in 1883. They are located at 
42 Point street, and employ 12 hands in the manufacture of a gen- 
eral line of jewelry. 

The business of Joseph P. Cory was started January 1st, 1872, 
by the firm of Johnson & Cory, which was composed of the present 
owner and Solon R. Johnson. They manufacture plate jewelry, in 
a building 30 by 80 feet in size, on Congress avenue, near Broad 
street. Mr. Cory, the present owner, employs 35 hands, and manu- 
factures annually about $40,000 worth of jewelry. 

The manufacture of jewelry and novelties is carried on at 409 
Pine street, by R. S. Cutting. Ten hands are employed and about 
$5,000 worth of goods are annually produced. 

The house of Capron & Co. was established in 1875, by Messrs. 
Harford A., Frank E. and Herbert S. Capron. The first named re- 
tired in 1878. At their works at 407 Pine street they employ about 
00 hands, and manufacture plated goods which are sold throughout 
the United States and Canadas, and to some extent in England. 

The firm of A. B. Day & Co. are manufacturing a complete line of 
emblem jewelry in both solid gold and rolled plate, on the second 
floor of 121 Broad street. The firm, which is composed of Anthony 
B. Day and C. Henry Peck, started in business April 1st. 1889. They 
employ 1.0 or 12 hands. 

The firm of J. E. Braman & Co., composed of Messrs. J. E. Braman, 
O. C. Devereux and S. P. Salisbury, was established January 10th, 



HISTORV of providence county. 639 

1873. The firm name was changed to Salisbury & Devereux in Janu- 
ary, 1878, and a year later to the present style, O. C. Devereux & Co. 
Mr. Devereux is at present the sole owner. The business is located 
at 220 and 224 Eddy street, on the second and third floors. About 35 
hands are employed, the product being- men's jewelry in rolled plate, 
such as cuff buttons, studs, collar buttons, link buttons, scarf pins 
and " Stonine " -jewelry for full dress wear. The value of gccds an- 
nually produced is between $50,000 and $60,000. T. A. Reynolds is 
the New York representative, at 102 Chambers street. 

The business of Charles Downs was established here in 1856. It 
is located at 61 Peck street, occupying a room 80 by 100 feet. The 
manufacture of plated jewelry and gold and silver cane heads and 
parasol and umbrella mountings is carried on, about 60 hands being 
employed. 

Messrs. E. H. Dunham & Co. are engaged in the manufacture of 
rolled plate men's and ladies' vest and neck chains and trimmings 
with solid gold slides. They employ about 40 hands and manufac- 
ture about $50,000 worth of goods a year. Their location is at 29 
Point street. The business was established March 1st, 1882, by H. 
Dewitt Smith, Lauriston Towne and E. H. Dunham, under the firm 
name of Smith, Dunham & Co. Mr. Smith retired from the firm in 
February, 1887, and Mr. Towne retired in February, 1889. The house 
is represented at 200 Broadway, New York. 

Mr. E. L. Dunn established the manufacture of jewelry in 1875. 
He occupies a part of a floor at 67 Friendship street, and employs 
about 15 hands in white stone goods and rolled plate, the value of his 
annual products amounting to ten or twelve thousand dollars. This 
amount does not include the value of the white stone used in the 
goods. If that were included the figures would be about double. 

The business now carried on by Mr. P. S. Eddy was established 
in 1879 by P. S. Eddy and A. V. Blake, under the name of Eddy & 
Blake. The latter retired in 18S6. For several years the business 
was carried on at 407 Pine street, but within a few years Mr. Eddy 
has moved it to 27 Page street, where he occupies one floor. Ten 
hands are employed, and plated jewelry to the value of twelve to fif- 
teen thousand dollars is annually manufactured. 

Messrs. Ettlinger & Safford carry on the manufacture of white 
stone goods in gold, silver and plate, at 42 Point street. They employ 
an average number of 15 hands. 

Messrs. "William M. Fisher 8z Co. continue the business which was 
established in 1874 by William M. Fisher, Thomas Dubois and Josiah 
W. Richardson. They are located at 226 Eddy street, and make gold 
and silver chains, patent split rings and a variety of chain trimmings. 
They have in some years sold nearly 200,000 of them. Formerly 50 
to 60 hands were employed, but with improved machinery the work 
is now done by 40 to 50 hands. The present firm is composed of the 



640 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

original Mr. Fisher and George H. Richardson, a son of J. W. Rich- 
ardson, who died October 13th, 1881. 

The firm of Flint, Blood & Co. was started in 1869. The members 
were W. W. Flint and J. F. Blood. The style was changed in 1881 to 
Flint, Blood & Young, the third name representing James A. Young. 
This continued until a year or two since, when the name again be- 
came Flint, Blood & Co. Their shop is at 29 Point street, where they 
occupy a floor space of 3,500 square feet. They are engaged in the 
production of sleeve buttons, shirt studs and finger rings, the work 
furnishing employment to about 40 hands. The trade of the house 
ranges throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. 

The firm of Fanning 8z Potter was intimately associated with the 
Providence jewelry trade from the year 1854 to 1888. Spacious and 
eligible premises were occupied by them at 125 Broad street, which 
were supplied with steam power. The firm was composed of Joseph 
H. Fanning and Alfred S. Potter. By the death of the latter, which 
occurred December 11th, 1888, the firm was broken up. Mr. J. PL 
Fanning continues the same line of business at 137 Broad street. 

James R. Freely & Co. employ about 20 skilled hands in the man- 
ufacture of a full line of gold jewelry. They started in 1885, at 129 
Eddy street, where they still continue. 

Messrs. Fletcher, Burrows & Co. started business here in 1881, the 
members of the firm being Ansel L. Sweet, Henry Fletcher and E. G. 
Burrows, Jr. Mr. Sweet retired in June, 1889, and John Fletcher was 
admitted. The firm up to that time had been known as Sweet, 
Fletcher & Co., but was then changed to its present form. It carries 
on its work in the Fitzgerald building, at 53 Clifford street. Thev 
manufacture a fine quality of rolled plate white stone goods, employ- 
ing generally about 35 hands. 

The business now carried on by Messrs. Foster & Bailey, at 00 
Richmond street, was started by White, Foster & Co. in 1873. The 
firm was composed of Walter E. White, Theodore W. Foster and 
Samuel H. Bailey. A shop was then occupied at 185 Eddy street. 
About the year 1877 Mr. White retired from the firm, and the name 
was changed to its present form. They manufacture a general line 
of plated jewelry, and employ about 100 hands. The product of their 
factory reaches nearly $200,000 in the amount of its annual value. 

The firm of Foster & Bennett was established in the manufacture 
of jewelry November 1st, 1888. They make solid gold fronts of all 
kinds. Ten men are employed in their works, which occupy the 
lower floor at the southeast end of No. 121 Orange street. 

The business of the Fowler Brothers was started in 1874, by Mr. 
C. Anthony Fowler. His brother, Jeremiah D. Fowler, was admit- 
ted and is now a member of the firm. The factory is at 183 and 185 
Eddy street, the building extending from Friendship street to Clif- 
ford street, and facing loo feet on the former and 150 on the latter. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 641 

The buildings are composed entirely of .stone and brick. The goods 
manufactured consist of a line of jewelry in " Fowler's English Crape 
Stone," real and imitation onyx, and a high grade of sterling silver 
goods in novelties, &c. From f>0 to 100 hands are employed, the 
number varying with the demands of the trade. A large bulk of 
goods are turned out, to the value of about a quarter of a million 
dollars annually. Mr. C. A. Fowler has the entire charge at Xo. 198 
Broadway, New York, and Mr. J. D. Fowler at the home works. The 
latter is ably assisted by John L., and Joseph L. A. Fowler. "Fow- 
ler's English Crape Stone " goods are patented in the United States, 
England, France, Belgium and Austria-Hungary, and are sold in all 
those, and many other countries, including Australia. From Apple- 
tons Annual Cyclopedia for 1884 the following description of " Crape 
Stone " is taken: 

" CRAPE-STONE, an article used for jewelry to be worn by per- 
sons in mourning-. Pins and brooches for fastening mourning gar- 
ments have commonly been made of wood and covered with crape; 
but the invention of crape-stone has largely supplanted them in all 
parts of the world, and it is now made into almost every conceivable 
article of jeweliy. The manufactory is in Providence, R. I., where 
a large number of skilled artisans are employed. Crape-stone of the 
first class is made from onyx, which is cut with tools and abraded 
with acids to produce the crape-like corrugations. These are in 
series, side by side, or grouped in divisions; they are practically 
parallel, either longitudinal, lateral, or diagonal, sometimes waved; 
and the effect is perfected by the finer cross-lines. The stone, after 
being cut, is colored a lustreless black. The onyx is obtained in 
large quantities in our Western Territories, but a portion of the 
supply is from Idar, Oldenburg. The American stone is sent to 
Germany, where it is sawed into the desired sizes, cut, and prepared 
for the ornamentation. It is then returned to this country and sub- 
jected to the craping process at Providence. The workman cuts each 
corrugation and the finer cross-lines with the utmost care, after 
which the stone is subjected to the acid. Crape-stone of the second 
class is made of silicious compounds, with mineral or metal fluxes, 
and is formed in moulds. It is then covered with a film of wax at 
certain points, and placed in a bath of corrosive acid, and the com- 
binations produce the crape effect The processes, which are the 
invention of Charles A. Fowler, of New York, are the result of a 
long series of experiments." 

The business carried on by Messrs. J. W. Grant & Co. was estab- 
lished in 1872, by J. W. Grant and C. H. Cook. It is carried on in 
the vSlater Mill and Power Company's building, at 25 Calender street, 
occupying two rooms, the floor area of which aggregate 3,600 square 
feet. The specialties of the firm are fine rolled plate and solid silver 
necklaces and ladies' and gents' chains, and bracelets. About 80 

41 



042 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

hands are employed, and goods to the value of $50,000 are annually 
manufactured. The present members of the firm are J. W. Grant 
and A. E. Follett. 

The house of William C. Greene & Co. started in 1849, with Mr. 
Greene in partnership with Nathan F. Mathewson, as Mathewson & 
Greene. In 1853 John T. Mauran was admitted, and the firm be- 
came Mathewson, Greene & Mauran. In 1854 the name was changed 
to Greene. Mauran & Co. In 1866, by the admission of Alfred A. 
Bliss, the firm became Greene & Bliss, and in 1878 the present name 
was adopted. The members of the firm are William C. Greene, of 
Providence, and Byron W. Greene, of New York. The manufacture 
of a general line of gold jewelry is carried on by the firm, at 95 
Pine street, 25 hands being, on the average, employed. The value 
of the annual product amounts to fifty to seventy-five thousand 
dollars. 

The business of Howard & Son was started January 1st. 1878, by 
the firm of H. Howard & Co., which was composed of Hiram Howard 
and A. J. Sherrieble. Their first location was in the Hope Iron 
Foundry building, at 227 Eddy street. They soon after moved to 
119 Orange street, and as business increassd they occupied other 
shops in addition. In 1884 Mr. Howard and his son, Stephen C. 
Howard, formed the organization of the firm which remains at the 
present time, as Howard & Son. Their works occupy one floor in 
the Enterprise Building, and Allen Greene's building adjoining, 
fronting 123 feet on Eddy, and 145 feet on Fountain and Worcester 
streets. They manufacture plated cuff and collar buttons, also nov- 
elties and trinkets in solid sterling silver, employing, at the time of 
writing, 195 hands. The annual value of their products approxi- 
mates $300,000. 

The firm of Hamilton & Hamilton, Jr., makers of rolled plate 
chains, started at 28 and 30 Potter street, in 1870. They moved 
from there to the large building at 226 Eddy street, and with the 
increase in their business took the annex building to that. The 
house now occupies a part of the Enterprise Building on Eddy 
street. They employ a large force of hands, usually numbering be- 
tween 150 and 200, the most of whom are skilled artisans or artists. 
Their special articles of manufacture are rolled plated chains, vest, 
guard and neck chains and chatelaines. The present members of 
the firm are Ralph S. Hamilton and Ralph S. Hamilton, Jr. 

Hancock, Becker & Co. manufacture fine rolled plate jewelry at 
40 Clifford street. They were established in the year 1881, and oc- 
cupy a room 40 by 100 feet, giving employment to about forty 
hands. Patent diamond and fancy stone setting is a branch of their 
business. The firm is composed of Charles E. Hancock and George 
Becker. 

The firm of Hutchinson & Huestis started in the jewelrv business 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 643 

in 1876. It is composed of George W. Hutchinson and Harvey 
Huestis. They are located at 1S5 Eddy street, and manufacture 
solid gold stone rings. They employ 22 skilled workmen, and they 
have a wide spread reputation as one of the most reliable houses in 
the trade. 

Charles F. Irons manufactures specialties in emblems, pins and 
charms. Masonic, Odd Fellows and other society, and presentation 
jewels. His premises have a floor area of 3,763 square feet, and 40 
hands are employed. 

The manufacture of fine rolled plate jewelry is carried on by J. C. 
Harrington at No. 129 Eddy street. The house was founded in 
1869. A single floor. 45 by 65 feet is occupied, and about 25 skilled 
workmen are employed. Among other specialties is an improved 
spring bracelet, on which Mr. Harrington holds a patent dated 1880. 

The firm of J. W. Henry & Co. started in the business in 1874, 
Mr. Henry being then alone, but in 1876 the company was formed. 
The factory has an area of 40 by 80 feet, is furnished with steam 
power and employs about forty hands. Goods to the value of fifty to 
seventy-five thousand dollars are annually manufactured. The indi- 
vidual members of the firm are J. W. Henry and John Williams. 

Albert Holt began the business of gold plating in 1880, having 
been previously employed in the same line of work at Attleboro 
Falls, Mass. He is associated in the present firm with Silas E. Field. 
The factory, at 120 Dorrance street, is comprised in one floor, S6 by 
30 feet, .equipped with rolls, lathes, drawing boards and other ap- 
paratus, and furnishes employment to several skilled workmen. In 
the gold plating process the ingot used, weighing 100 ounces, is 
made of either an alloy of copper or zinc, or at times of German 
silver. A plate of gold is fastened to the composition or ingot be- 
fore it is put into the furnace for " sweating." The silver contained 
serves to fasten this plate securely to the baser metal, and it is 
then passed through rollers until it is brought to the desired thick- 
ness. At this stage of the operation it presents the appearance of 
a sheet of gold-coated metal, which is then cut into sizes to suit 
the work for which it is intended to be used, or drawn into wires 
of different forms, in the usual manner. This house supplies ma- 
terial to the manufacturing jewelers of this city, as well as to those 
of other New England cities and towns, and of New York. 

The manufacture of cane heads and umbrella and parasol mount- 
ings, in gold and silver, was started in the summer of 1889 by William 
B. Jencks & Co., at 119 Orange street. They occupy a room 50 by 
50 feet, and employ 15 hands. 

In 1866 the first " Ladd " watch cases were made by Messrs. J. A. 
Brown & Co., of this city. This company had been established in 
1858. The method of making, as well as the cases themselves were 
the invention of George W. Ladd, on which improvements have since 



G44 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

been made and patented by himself and by George S. Ladd. The 
factory in which these cases are manufactured is at 104, 106 and 108 
Eddy street, where the business was begun. It is a four story brick 
building, 40 by 100 feet. About 125 hands are employed, and goods 
to the value of upwards of $200,000 are annually manufactured. The 
Ladd Watch Case Company was incorporated in 1888, and bought the 
plant of J. A. Brown & Co., succeeding them in the business. The 
present officers of the company are: John A. Brown, president and 
treasurer; George W. Ladd, vice-president; George S. Ladd, super- 
intendent: James H. Bigelow, manager. 

The business of H. Ludwig & Co. was started by Mr. Henry Lud- 
wig, about two years ago. It is located at 195 Eddy street, having 
about 4,000 feet of floor space. He manufactures plate jewelry and 
novelties, employs about 50 hands and produces about $75,000 worth 
of goods annually. 

The firm of G. E. Luther & Co., composed of George E. Luther. 
Lauriston Towne and E. H. Dunham, started in business March 1st, 
1880. The company dissolved by limitation, March 1st, 1882, since 
which time Mr. Luther has continued the business by himself. It is 
located at 95 Pine street. Rolled plate and silver chains are the spe- 
cialties. Thirty hands are employed, and the annual production 
reaches about $50,000 net value. 

The firm of J. C. Lewis & Co. are successors of the firm of Capron 
& Wheeler, the house being one of the substantial ones of the city. 
They are engaged in the manufacture of plated chains, at No. 30 
Page street. The business is managed by Mr. Lewis, who was, from 
the year 1854 to the time of embarking in this company, connected 
with S. M. Lewis in the jewelry business. 'The shop is well supplied 
with machinery and employs ten to fifteen hands. 

H. C. Lindol established himself in 1885, at ISO Friendship street, 
in the manufacture of jewelry, of which his specialty was bracelets. 
His premises covered 3,000 square feet, and he gave employment to 
20 skilled hands, turning out a class of work of hiodi grade. He now 
occupies premises at 33 Page street. 

William A. Locke carries on the manufacture of pearl goods at 303 
Eddy street. This, though not jewelry in the strictest sense, is closely 
allied with that craft, many of the parts made of pearl being mounted 
with gold and finished by the jewelry manufacturers, sleeve or cuff 
buttons being a conspicuous article in point. Mr. Locke has several 
skilled workmen in his employ, cutting and grinding down, by means 
of machinery driven by steam, the pearl, from the rough shells to 
the forms required for jewelry manufacturers, and some other lines 
of trade. 

The business carried on by Edwin Lowe, at 82 Clifford street, 
dates back to 1850, when it was established by Mr. Thomas H. Lowe. 
Later he formed a partnership by admitting his son Edwin to a share 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 645 

in the business, and about 1884 he retired, leaving- the business in 
the hands of the present proprietor. Gold and silver plating for the 
use of jewelry manufacturers is the business of this house. Ten or 
twelve skilled workmen are employed. 

The firm of Luther Brothers had its foundation in 1870, the busi- 
ness then established being carried on by William H. Luther. The 
firm of brothers was formed by the admission of Edward A. Luther in 
1873. The beginning thus made grew to be the largest manufactory 
of electro-plated fine gilt and prize package jewelry in the world. 
The works are located at the corner of Oxford and Harriett streets, 
the factory buildings covering an area of about 5,000 square feet. 
The main building is 40 by 80 feet in dimensions and three stories 
high, with a wing 30 by 15 feet. There is also a two-story factory, 
24 by 40 feet. A 10 horse power engine furnishes power for driving 
the machinery in use. Among the ingenious machinery which has 
been specially prepared for the work of this firm is a machine for 
making spiral wires for studs. This machine turns out 2,000 per hour, 
complete and perfectly made, to do which by the ordinary process, 
as used in other factories, would consume half a day. The depart- 
ments are arranged with great regard to system. As large a number 
as twenty million pieces of jewelry have been manufactured heie in 
a single year, the number of hands employed being about 150. Ed- 
ward A. Luther withdrew from the company about 1884, and the 
business was continued under the same name until 1888, when, on 
the admission of his son, Frederick B., the style William LI. Luther 
& vSon was adopted. 

The firm of Martin, Copeland & Co. manufacture gold chains and 
rings at 60 Richmond street. The business was started by S. G. 
Martin, W. A. Copeland and Henry Gorman. To this number E. W. 
Martin has since been added. About $3oo,ooo worth of goods are 
annually produced, 60 hands being employed. 

The manufactory of Fred. I. Marcy & Co. is located at 95 Pine 
street. A spacious floor, 75 by 150 feet, is occupied, machinery being' 
driven by steam power. The business was established under the 
management of James H. Sturdy and Fred. I. Marcy in 1867. The 
present firm succeeded to the plant January 1st, 1878. About 65 
skilled artisans are employed. A full line of jewelry is made, but 
the specialty of the house is the Acme Lever Sleeve and Collar 
Buttons. 

The firm of J. B. Mathewson & Co. are located at 61 Peck street, 
occupying a floor in the large Dyer Land Building, and employing" 
about 40 hands. The business was founded by J. B. Mathewson, 
with whom are now associated in the company C. H. S. Hubbard, H. 
A. Monroe and C. H. Cooke. 

John A. McCloy manufactures a great variety of lockets, of plated, 
enameled and fine gold, bright and Roman color. Over four hun- 



640 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dred different designs are made, ranging in quality from the cheapest 
goods to the finest productions known to the trade. The factory oc- 
cupies about 4,000 square feet of floor space at 183 Eddy street, and 
furnishes employment to about 50 skilled workmen. The business 
was established by L. Carr & Co. in 1803, and after one or two 
changes in the status of the firm it came into the possession of the 
present proprietor in 1877. Mr. McCloy is also proprietor of the 
Manufacturing Jeweler, a large and elegantly printed monthly maga- 
zine, devoted to the interests of the jewelry trade. This paper was 
established in October, 1884, and circulates throughout the United 
States and Canada. It is edited by Walter B. Frost. 

The beginning of the business of Nichols & Pervear was made by 
Henry N. Pervear. They occupy a room 25 by 40 feet at 109 Friend- 
ship street. The number of hands employed is about 50. The pres- 
ent firm is composed of Joseph Nichols and H. N. Pervear. They 
manufacture gold plated jewelry to the value of about $40,000 per 
annum. The firm, which began business in 1887, was preceded by 
the firm of Nichols & Black, who in turn were successors to the firm 
of Stone, Nichols & Black. 

Messrs. Ostby & Barton carry on the manufacture of solid gold 
rings at 80 Clifford street, their premises having an area of 15 by 90 
feet. The firm consists of Engelhart C. Ostby and Nathan B. Barton. 
The firm started in business about 1880. They employ about 90 
hands. 

One of the oldest jewelry manufacturing houses in Providence is 
that of G. & S. Owen & Co., their business having been started by 
George Owen and Smith Owen in 1834. It is located at 19 Snow 
street, corner of Chapel, and has an office in New York city at No. 3 
Maiden Lane. They occupy the fourth floor, size about 40 by 1 in 
feet, and manufacture solid 14-carat jewelry. They employ about 
30 hands. Mr. James P. Snow, one of the partners, has charge of the 
New York office, through which all goods are sold. Charles E. West- 
cott, another partner, has charge of the factory here. Mr. Smith 
Owen, one of the original partners, died in April, 1889, in the 80th 
year of his age. Mr. George Owen, the senior partner, is now S4 
years of age, and was active in the business up to 1875. 

The business of Stephen Paine was established in I860 by the firm 
of Paine & Webster. Mr. Paine is now established at 66 Westmin- 
ster street, where he does a retail business in the line of manufactur- 
ing jewelry. 

Messrs. L. W. Pierce & Co. started in the jewelry manufacture in 
1807. The members of the firm were L. W. Pierce and A. H. Willard. 
The business is now managed by Mr. Pierce alone. It consists of 
the manufacture of rolled plate and gold jewelry. Thirty-three hands 
are employed in the factory, which is located at 30 Page street. 

The firm of Pearce & Hoaoland started in the manufacture of grold 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 047 

pens, pencil cases and toothpicks, at 107 Friendship street, in 1879. 
The business was removed in 1882 to 29 Point street. Here it grew 
to be one of the largest establishments in the country in that line of 
business. Their manufacturing premises contained an area of 9,000 
square feet, furnished with the most efficient mechanical appliances 
for the successful prosecution of the business. Some 200 hands were 
employed in the work. They were manufacturers of the "quill re- 
serve toothpicks." The firm was composed of Frank T. Pearce and 
John Hoagland. About 1887 the firm was dissolved, and the former 
place of business, 29 Point street, was occupied by a new firm of F. 
T. Pearce & Co., while another firm, as John Hoagland & Co., estab- 
lished themselves in the same line of manufactures at 17 Warren 
street. In 1889 the latter firm removed their business to New York 
city. 

Charles S. Pine & Company is a jewelry manufacturing house of 
some forty years standing, the business having been started about 
the year 1845, being then known under the firm style of Steer & 
Crooker. Subsequently the firm became F. A. Steer & Co., then 
Keith & Pine, and about 1881 the present name was adopted, with 
the changes that occasioned it. About 40 skilled hands are employed 
in the factory, which is located at 121 Broad street. The firm hold 
patents, for the " Mary Anderson " bracelet, dated 1878 and February 
and June, 1883; the " Flexible Roller Edge " block bracelet, 1878 and 
February and December, 1883. The firm have a New York office at 
196 Broadway. 

George Pitts carries on the manufacture of lace scarf pins, lever 
and separable cuff pins and collar buttons with a large force of 
skilled workmen, at 120 Dorrance street. He was a few years since 
associated with George A. Hicks, as Pitts & Hicks. 

The manufacture of pearl shell goods is carried on at 407 Pine 
street, by Charles L. Potter. The business was founded in 1809, by 
Mr. Potter, who had, previously to that, been for some time engaged 
in the manufacture of lockets. His factory employs a number of 
hands. He manufactures patent spiral studs and lace pins, of which 
some $40,000 worth are annually produced. 

The Reynolds Jewelry Company was established in May, 1882, by 
C. D. Reynolds. It is located at 13 Mason street, occupying one floor 
of a four story building having an area 50 by 100 feet. Rolled plate, 
electroplate Roman gold and jet jewelry is manufactured, an average 
of fifty hands being employed. The annual product amounts in value 
to about $75,000. The company is composed of Charles D. and 
Frank B. Reynolds. 

The business carried on by Charles A. Russell & Co., in the third 
and fourth floors of No. 102 Friendship street, was started by the 
present proprietors in June, 1886. The goods manufactured are 



648 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

rolled plate pins and chains, society and trade emblems. Twenty- 
four hands are employed. The partner of Mr. Russell is Mr. Henry 
M. Tallman. 

The firm of Read, Gardiner & Co. was founded in January, 1881. 
It consisted of Martin L. Read and Thomas J. Gardiner. They be- 
gan manufacturing- first class rolled plate jewelry at 25 Potter street, 
and soon had 15 hands at work, and were enjoying a rising business 
and reputation. In 1884 they removed to 227 Eddy street. In 1887 
Thomas J. Gardiner & Co. were in charge of the business, and the 
firm under that name still maintains the position. Martin L. Read, 
in 1887, having withdrawn from the firm of Read, Gardiner & Co., 
engaged in the manufacture of nickel curtain fixtures at 227 Eddy 
street, and in the following year carried on the manufacture of sash 
curtain fixtures and jewelry at 118 Dorrance street. In this industry 
he still continues at the same location. 

The house of J. B. Richardson & Co. carried on the manufacture 
of fine rolled plate jewelry and the patent "Providence Lever" 
sleeve and collar buttons, at 120 and 131 Eddy street from about 1875 
to 1887. Their premises, having an area of about 2,500 square feet, 
well equipped with machinery, employed about 45 hands. The sleeve 
and collar buttons were patented June 14th. 1881. Some 250 different 
styles were made. 

In 1888 Mr. Henry Salisbury started in the manufacture of a cheap 
line of pins, drops, scarf pins, studs, and the like, at 227 Eddy street. 
He employs 8 to 10 hands, occupying a room about 35 by 60 feet. 

The Seery Manufacturing Co. are located at 33 Beverly street. 
The business was started by Edward F. Seery, in 1877. They manu- 
facture fire gilt chains, occupying a floor 30 by 140 feet, and employ- 
ing 15 hands. The goods they annually make amount in value to 
about $30,000. The company is not a corporation, but a partnership 
of Edward F. Seery and Sidney L. Clark. 

The business of Messrs. Smith & Greene was started by Henry G. 
Smith and Daniel Tonge, in 1879. It is located at 80 Clifford street. 
The manufacture of rolled plate chains is carried on, about 100,000 
being annually turned out. Fifty hands are employed. The present 
company consists of Henry G. Smith and Augustus A. Greene. 

Smith. Mackinney & Co. are engaged in the manufacture of fine 
diamond jewelry and imitation diamond jewelry at 54 Page street. 
The business was established in 1875. Fifty hands are employed, and 
goods to the value of $160,000 to $180,000 are annually manufactured. 
The owners are II. G. Mackinney and A. J. Smith. 

Mr. Asher A. Stark is engaged in the production of electro-plated 
lace and scarf pins and the like at 42 Point street. Several hands are 
employed, and goods to the value of $8,000 per annum are produced. 

Mr. A. C. Stone began business in rolled plate jewelry manufac- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 649 

lure August 1st, 1884, at 96 Pine street. He employs about 15 hands, 
and turns out about $30,000 worth of goods a year. 

The firm of Saxton & Smith was established in business in June, 
1870. They soon built up a reputation and gained a business of very 
considerable importance and magnitude. Their location was at 183 
Eddy street, where about 60 skilled hands were employed in the 
manufacture of the specialty to which the house gives its attention, 
A T iz., gold chains. The products of the house are estimated to often 
exceed $350,000 in value in a single year. The firm, composed of 
Samuel W. Saxton and Charles Sydney Smith, continued until 1886, 
when the former withdrew, and Mr. Smith has since carried on the 
business. He has a branch house in New York. 

The business now conducted by Mr. George L. Vose was estab- 
lished by Messrs. Vose and Andrew S. Southworth in 1873. In 1883 
the latter withdrew, and Mr. Vose continued the business to the 
present time. It is located at 59 Clifford street, in a shop 40 by 110 
feet. The manufacture of gold, gold front and plated jewelry is car- 
ried on, and 60 hands are employed. The annual value of products 
reaches about $100,000. 

Henry H. White established the manufacture of gold-plated jew- 
elry in 1878. He was from 1884 until recently located at 7 Eddy 
street, but is now at 14 Sabin street. About 12 hands are employed. 

Walter E. White started the business in 1878. He occupies one 
floor, 35 by 100 feet, in the brick building at 54 Page street, manufac- 
turing rolled plate and solid gold jewelry. The business is conducted 
by him under the firm name of W. E. White & Co. About 60 hands 
are employed, and the annual product figures up to about $100,000 in 
value. 

Messrs. W r ildprett Sz Saacke are manufacturing solid gold rings at 
14 Page street. William Wildprett started the business in 1887, and 
the present firm was formed a year later. Four hands employed 
make about $6,000 worth of rings a year. 

The business now carried on at 19 Snow street was founded by 
Mr. Wilcox in 1856. His present partner is Walter Gardiner. The 
building occupied by them is 112 feet long by 40 feet wide, with a 
wing 30 by 40 feet. About 45 hands are employed in the manufac- 
ture of gold jewelry, of which goods to the value of about $250,000 
are annually finished. The firm are also importers of diamonds. 

Mr. Andrew J. Wiley started the business in 1875, which he still 
continues, making rolled plate and electro-plate lace pins, jet goods, 
rings, bracelets and novelties of all kinds. Twelve hands are em- 
ployed, and goods to the value of $15,000 are annually manufactured 
by him at 363 Eddy street. 

Henry Williams occupies the third floor of No. 119 Orange street 
in the manufacture of gold-plated chains. He began the business in 



650 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1883, now employs 16 hands, and manufactures $30,000 worth of goods 
annually. 

The manufacture of plated jewelry was begun by G. B. Willis in 
1885, succeeding H. W. Potter, who had previously been engaged in 
it. From 27 Page street, the place first occupied, he moved to 33 Page 
street in June, 1881). The firm at present consists of Mr. Willis and 
A. L. Sweet. The annual value of goods made is about $25,000, and 
the average number of hands employed is 25. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



VARIOUS FRATERNAL SOCIETIES. 



Early history of Free Masonry here. — Grand Lodge formed.— St. John's Lodge. — Promi- 
nent Masons of that Day.— Thomas Smith Webh.— The anti-Masonic uprising in 1828. 
—Revival of the Order.— Different Masonic Lodges.— Royal Arch Masons.— Other 
Departments of the Order. — Colored Masons. — Rise and Progress of the Odd Fellows. 
— Different Lodges. — Good Samaritans.— Grand Army of the Republic. — Knights of 
Pythias.— Knights of Honor. — Knights and Ladies of Honor.— Knights and Ladies of 
the Mystic Circle. — Ancient Order of Forresters. — American Legion of Honor.— 
United Friends.— N. E. Order of Protection.— Royal Arcanum.— Royal Society of 
Good Fellows. — Order of Elks. — Ancient Order of United Workmen. — Alfredians.— 
Sons of St. George. — Pilgrim Fathers. — Caledonians. — Scottish Clans. — Orders of 
Lucilius, the Golden Cross, Improved Red Men. and Harugari. — German and Hebrew 
societies. — Temperance organizations. 



FREEMASONRY dates the commencement of its organic life in 
Rhode Island with the year 1741), when a number of brethren' 
in Newport petitioned "St. John's Grand Lodge," of Boston, to 
grant them a charter. Their petition was allowed December 27th, 
1749. At first the brethren in Newport were authorized to confer 
only the first two degrees, and it was not until March 20th, 1759, that 
they were given full power to hold a Lodge for the conferring of 
the master's degree. On January 18th, 1757, in answer to the request 
of " John Gerrish and sundry other brethren," a charter was issued 
for the establishment of St. John's Lodge in the town of Providence. 
The first meetings were held at the " White Horse Tavern " on North 
Main street, afterward at the house of the widow Kilton, the tavern 
designated by the sign of the "Two Crows," and at other inns and 
private houses as was found most convenient. The Lodge flourished 
at the outset, being composed evidently of excellent material. John 
Burgess was the first master. Joseph Brown, John Brown, and Moses 
Brown were among the first candidates initiated. The last named 
brother was chosen secretary in 1758, and continued to hold the office 
and discharge its duties for eleven years, during which time he at- 
tended 80 of the 97 meetings of the Lodge. Joseph Brown was like- 
wise active during those years; he succeeded John Burgess in 1762 
and presided at every meeting until 1769, when, on account of a de- 
cline of interest and manifold discouragements, the brethren "closed 
their Lodge, shut up their books and sealed up their jewels " — an inter- 
regnum of nine years succeeding before a resumption of meetings 
and work took place. 



652 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Of that earliest period in the history of organized Freemasonry in 
this state, but scanty records have been preserved. There is suffi- 
cient testimony however, to show that the brethren, both in Newport 
and Providence, were animated by a very commendable zeal in their 
support of the Masonic institution, and that they made it serve social 
and moral uses, besides doing a benevolent work which then, as now, 
was reckoned of the first importance. 

Freemasonry in Providence was quickened into new life and vigor 
under the administration of Jabez Bowen, who became master of St. 
John's Lodge in 1778. Under his auspices the Genius of Masonry 
returned, unappalled by the din of arms and by the brazen throat of 
war. By his influence " the Lodge was no longer subjected to caprice 
of a landlord and the inconvenience of a public inn." It obtained the 
council chamber as a place of meeting, and there its sessions were 
held until 1797. The record of the period covered by this use of the 
council chamber as a lodge room is bright with many tokens of the 
growth and usefulness of the fraternity. Representative men were 
admitted to the order and gave wise direction to its affairs, so that 
not only was there a gain in numbers, but an increase of reputation 
and influence. 

A notable event in the history of Freemasonry in Rhode Island 
was the formation of the Grand Lodge in 1791. The two Lodges at 
Newport and Providence, after a conference and discussion extend- 
ing over a year or more, agreed upon a plan, by which the official 
honors, etc., were to be equally divided. That part of the plan relat- 
ing to the distribution of offices reads as follows: 

" The said several Grand Officers shall be chosen in the following 
Manner, respecting their places of Residence, viz. One-half of the 
number of said Officers shall be Residents in the Town of Newport, 
<>i its district, which shall include the Countiesof Newport, Washing- 
ton & Bristol, and the other half of said Officers shall be Residents in 
the Town of Providence, or its district, which shall include the Coun- 
ties of Providence & Kent; and in such Manner, that when & so often 
the Grand Master shall be Elected in the Town of Newport, or its 
District, then the Deputy Gr'd Master shall be Elected in the Town 
of Providence, or its District (and vice versa), & the same Rule shall 
be observed in the choice of all other Grand Officers — so that each 
District shall have an Equal Number of said Officers within the 
same." 

Acting under this rule, the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was es- 
tablished April 6th, 1791, and Most Worshipful Brother Chris. 
Champlin, of Newport, was elected grand master; Right Worshipful 
Jabez Bowen, of Providence, deputy grand master; and the rest of 
the officers were divided alternately between the two sections. There 
are more factors to be taken into consideration now, and the distribu- 
tion of offices can hardly be accomplished by a plan so simple. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 653 

The formation of a Grand Lodge gave additional strength and 
prestige to the fraternity. Under the auspices of the newly formed 
grand body a celebration of the feast of St. John the Baptist was held 
in the state house at Newport, on Monday, June 27th, 179], the 
brethren walking in procession to Trinity church, where they listened 
to a discourse from the rector, Reverend William Smith. A collec- 
tion for the " poor of the town " was taken, amounting to $11, 9s., 4d. 
The brethren then returned to the lodge room, elected officers and 
held a brief business session, after which they discussed an "excel- 
lent dinner." For many years a like practice was observed. Among 
craftsmen specially prominent during the first decade in the.historv 
of the Grand Lodge mention may be made of Chris. Champlin, Jabez 
Bowen, Peleg Clark and Moses Seixas. Amos M. Atwell, John Car- 
lile and William Wilkinson were also notably active in the fraternity. 
The last named brother lived to a green old age, and for many years 
was justly regarded as the "Patriarch of Free Masonry" in Rhode 
Island. Amos M. Atwell was the first master of Mount Vernon Lodge, 
Providence, chartered in 1799. In this connection it may be stated 
that Washington Lodge, No. 1, Warren, and "Washington Lodge, 
No. 2, in the County of Washington," were formally constituted dur- 
ing the same year, though all had previously been at work under 
regular dispensations. Washington Lodge, No. 2, John Aldrich, 
master, was consecrated at South Kingstown with appropriate 
services by the Grand. Lodge on September 23d, 1799, and Washing- 
ton Lodge, No. 1, of Warren, with like ceremony, October 3d, 1799. 
Charles Wheaton was the first master of the last named body. 

It may be mentioned here that the craft in Providence were now 
established under their own roof-tree, having become the owners of 
a hall in Market building, on Market Square, in this city. This hall 
was dedicated by the Grand Lodge December 27th, 1797, and was the 
first occasion of the consecration of a Masonic hall in Rhode Island. 
About 100 brethren were present at the dedicatory services, presided 
over by Grand Master Jabez Bowen. The address was given by Amos 
M. Atwell. John Carlile was master of St. John's Lodge at Provi- 
dence at the time of dedication. 

Freemasonry had acquired a position of comparative strength at 
the close of the eighteenth century. Besides St. John's Ledge in 
Newport and St. John's Lodge in Providence, Washington Lodge in 
Warren, Washington Lodge in Washington county and Mount Ver- 
non Lodge in Providence had been constituted, while preliminary 
steps had been taken to organize Friendship Lodge in Glocester and 
St. Alban's Lodge in Bristol. About GOO members were included in 
these Lodges. Just at the beginning of the nineteenth century a new 
name appears among the Masonic workers and leaders in Rhode 
Island, viz., Thomas Smith Webb, " to whom, without disparaging 
the claims of others, may be assigned a place among the brightest of 



'854 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

the constellation in the Masonic firmament." Webb was a young 
man when he came to Providence, but he had already made his mark 
at Albany. N. Y., where he had previously resided, and had shown 
the traits of an organizer and leader. By special invitation he be- 
came a member of St. John's Lodge, Providence, in ] 861, and the 
year following he -was elected grand junior warden in the Grand 
Lodge. He afterward served three years as grand senior warden, two 
years deputy grand master and two years as grand master. He was 
an enthusiastic Mason, fairly well versed in the history of the insti- 
tution, and led by a strong desire to recast and extend the Masonic 
system. In the Lodge, Chapter and Commandery he made his influ- 
ence felt, and to him, in each of these departments, the craft is in- 
debted for a moulding formation work, some of which is most deserv- 
ing of praise, while other portions deserve an adverse criticism. 
Webb produced what is known as the American system of Royal 
Arch Masonry, originating the degree of most excellent master, and 
likewise the degree of past master, recasting the ritual of the Royal 
Arch degree, "making it unlike any other degree of that name the 
world over, and stamping it as his own," while he also wrote a new 
ritual for the Mark degree. As a member of Providence Royal Arch 
Chapter, he exercised an important influence both within and outside 
that body. He was high priest of that Chapter in 1801, grand high 
priest in 1808 and for twelve succeeding years. He was the prime 
mover in the establishment of the General Grand Chapter, and drafted 
the constitution, which was accepted in 1799, as the governing law of 
that body. He was largely influential in its affairs, and held the 
office of deputy general grand high priest at the time of his death, 
in July, 1819. 

In Temple Masonry the influence of Webb was no less prominent. 
He led in the establishment of vSt. John's Encampment in 1802; pre- 
sided over the body for 12 years; helped to organize, in 1805, the' 
Grand Encampment, now known as the Grand Commandery of Massa- 
chusetts and Rhode Island, of which organization he was the first 
grand commander, holding the office until 1817. He did more than 
any other person in the organizing of the Grand Encampment of the 
Gnited States, in 1816, devoting the last years of his life to a watch- 
ful care over the interests of the newly formed organization. That 
this man put the impress of his earnest and skillful thought upon the 
Masonic system cannot be doubted. He deserves to be remembered 
among the distinguished members of the fraternity in Rhode Island, 
both for his zeal and his ability. His death took place while travel- 
ling in the West, at Cleveland, July 6th, 1819. His body was brought 
to Providence, funeral services being held under auspices of the 
Grand Lodge at the First Congregational church, November 8th, 
1819, Reverend Barnabas Bates, grand chaplain, giving a suitable dis- 
course, after which the customary Masonic rites were performed in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 055 

committing to Mother Earth, in North Burial Ground, all that was 
mortal of this estimable and accomplished craftsman. 

The first quarter of the present century witnessed the steady 
growth and enlargement of the Masonic institution, both in Provi- 
dence and other sections of the state. Several clergymen of widely 
extended influence were included among its active members. The 
Reverend Alexander V. Griswold, rector of St. Michael's church, 
Bristol, and afterward bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, was prominently identified with the work of the 
order, as also was the Reverend Stephen Gano, pastor of the First 
Baptist church, in Providence; the Reverend Doctor Benedict, of 
Pawtucket. and others of like fame. Business men of financial stand- 
ing, practical and sensible; lawyers, physicians, mechanics, sailors — 
all ranks and classes were represented in the fraternity that flourished 
so extensively during the first 25 years of the nineteenth century. 
Mount Moriah Lodge, Smithfield; Harmony Lodge, Pawtuxet; Union 
Lodge, Pawtucket; King Solomon's Lodge, East Greenwich; Man- 
chester Lodge, Coventry; Morning Star Lodge, Cumberland; St. Paul's 
Lodge, Newport; Hamilton Lodge, Foster; Warwick Lodge, War- 
wick; Evening Star Lodge, Smithfield; Temple Lodge, Smithfield, 
and Lafayette Lodge, Cumberland, had been added to the roll as it 
stood in the vear 1800. Nearlv all the 19 Lodges in the state were 
fairly strong in numbers and resources, while a good degree of har- 
mony prevailed throughout the jurisdiction. There were, in 1825, 
four organizations of Royal Arch Masonry in Rhode Island, viz.: 
Providence Chapter, constituted in 1793: Newport Chapter, consti- 
tuted in 1806; Temple Chapter. Warren, constituted in 1807, and 
Pawtucket Chapter, Pawtucket, constituted in 1820. These bodies 
were allegiants to and under the control of the Grand Royal Arch 
•Chapter of Rhode Island, formed in 1798, in which organization 
Moses Seixas, Thomas S. Webb, John Carlile, William Wilkinson 
and Moses Richardson bore a conspicuous part in the early period 
just noted. The Order of Knights Templar was represented by two 
strong organizations, viz.: Saint John's Encampment (now Com- 
mandery), Providence, and Washington Encampment, Newport, both 
being subordinate to the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island, which, as already stated, was formed at Providence in 
1805. Thomas Smith Webb, William Wilkinson and John Carlile 
were directing- forces in this organization, and their united terms in 
the office of grand master aggregated 16 of the first 23 years in its 
history. 

In 1828 the anti-Masonic uprising took form, and for a time threat- 
ened the very life of the fraternity. Nowhere, unless in New York, 
was the excitement more intense than in Rhode Island, and in no 
other section of the country did the craft experience a more severe 
•opposition than was roused against them in our commonwealth. The 



G5C HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

fraternity was denounced in public addresses, and by common, every- 
day speech of the most vehement character. The general assembly 
was memorialized to take action against the organization as being- 
composed of men " with designs, principles and practices adverse to 
religion and morality, subversive of civil government, and incom- 
patible with all the social and civil virtues and duties." The assem- 
bly appointed a committee to examine into the truthfulness of such 
accusations — a committee, it may here be said, that, while fully exon- 
erating the fraternity from the grave charges preferred by its oppos- 
ers, recommended the discontinuance of the Masonic institution. 
During the several years of intense feeling, amounting almost to per- 
secution, the Freemasons of the state and the several Masonic bocVes 
sought to maintain a calm and peaceful attitude. Nothing was done 
to influence public sentiment, yet the members of the order stood 
firmly by their rights, and made no sign of abandoning their Masonic 
principles or the organization in which they were enrolled as mem- 
bers. A few apostatized, but the great majority remained faithful. 
The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, at a meeting held August 27th, 
1832, passed the following resolutions, which may be taken as fairly 
representing the sentiment of the craft at that time: " Resolved, 
That we regret the present state of society; but are of opinion that 
our duty is plain, and is, that we manifest a determination peacefully 
to adhere to our Institution through evil, as well as good report." 

That Freemasonry languished during these troublous times can 
well be believed. It proved its strength, however, by surviving the 
attacks made upon it. The organizations were kept alive, meetings 
of faithful brethren were held, and a work of charity was maintained 
so far as lessened resources would allow. Of course there were but 
few accessions to the order during these years, while the losses of 
members by death and withdrawal were numerous. Yet hope burned 
brightly in the hearts of faithful brethren who waited confidently 
for more propitious days to dawn. 

In 1841 came signs of returning prosperity. The storm had blown 
over, and the skies were clearing. Then succeeded the civil disturb- 
ances in Rhode Island, which so much engrossed the attention of its 
citizens. Several Lodges which had maintained their organization 
during the anti-Masonic crusade ceased to exist at this trying period, 
and it was not until a cessation of the political troubles, which were 
of so threatening a character in the years 1841-3, that a general re- 
vival of Masonic interests took place in this state. The first initia- 
tion in vSt. John's Lodge. Providence, after the revival, was on August 
21st, 1844. 

Still the recovery was a slow process for a number of years. The 
centennial celebration of St. John's Lodge, which took place on the 
24th of June, L857, has been regarded by some as the more positive 
and decided revival of Masonry in this jurisdiction. On that occa- 





33" 



11 ■-G .M of Grand Lodge of R.I. and P.-.G . Gen .-. of 
of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 



G.\ Cam.-, of K.-.T 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 657 

sion some 1,500 members of the order were present and were escorted 
through the streets of the city with much parade, awakening enthusi- 
asm in the hearts of the faltering members of the order. A stirring 
address was delivered by Bishop Randall in the First Baptist church. 
Out of this celebration grew What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, one of the 
strongest and most prosperous Lodges of the city and perhaps the 
very foremost one. The first preliminary meeting looking toward 
the organization of this Lodge was held at the office of Clifton A. 
Hall, No. 10 Franklin House on the 7th of July, and subsequent meet- 
ings resulted in the petition for a charter. In answer the Grand 
Lodge, on the 31st of August granted a dispensation, under which 
What Cheer Lodge held its first regular communication in Mason's 
Hall, on Tuesday evening, September 1st, 1857, for the purpose of 
organizing. The first communication under charter was held on St. 
Andrew's day, November 30th, 1857, when the following officers were 
elected and duly installed: William B. Blanding, M.; Lyman Klapp, 
S. W.; Richmond Jones, Jr., J. W.; Absalom P. King, treasurer; Ed- 
ward Hooker, secretary; Sylvanus Tingley, S. D.; Samuel L. Blais- 
dell, J. D.; Henry T. Brown, S. S.; John J. Jencks, J. S.; Reverend 
Daniel Leach, chaplain; Albert C. Eddy, M.; Thomas H. Barton, S.; 
E. B. White, T. The ceremonies of constitution and consecration of 
the Lodge were observed in an elaborate and public manner, on the 
evening of February 2d, 1858. 

A peculiar feature of What Cheer Lodge is the semi-annual com- 
munication, held in June. This, from the beginning, has been a fes- 
tive occasion, eminently social in its character. On that occasion the 
brethren have come together as members of a New England family 
around the Thanksgiving board, related their experiences, listened to 
letters from those who were absent, and encouraged one another to 
steadfastness and works of charity and love for the year to come. 
The first of these meetings was held June 1st, 1858. A notable event 
in the history of this Lodge was the holding of a special communica- 
tion, June 30th, 1858, for the purpose of receiving and welcoming 
Robert Morris, LL. D.. deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of 
Kentucky, and an editor of numerous Masonic publications. This 
visit led to the formation of the Monument Association, and the 
subsequent erection of a monument to the memory of Thomas 
Smith Webb. On the 30th of November, 1859, the committee hav- 
ing the matter m charge reported that a new hall had been prepared 
for the use of the Lodge, in conjunction with Calvary Commandery. 
This hall, which was named Ionic Hall, was located at 41 Westmins- 
ter street. In 1800 the Lodge secured a large piece of the historic 
What Cheer Rock (the rock upon which Roger Williams landed on 
his first arrival at the site of Providence) and from it had two ash- 
lars made, which are preserved by the Lodge as relics of great in- 
42 



658 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

terest. The growth of the Lodge up to 1860 had been so rapid that 
its roll then showed 106 members. 

The last communication of the Lodge in Ionic Hall was held 
March 27th, 1803. It then moved into Mason's Hall, in What Cheer 
building. A special feature of this Lodge is its Charity Fund, the 
avails of collections at each regular communication being- devoted to 
the relief of distressed members of the Lodge and their widows and 
orphans. This fund amounts to several thousand dollars. 

The following are the names of charter members of What Cheer 
Lodge: Absalom P. King, Samuel L. Blaisdell, William B. Blanding, 
Edward Hooker, Clifton A. Hall, Russel A. Denison, Lyman Klapp, 
Robert S. Fielden, William A. Hayward, Richmond Jones, Jr., Syl- 
vanus Tingley, William Hicks, John Shepley, Henry T. Brown, Al- 
bert G. Angell, Archibald B. Rice, Daniel Leach, Amos Palmer, 
Thomas H. Barton, George W. Barker, John J. Jencks, Dana P. Col- 
burn, William G. Crosby, George P. Baker, Thomas Taylor, William 
H. Fenner, L. F. Goodwin, and George A. Sagendorf. The succes- 
sive masters of this Lodge, from the beginning to the present time, 
have been as follows: William B. Blanding, 1857-9; Lyman Klapp, 
1859-60; Levi L. Webster, 1860-1; Nicholas Van Slyck, 1861-2; 
Charles A. Webster, 1862-3; Thomas Phillips, Jr., 1863-4; Henry C. 
Field, 1864-5; Andrew Hutchinson, 1865-6; Henry T. Stone, 186(3-7; 
Robert A. Pierce, 1867-8; Edwin Baker, 1868-9; Samuel A. Howland, 
1869-70; John P. Luther, 1870-1 ; Joshua M. Addeman, 1871-2; Her- 
bert M. Kimball, 1872-3; Edward E. Darling, 1873-4; — -, 
1874-5; Lindsay Anderson, 1875-6; Duncan Campbell, 1877-8; Horace 
K. Blanchard, 1878-9; Nelson W. Aldrich, 1879-80; James J. Crispen, 
1880-1; John H. Eddy, Jr., 1881-2; Arthur W. Dennis, 1882-3; Joseph 
D. Grinnell, 1883-4; Alonzo D. Amsden, 1884-5; S. Penrose Williams, 
1885-6; Arthur H. Armington, 1886-7; Samuel G. Colwell, 1887-8; 
Frank S. Congdon, 1888-9. The present membership of this Lodge 
now numbers several hundred, it being the largest Lodge in the city. 

The oldest Lodge in the city is St. John's Lodge, No. 1, which 
dates its organization back to 1757. After surviving the vicissitudes of 
nearly a century, during which time the great anti-Masonic wave of 
popular sentiment bore heavily upon it, we find, after its drooping 
spirits began to revive somewhat, in 1847 this Lodge had the follow- 
ing officers: Moses Richardson, M.; A. B. Armstrong, S. W.; A. 
Peters, J. W.; William Monroe, treasurer; William C. Barker, secre- 
tary; Asa W. Davis, S. D.; Samuel A. Wesson, J. D.; Daniel Wight- 
man, T. The following were serving as master at the dates given: 
Horace A. Wilcox, 1852; Charles W. Jenckes, 1853; Joseph A. D. Jos- 
lin, 1854; Jerome B. Borden, 1857-8; John P. Walker, 1859; James H. 
Armington, 1862-3; Alfred K. Hall, 1864; John F. Tobey, 1865; 
Samuel B. Swan, 1867; George O. Olmstead, 1868; George H. Burn- 
ham, 1872; George W. Carpenter, Jr., 1876; Pardon Wilbur, 1878; 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 659 

John W. Pettis, 1879-80; Henry J. Spooner, 1881; William E. Hus- 
band, 1882-3; Edward S. Jones, 1884-5; George W. Pettis, 1886-7; 
George Fuller, 1888-9. The other officers in 1889 were: Albert 
G. Bates, S. W.; Charles H. C. Carter, J. W.; George H. Burnham, 
treasurer; Walter Blodget, secretary; Frederick C. Bushee, S. D.; 
Job W. Whaley, J. D.; Edward S. Jones, S. S.; George W. Pettis, J. 
S.; John W. Moore, M.; George E. Paddock, S.; W r illiam R. Greene, 
musical director; Richard Chadwick, T. 

Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 4, is the second oldest Lodge in the city. 
It was instituted in the latter part of the last century. Its officers in 
1847 were: Charles D. Greene, M.; Cyrus Fisher, S.W.; T. Whitaker, 
J. W.; Jason Williams, treasurer; Samuel W. Hartshorn, secretary; 
Samuel Lewis, S. D.; Alfred W. Fiske, J. D.; Daniel Wightman, T. 
The following have held the position of master at the dates indi- 
cated: Charles D. Greene, 1852-3: Samuel Lewis, 1854; Cornelius E. 
Bourne, 1857; Ezra S. Dodge, 1858-9; James Salsbury, Jr., 1862; Oliver 
E. Greene, 1863; Stillman White, 1864-5; Amos M. Hawkins, 1867; 
John H. Sweet, 1868; A. S. Hawkins, 1872; Marcus M. Burdick, 1876; 
Joseph S. G. Cobb, 1878; William H. Perry, 1879; Darius B. Davis, 
1880; Joseph O. Earle, 1881-2; Stephen M. Greene, 1883; James Wil- 
son, 1884; Rodney F. Dyer, Jr., 1885; William H. Silloway, 1886; 
Lemuel H. Foster, 1887; Rev. Alfred Manchester, 1888; Charles 
Larkham, 1889. The other officers in 1889 were: Charles B. Man- 
chester, S. W.; George F. Keene, J. W.; William B. Perry, treasurer; 
Marcus M. Burdick, secretary; Alfred Manchester, chaplain; Ozro C. 
Heath, S. D.; Edward A. Ricketts, J. D.; James Cannon, S. S.; Frank 
H. Mudge, J. S.; John B. Benson, M.; Charles Jaques, S.; Charles 
L. Kenyon, musical director; Richard Chadwick, T. 

Corinthian Lodge, No. 27, was chartered in 1868. Its first officers 
were: Henry C. Field, W. M.; Andrew Hutchison, S. W.; Israel M. 
Hopkins, J. W.; Joshua Wilbur, treasurer; S. G. Stiness, secretary; 
Clinton D. Sellew, S. D.; Henry R. Barker, J. D.; Charles T. Place, 
S. S.; Henry Allen, J. S.; Z. C. Rennie, M.; Albert Fuller, S. The 
following have served in the master's chair at the dates given: 
Clinton D. Sellew, 1872; Spencer P. Read, 1876; Robert E. Dwelly, 
1878-9; Richard W. Comstock, 1880; Cyril A.Babcock, 1881-2; George 
E. Weaver, 1883; Cyrus M. Van Slyck, 1884: Henry C. Armstrong, 
1885; John A. Howland, 1886; J. S. Kellogg, 1887; Charles S. Pettee, 
1888; Edmund S. Hopkins, 1889. The officers below the chair were 
in 1889 as follows: Charles C. Newhall, S.W.; James E.Tillinghast, J. 
W.; Horatio A. Hunt, treasurer; John A. Howland, secretary; Andrew 
Hutchison, C; Edmund C. Danforth, S. D.; Samuel T. Douglas, J. 
D.; Fred. W. Barney, S. S.; James L. Sherman, J. S.; John S. Kellogg, 
M.; J. Carver Greene, S.; Henry C. Field, musical director; Albert F. 
Fuller, T. 

Adelphoi Lodge, No. 33, was chartered in 1876. Its officers under 



660 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dispensation were: Stillman White, M.; Ezra S. Dodge, S. W.; Henry 
A. Chace, J. W. The first set of officers acting under charter were: 
Stillman White, W.M.; Jesse B. Sweet, S.W.; John M. Buffington. J. 
W.; Daniel N. Davis, treasurer; Oliver E. Greene, secretary; John D. 
Heathcote, S. D.; Joseph N. Whelden, J. D.;' John H. Sweet, S. S.; 
Jesse B. Hopkins, J. S.; John W. McKnight, C; Frederick I. Marcy, 
M.; Thomas Du Bois, S.; Thomas F. Arnold, T. The presiding 
officers since then have been: H. A. Chace, 1879; John M. Buffington, 
1880; John Heathcote, 1881; Fred. I. Marcy, 1882; Charles Sydney 
Smith, 1883; Daniel N. Davis, 1884; Edwin L Spink, 1885-6; George 
H. Holmes, 1887-8; William N. Otis, 1889. Other officers 1889: D. 
Russell Brown, S. W.; Clarence M. Godding, J. W.; Israel B. Mason, 
treasurer; Oliver C. Greene, secretary; John W. McKnight, C; 
Richard H. Deming, S. D.; William P. Vaughan, J. D.; William H. 
Luther, S. S.; George H. Heathcote, J. S.; Edwin L. Spink, M.; Wil- 
liam D. Turner, S.; Smith S. Sweet, musical director. 

Redwood Lodge, No. 35, was chartered in 1878. While under dis- 
pensation its leading officers were: Myer Noot, W. M.; Henry Green, 
S. W.; Leopold Hartman, J. W.; Hyman Happ, treasurer; Lorenzo 
T raver, secretary. These officers continued till 1880. The successive 
masters since then have been: Leopold Hartman, 1881; Melvin 
Parker, 1882; John H. Spitz, 1883: Henry Green, 1884; Thomas B. 
Dawson, 1885; William H. Mullen, 1886; Michael Green, 1887; William 
H.T. Mosley, 1888; A.S. Burlingame, 1889. The other officers in 1889 
were: James W. Clarke, S. W.; Herman Boas, J. W.; Louis Frank, 
treasurer; Lorenzo Traver, secretary; Henry Green, C; William H. 
T. Mosley, S. D.; Solomon Cohen, J. D.; Adolph Cohen, S. S.; L. F. 
Whitmarsh, J. S.; William H. Dobson, M.; Edwin B. Lincoln, S.; 
Amos R. Thurston, T. 

Orpheus Lodge, No. 36, was chartered in 1879. Its first officers 
were: William R. Greene, W. M.; C. Henry Alexander, S. W.; George 
H. Lincoln, J. W.; Henry Baker, treasurer; William B. Bennett, sec- 
retary; Joseph William Rice, C; Leander G. Sherman, S. D.; Milton 
Livsey, J. D.; Edward H. Parks, S. S.; Lewis L. Fales, J. S.; Dwight 
M. Downs, M.; Theodore A. Allen, S.; George B. Chace, musical 
director; Justus Thomas, T. Following this the office of master was 
held successively by: William R. Greene, 1881; Henry Alexander, 
1882; George H. Lincoln, 1883; Leander G. Sherman, 1884; Milton 
Livsey, 1885; George H. Bunce, 1886; Allen M. Peck, 1887; Theodore 
A. Allen, 1888; John C. Davis, 1889. The other officers for the year 
I ssi) were: George C. Noyes, S. W.; D. C. H. Tinkham, J. W.; George 
H. Bunce, treasurer; William B. Bennett, secretary; Joseph W. Rice, 
C; William H. Scott, S. D.; Henry P. Morgan, J. D.; George H. Freese, 
S. S.; Henry A. L. Potter, Jr., J. S.; Robert J. Gilmore, M.; Charles H. 
Hathaway, S.; Newell L. Wilbur, musical director; Edward Field, 
2d, T. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 661 

Nestell Lodge, No. 37, was chartered in 1880. Its first officers 
were: Joseph Baker, W. M.; Henry W. Potter, S. W.; James W. Lees, 
J. W.; Thomas S. Mann, treasurer; Walter D. Watson, secretary; Wil- 
liam H. Barron, C; Eddy M. Shaw, S. D.; Richard J. Payne, J. D.; 
George Robinson, S. S.; Adolphus Wagensiel, J. S.; Albert H. Wil- 
liams, M.; John K. Northup, S.; John B. Allen, musical director; 
William J. Barker, T. The master's chair has since been occupied 
by: Joseph Baker, 1881; George Robinson, 1882, '83; D. Coit Taylor, 
1884; John M. Bogle, 1885; Albert H. Williams, 1886; Edward F. King, 
1887; Hozea Q. Morton, 188S; James W. Lees, 1889. Besides the head 
the officers in 1889 were: William H. Patt, S. W.; Frederick G. Stiles, 
J. W.; John W. Randall, treasurer; George Robinson, secretary; Wil- 
liam H. Barron, C; John R. Crossley, S. D.; Carl Seelig, J. D.; Joseph 
Baker, Jr., S. S.; Christopher Clissold, J. S.; Albert H. Williams, M.; 
•Howard A. Pearce, S.; John A. Howland, musical director; Daniel 
Heaven, T. 

The foregoing Lodsres are all constituents of the Grand Lodge of 
Rhode Island, which embraces 35 Lodges in different parts of the 
state, which have a total of about 4,000 members. The Grand Lodge 
was instituted in 1791. After the great anti-Masonic wave had sub- 
sided, we find this body officered, in 1847, as follows: Alvin Jenks, 
G. M.; William Field, D. G. M.; George W. Marsh, G. S. W.; Edwin 
Howland, G. J. W.; Jason Williams, G. Treas.; James Hutchison, 
G. S.; Alexander M. McGregor, G. S. D.; Suchet Mauran, G. J. D.; 
George W. Hathaway, G. C; Cyrus B. Manchester, G. Marshal; Aru- 
nah B. Armstrong, G. S. B.; Daniel Wightman, G. S. and T. The 
following have at the dates indicated occupied the chair of the grand 
master: William Field, 1852, '53; George W. Marsh, of Burrillville, 
1854; Oliver Johnson, 1857; James Hutchison, 1858, '59; Ariel Ballou, 
of Woonsocket, 1862, '63, '64, '65; Thomas A. Doyle, 1867, '68; Lloyd 
Morton, 1S72; Nicholas Van Slyck, 1876; Charles R. Cutler, 1878; E. 
L. Freeman, 1879, '80; Thomas Vincent, 1881, '82; Lyman Klapp, 1883, 
'84, '85, '86; William N. Ackley, 1887, '88, '89. After leaving the Ma- 
sonic headquarters in the old market house, the Grand Lodge for 
several years held its communications in the What Cheer building. 
From this they moved to Freemasons' Hall, on Dorrance, Pine and 
Eddy streets, about five years ago. 

Capitular Freemasonry is represented in the state by ten Chapters, 
having nearly 1,800 members. Among those specially devoted to 
this department of Masonic work and prominently identified with its 
affairs and the interests of Masonry in general, since 1840, are men- 
tioned the names of James wSalsbury, Thomas Whitaker, Cyrus B. 
Manchester and Thomas A. Doyle; while others, still active and 
strong, have labored not less efficiently in the interests of the Capit- 
ular branch of the order. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 
of Rhode Island was organized in 1799, largely through the active 



662 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

efforts of Thomas Smith Webb, of whom mention has previously been 
made. In 1847 the Grand Chapter had the following officers: Roger 
W. Potter, G. H. P.; Thomas Whitaker, D. G. H. P.; Seth Peck, G. K.; 
Theophilus Topham, G. S.; James Hutchison, G. S.; Jason Williams, 
G. T.; Nehemiah A. Potter, G. M.; George Taft, G. C; William Field, 
G. S.; Daniel Wightman, G. T. The honorable post of grand high 
priest has been held at different dates by James Hutchison, 1852, '53; 
Cyrus B. Manchester, 1854; John Eldred, 1857, '58; Joseph Belcher, 
1859; Lyman Klapp, 1862; Nathan H. Gould, 1863; Levi L. Webster, 
1864; Thomas A. Doyle, 1865, '67; Henry Clay Field, 1868, '72; William 
T. C. Wardwell, 1876; Reverend William N. Ackley, 1878, '79; John 
P. Sanborn, 1880, '81; Samuel G. Stiness, 1882, '83; Nicholas Van 
Slyck, 1884; Edward L. Freeman, 1885; Reverend Henry W. Rugg. 
1886; George M. Carpenter, 1887, '88; Robert S. Franklin, 1889. 

Providence Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, is one of the largest in 
point of numbers in the country, having nearly 800 members. It was 
organized about the close of the last century. In 1847 it had the fol- 
lowing officers: Thomas Whitaker, H. P.; Joseph Belcher, K.; A. B. 
Armstrong, S.; Henry Holden, C. of H.; John Westcott, P. S.; John 
T. Jackson, R. A. C; Jason Williams, treasurer; William C. Barker, 
secretary; Richard Smith, 3d M. of V.; Samuel Lewis, 2d M. of V.; 
Samuel Wesson, 1st M. of V.; Daniel Wightman, T. In 1852 Cyrus 
B. Manchester was high priest; in 1853, '54, Joseph Belcher; in 1857, 
^S, Oliver Johnson; in 1859, Jerome B. Borden; in 1862, Levi L. 
Webster; in 1863, '64, '65, Thomas A. Doyle; in 1867, '68, Henry Clay 
Field; in 1872, Albert H. Cushman; in 1876, George O. Olmstead; in 
1878, Samuel G. Stiness; in 1879, '80, John P. Luther; in 1881, '82, 
Horace K. Blanchard; in 1883, '84, Arthur W. Dennis; in 1885, J S6, 
Horace S. Richardson; in 1887, George H. Kenyon; in 1888, '89, For- 
rest A. Peck. 

The history of Providence Council of Royal and Select Masters 
begins with the revival of the institution, about 1852. In 1853 the 
following were officers of the Council: James Salsbury, T. I. M. 
Cyrus Fisher, I. M., Joseph Belcher, P. C; Jason Williams, M. of E. 
William C. Barker, Rec; J. A. D. Joslin, M. of G.; Samuel Lewis, S. 
D. Wightman, G. The honorable post of T. I. M. has later been held 
by the following: James Salsbury, 1854, '57, '59; Edwin Howland, 
1S58; Horace H. Snow, 1862, '63, '64, '6^; James H. Armington, 1867, 
'08; Albert H. Cushman, 1872; John P. Luther, 1876; Edwin Baker, 
1878, '79; Horace K. Blanchard, 1880; John W. Pettis, 1881; Joseph O. 
Earle, 1882; Richard Chadwick, 1883; Arthur H. Armington, 1884; 
Albert L. Anthony, 1885; George W. Pettis, 1886; George H. Kenyon, 
1887; Horace S. Richardson, 1888; Charles B. Manchester, 1889. The 
following were the additional officers in 1889: Forrest A. Peck, D. M.; 
Eugene Stevens, P. C. of W.; Daniel N. Davis, treasurer; William R. 
Greene, recorder; Albert H. Cushman, chaplain; S.Penrose Williams, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 663 

C. of G.; Elton A. Cook, C. of C; Charles A. Barney, steward; Richard 
Chadwick, sentinel. 

The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters has its headquar- 
ters in this city. It was constituted about 1862. Its officers in that 
year were: James Salsbury, M. P. G. M.; Charles H. Titus, D. P.; H. 
H. Snow, T. I.; Henry F. Smith, G. P. C. W.; Samuel Lewis, G. T.; 
John F. Driscol, G. R.; Edwin Howland, G. C. G.; Sidney Dean, G.C.; 
Christian M. Nestell, G. S.; E. B. White, G. G. The following have 
held the gavel as M. P. G. M.: James Salsbury, 1863, '64, '65; James 
H. Armington, 1867, 'QS; Stillman White, 1872; John F. Adams, 1876, 
'78; Amos A. Peavey, 1879, '80; Edwin Baker, 1881, '82; Reverend W. 
N. Ackley, 1883, '84; Osmond H. Briggs, 1885, 'SG; Horace K. Blanch- 
ard, 1887; William J. Huntington, 1888; Arthur H. Armington, 1889. 

In Templary there has been a steady growth for the last thirty 
years, and perhaps longer. St. John's Commandery, of Providence, is 
the pioneer of this line of Masonic expression in the state. It has an 
unbroken record from 1802 until the present. It has always been 
strong in numbers and reserves, as well as in the character of its 
membership. It still retains its vigor in all these respects. From St. 
John's Commandery sprang Calvary Commandery, aho of this city, 
which was organized about 1860. The latter body has an undimmed 
record of noble effort and true progress in the matters that most tend 
to the maintenance of the high character of the order and its practi- 
cal usefulness. In recent years the head of the Commandery (St. 
John's) has been: 1847, William Field, G. C; 1852, f b5, Cyrus Fisher; 
1857, James Salsbury; 1858, '59, W. C. Barker; 1862, '63, Charles H. Titus; 
1864, John Shepley; 1865, Daniel Rounds, Jr.; 1867, Samuel S. Gin- 
nods; 1868, A. Crawford Greene; 1872, Henry W. Rugg; 1876, Thomas 
A. Doyle; 1878, Newton D. Arnold; 1879, Walter B. Vincent; 1880, 
William E. Husband; 1881, George H. Rhodes; 1882, Alfred G. Pierce; 
1883, James C. Lester; 1884, Joseph O. Earle; 1885, George L. Shep- 
ley; 1886, John Heathcote; 1887, Darius B. Davis; 1888, William H. 
Perry; and the officers for the year 1889 were William H.Perry, C; 
Forrest A. Peck, G.; George W. Pettis, C. G.; Reverend William N. 
Ackley, P.; Hunter C. White, S. W.; Andrew B. Eddy, J. W.; John 
G. Massie, T.; Walter Blodget, R.; Warren H. Tillinghast, St'd B.; 
Charles L. Rogers, Sw'd B.; Harry P. Smith, W.; Frank D. Liver- 
more, Wendell P. Anthony and John W. Moore, C. of G.; Richard 
Chadwick, S. 

Calvary Commandery has had among its presiding officers the fol- 
lowing: Henry Butler, 1862-3; Thomas A. Doyle, 1864; Levi L. 
Webster, 1865; Edwin J. Nightingale, 1867; Charles R. Dennis, 1868; 
John P. Luther, 1872; Charles R. Brayton, 1876; Samuel G. Stiness, 
1878; Walter B. Vincent, 1879; Clinton D. Sellew, 1880; Horace K. 
Blanchard, 1881-2; Alvord O. Miles, 1883; Arthur W. Dennis, 1884: 
George H. Kenyon, 1885; Cyril A. Babcock, 1886; Eugene Stevens, 



664 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

1887; Albert L. Anthony, 1888; Horatio Rogers, 1889. The other 
officers were: Henry R. Barker, G.; Spencer B. Hopkins, C. G.; Henry 
C. Field, P.; Elton A. Cook, S. W.; Frank S. Congdon, J. W.; Amasa 
C. Tourtellot,T.; George E. Webster, R.; Theodore V. Matteson, St'd 
B.; William H. McCormick, Sw'd B.; Eugene Stevens, W.; Clarence H. 
Carpenter, Walter H. Manchester, Thomas Sellew, G.; Rensaelaer B. 
S. Hart, S.; Charles L. Kenyon, organist. 

The Templar organizations above, as well as others in the state, 
are joined with the Commanderies of Massachusetts, forming the 
Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Among 
those who have been at the head of the Grand body in later years, and 
most influential in the conduct of its affairs, are Nicholas Van Slyck 
and Nelson W. Aldrich. Edward L. Freeman now holds the position. 

The Rhode Island Convention of High Priests was established 
May 11th, 1852, and continued for several years. Its first officers 
were: William Field, president; Moses Richardson, vice-president; 
Cyrus Fisher, treasurer; William C. Barker, secretary; James Hutchi- 
son, M. of C; James Salsbury, C; Cyrus B. Manchester, H. The 
offices were held by the same persons respectively for eight or ten 
years, when that particular form of Masonic enterprise appears to 
have been laid aside, and other developments appeared. The Grand 
Consistory of Rhode Island appeared in 18G3, with Henry Butler, G. 
C.,at its head, he remaining therefor several years. The Providence 
Consistory was organized about 1867. The official head in that year 
was Reverend Charles H. Titus. He was continued in 1868, and per- 
haps later. This organization appears in 1880 with Frederick Miller, 
commander in chief. He was followed by John G. Massie, 1881-2; 
Joseph O. Earle, 1883-8; Henry C. Field, 1889. The name was 
changed to the Rhode Island Consistory, S.\ P. - . R.\S.\ in 1886. It has 
always been in rank to the 32d degree. 

Providence Chapter of Rose Croix was organized about 1867. The 
office of M. W. and P. M. has been held by Horace Daniels, 1867-8; 
John G. Massie, 1880; Joseph O. Earle, 1881-2; Stephen N. Lougee, 
Jr., 1883-5; Edwin Baker, 1886; George H. Lincoln, 1887-8; George L. 
Shepley, 1889. Providence Council of Princes of Jerusalem was or- 
ganized about the same time as the aforementioned Chapter. Its 
honorable leadership, under the cabalistic title, M. E. S. P. G. M., has 
been held by such men as Nicholas Van Slyck, 1867-8; George O. 
Olmstead, 1880; Ferdinand Smith, 1881-2; Edward S. Jones, 1883-5; 
William E. Husband, 1886-9. King Solomon's Lodge of Perfection, 
was also started about the same time. The head of this organization 
in L867 was Cyrus B. Manchester, as T. P. G. M., and in 1S6S, Henry 
1". Smith. Later occupants of the position have been: George M. 
Carpenter, 1880-88; George H. Kenyon, 1881). 

Besides the foregoing organizations there are in Providence about 
300 colored Masons, who are organized in distinct bodies from those 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. (565 

we have mentioned. Communications are held in Masonic Hall, 21 
South Main street. Most Worthy Eureka Grand Lodge meets in 
June and December. Its officers are: William H. Turner, M. W. G. 
M.; Robert Walker, R. W. D. G. M.; Thomas Wheeler, R. W. S. G. 
W.; Stephen A. Greago, R. W. J. G. W.; Thomas R. Glascow, Sen. 
G. Sec; Robert B. Minton, grand tyler. Subordinate Lodges are 
Harmony, No. 1; Celestial, No. 2; Radiant, No. 4; King Solomon, 
No. 5; and Star of the East, No. 0. The Grand Chapter of Royal 
Arch Masons of R. I. meets on the fourth Friday in May and Novem- 
ber. Its officers are George H. Simms, G. H. P.; Robert B. Minton, 
G. Sec. Subordinate to this are Celestial Chapter, No. 1, and Mount 
Olive Chapter, No. 3. Two Lodges of Knights Templar are subordi- 
nate to the Grand Commandery of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 
These are Golgotha, No. 2, and St. Paul's, No. 3. Simon Commandery 
is associated with the Grand Lodge. 

It is claimed that Odd Fellowship was known in Rhode Island 
even before the time of its establishment in Baltimore. According 
to a commonly accepted tradition there were three Lodges of the 
order in Providence prior to 1820. They could have been hardly more 
than social clubs and convivial gatherings, for no written records can 
be found of their organization or proceedings. That an Odd Fellows 
Lodge was in existence at Providence at as early a date as 1822 seems 
evident by the action taken at a meeting of Massachusetts Lodge, Bos- 
ton, on the 22d of July of that year, viz.: " Resolved, That the Secre- 
tary be directed to write to the Lodge of Odd Fellows in Providence, 
congratulating them on the opening of a new Lodge." The organi- 
zation thus started was undoubtedly somewhat independent and in- 
formal in character, and had no abiding strength. In 1820 a petition 
was presented to the Grand Lodge of the United States requesting a 
warrant or dispensation for a Lodge in Providence, R. I. The re- 
quest was favorably considered, and the grand secretary was directed 
to give the necessary information to the petitioners to enable them 
to establish a Lodge; but nothing came of the projected movement 
for several years. It was not until June, 1829, at a special session of 
the Grand Lodge, held in Baltimore, that a charter was voted to 
" Friendly Union Lodge," to be located at Providence, R. I. The 
original members of the Lodge were Henry Hobson, Walter McFar- 
land, John Doran, Francis Chadburn, James Bury and John Bow- 
cock. On the 20th of that month the Lodge was constituted by Grand 
Sire Wildey, assisted by Representative Small, of Pennsylvania. 
James Wood, then residing at Taunton, Mass., but who soon after be- 
came a resident of Rhode Island, and a member of Friendly Union 
Lodge, gave an address on that occasion, which served to bring him 
into notice and influence. He was an indefatigable worker in the 
interests of Odd Fellowship in this state, and during the later period 
of his life was honored by the title of " Father of Rhode Island Odd 



660/ HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Fellowship." Upon the formation of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Is- 
land, he was chosen to fill the office of grand master, a position which 
he held for several years. He also represented this jurisdiction in 
the Grand Lodge of the United States for a number of terms, and ex- 
ercised large influence both at home and abroad. His many sterling 
qualities gained him general respect, while his ardent devotion to 
the principles and organization of Odd Fellowship greatly endeared 
him to his brethren. He died January 17th, 1867. 

The sanguine anticipations of the originators of Friendly Union 
Lodge were not at once realized. Four years after the establishment 
of the Lodge, Grand Sire Wildey again visited Providence. In his 
report to the Grand Lodge he represented the situation as follows: 
" I am sorry to say that I find the lodge in rather an unfavorable 
state; many of the old members had left the town in consequence of 
the decline of business; the remaining few seem energetic, and I 
hope their exertions will resuscitate the Order." In 1835 Past Grand 
Sire James Gettys visited Providence and reported a still more dis- 
couraging state of affairs. No meetings had been held for a year, the 
members had lost their interest and only a few remained faithful. 
iVmong these was Past Grand James Wood, of Cranston, whom the 
Past Grand Sire making the report refers to as " one of the most con- 
fidential and persevering Odd Fellows in the Eastern part of our 
country." For several years Odd Fellowship languished, until in 
this state it had scarcely more than a name to live by. When 
Thomas Wildey again visited Providence, in 1841, he found the Order 
prostrate by reason of the same causes which had overwhelmed the 
efforts of its votaries in Massachusetts, viz., the intolerant proscription 
of the anti-Masonic feeling that had for years been so bitter and strong; 
but he put on record his judgment that the times were propitious for 
reviving the institution, as public opinion was fast changing for the 
better. At the annual session of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States, held in September, 1841, Grand Sire Wildey presented an 
application for the restoration of the charter of Friendly L T nion 
Lodge, and the application was granted. There does not appear, 
however, to have been much enthusiasm on the part of the Provi- 
dence brothers, for the contemplated re-opening did not take place 
until some two years after the return of the charter was voted. 

The year 1843 may be regarded as the turning point in the history 
of Odd Fellowship in Providence. Then came a revival in fact as 
well as in name. The twelve years of slumber were broken, and the 
members of the order were roused to a new sense of their obligations, 
while they became pervaded with a fresh devotion toward Odd Fel- 
lowship. Daniel Hersey, as district deputy for Massachusetts and 
and Rhode Island, with James Wood, John Hully and others, did excel- 
lent work in the reestablishment of the order. Friendly L T nion Lodge 
was finally reconstructed June 19th, 1843. Eagle Lodge, Providence, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 667 

was given a charter dated April 21st, 1843, John Hully being- the first 
name in the warrant. This Lodge was formally constituted on April 
29th, 1843. The year following came the organization of Roger 
Williams Lodge, No. 3, and Narragansett Encampment, No. 1, both 
in Providence, and preliminary steps were taken for the formation 
of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows in Rhode Island. The institu- 
tion of this body took place June 15th, 1844, when the following 
grand officers were elected and installed, viz.: James Wood, G. M.; 
Joseph G. Chamley, D. G. M.; John Hully, G. W.; John Harper, G.S.; 
Matthew Taylor, G.T. William E. Rutterwas chosen the first repre- 
sentative to the Grand Lodge of the United States. 

From this time forward for several years the order in Rhode Island 
enjoyed a remarkable degree of prosperity. New bodies were 
formed, and large additions were made to the membership. Within 
two years from the time of the revival noted nine Lodges were in 
active operation within the limits of the state, while in Providence 
especially, there were many and clear indications of the favor with 
which the organization was being received. Moshassuck Encamp- 
ment, in Providence, was chartered in 1845. The patriarchal branch 
of the order having become sufficiently numerous, a Grand Encamp- 
ment was duly instituted in 1849. The period of prosperity we have 
mentioned was followed by a corresponding period of decline and 
depression. This existed between the years 1850 and 1860. Many 
of the Lodges were in straightened financial conditions, and there 
was a loss rather than an increase to the membership. It was, how- 
ever, only a transitory cloud, which soon gave way to renewed faith 
and zeal in the order. 

The first Lodge of this order definitely known to have existed in 
Providence, was Friendly Union Lodge, which was instituted at 
Mechanics' Hall, on Market Square, by Grand Sire Thomas Wildey,. 
assisted by Representative Small, of Pennsylvania, probably during 
the summer of 1829. The original members were Henry Hobson, 
Walter McFarland, John Doran, Francis Chadburn, James Bury, and 
John Bowcock. The meetings were held at the Manufacturers' 
Hotel, and at the old Union House, No. 24 Weybosset street, until 
August, 1834. No regular meetings were held after that date until 
August 19th, 1843, when the lodge was reorganized at Mechanics' Hall. 
With the exception of the year 1844, when it occupied a hall in Dyer's 
Block on Westminster street, the Lodge held its meetings in Mechanics' 
Hall until 1868, when a suspension of nearly two years followed. It has 
since occupied Odd Fellows Hall, 97 Weybosset street, and other halls. 
The membership in 1847 reached 325. Five years later it had fallen 
to 200. In 1847 there were five Lodges and two Encampments located 
in the city. Besides Friendly L T nion, there were Eagle Lodge, No. 
2, which met at Friendship Hall, No. 3 Exchange street, on Wednes- 
day evenings, and had 400 members; Roger Williams Lodge, No. 3,. 



668 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

which met at Roger Williams Hall, Canal Market, on Friday even- 
ings, and had 160' members; Hope Lodge, No. 4, meeting at Friend- 
ship Hall, Monday evenings, with a membership of 275; and Can- 
onicus Lodge, No. 9, meeting at Friendship Hall on Friday evenings 
and having 160 members. The two Encampments then working in 
the city were: Narragansett, No. 1, meeting at Friendly Union Hall, 
on alternate Friday evenings, and numbering 150 members; and 
Moshassuck, No. 2, meeting at Friendship Hall, on alternate Thurs- 
day evenings, and having 175 members. The decline in membership 
in these Lodges during the five years following the date mentioned 
is shown by the following figures giving the number of each in 1852: 
Friendly Union, 200; Eagle, 250; Roger Williams, 104; Hope, 150; 
Canonicus, 60. 

After the decadence of 1850-00, the order slowly recovered, and 
as it became stronger other Lodges were formed. By 1872, several 
new Lodges and Encampments had been organized. These were 
Manufacturers' Lodge No. 15, which met on Tuesday evenings, at 
Odd Fellows Hall, on Olneyville Square; Swarts Lodge, No. IS, 
which met at Odd Fellows Hall, No. 97 Weybosset street, on Wed- 
nesday evenings; Pilgrim Lodge, No. 19, meeting at 4(>9 High street; 
Unity Lodge, No. 20, Tuesday evenings, corner of Ocean street and 
Potter's avenue; and Woonasquatucket Encampment, No. 10, meet- 
ing twice monthly at the hall on Olneyville Square; Plymouth En- 
campment, No. 11, at 409 High street; and Mazeppa Encampment, 
No. 12, corner Ocean street and Potter's avenue. Not long before 
the date mentioned there had also been organized two Rebekah De- 
gree Lodges, Naomi, No. 1, and Charity, No. 3; as also Providence 
Degree Lodge, No. 1, and the Odd Fellows Beneficial Association. 

During the four years following a number of new Lodges and 
other organizations had their origin. Of the Lodges organized 
during that period Franklin, No. 23, met in Earl's Block, corner of 
South Main and James streets; Crescent, No. 24, met in Eddy's Hall 
on High street; North Star, No. 25, met in Hedley's Block on Charles 
street; Westminster, No. 27, met in Barnaby Block, corner of Union 
and Westminster streets; Mayflower, No. 31, met in the same build- 
ing; Reliance, No. 34, met in Ray's Block, Watchemoket; and Olive 
Branch, No. 37, met in a hall at 207 Westminster street. The addi- 
tional encampments organized during that period were Annawan, 
No. 13, which met in Earl's Block, South Main, corner of James street; 
Uncas, No. 14, located at the corner of Union and Westminster 
streets; Minnehaha, No. 16, which met in Hedley's Block', on Charles 
street; and Fraternity. No. 17, which met in Ray's Block at Watch- 
emoket. Degree Lodges had also been organized as follows: Dor- 
cas. No. 7, meeting in Unity Hall; Ruth, No. 8, meeting in Hedley's 
Block; and Rose Standish, No. 9, meeting in Eddy's Hall, on High 
street. The Odd Fellows Mutual Relief Societv had also been organ- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 669 

ized, its place of meeting being 'in Odd Fellows Hall. James Wood 
Lodge, No. 30, was organized soon after, and meet on Cranston street, 
as was also Rachel Lodge, No. 15. D. of R., meeting in Odd Fellows 
Hall. Shaffner Uniformed Degree Camp, No. 1, was organized about 
1883, its place of meeting being in Odd Fellows Building. This, in 
1886, took the name Canton Shaffner, No. 1, of the department called 
Patriarchs Militant. About that time three other Cantons were 
organized, viz.: What Cheer, No. 2, located at 98 Weybosset street; 
King Philip, No. 3, at Olneyville; and Providence, No. 4, at Odd 
Fellows Hall, 18 Chalkstone avenue. The Odd Fellows Sick Benefit 
Association of Rhode Island, was organized September 1st, 1885. Its 
headquarters have been at 48 Weybosset street, where it meets on the 
first wSaturday in each month, and annually in September. Mount 
Pleasant Lodge, No. 45, appeared in 1887, its place of meeting being 
on the corner of Academy and Pomona avenues. Anchor Lodge, No. 
46, began its work in 1888, meeting in Holden's Hall, on Manton 
avenue. What Cheer Lodge, No. 48, was recently organized, and 
meets on North Main street. 

The colored branch of this order, known as the G. U. O. of Odd 
Fellows, comprises the following organizations in Providence: Hope 
Lodge, No. 119, meeting at 165 Canal street; Narragansett Lodge, 
No. 1541, meeting at the same place; Weybosset Lodge, No. 1834, 
with headquarters at 98 Weybosset street; P. G. Masters' Chapter, 
No. 21, meeting at 165 Canal street; Household of Ruth, No. 43, at 
the same place; and Westminster Lodge, meeting at 98 Weybosset 
street. 

The Odd Fellows of Providence number something over two 
thousand members. They have an invested fund of more than 
$86,000. The Grand Lodge holds its annual meeting the first Tues- 
day in February, and its semi-annual meeting the first Tuesday in 
August. The Grand Encampment of Rhode Island meets annually 
on the first Tuesday in March. Both Grand Lodge and Grand En- 
campment meet in Odd Fellows Hall, 97 Weybosset street. The Odd 
Fellows' Beneficial Association of Rhode Island was organized in 
1868, for the creation and perpetuation of a fund for the widows and 
orphans of its members. It is composed exclusively of Odd Fellows, 
who must have attained the third degree, but who may be residents 
of this or any other New England state. It numbers over 1,000 mem- 
bers, and pays a death benefit of $-1,000. Its management is intrusted 
to a board of directors, elected annually, representing every Lodge 
in the state.' 

The meetings of the department known as I. O. of O. F. Manches- 
ter Unity, of the Providence District, are held semi-annually, in Jan- 
uary and July. The officers of this Grand Body are: William Walker, 
P. G. M.; George F. Daniels, P. D. G. M.; William Thorpe, P. C. S.; 
George Birchell, P. T.; Henry Rubery, G. O. Price, and W. L. 



670 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Crocker, trustees. The subordinate branches of this institution are: 
Loyal Bellevue Lodge, No. 6435, meets in Weeden's Hall, 41 West- 
minster street; Victoria Lodge, No. 6593, meets in Odd Fellows Hall 
on Chalkstone avenue; Bud of Hope Lodge, No. 6557, meets at 1071 
High street; Samaritan Lodge, meets in Freedom Hall, corner Eddy 
and Oxford streets; Lilly Lodge, No. 6675, meets in Alfredian Hall, 
Veazie street, Wanskuck; Loyal Alpha Lodge, meets in Knights of 
Pythias' Hall, East Providence; and Eureka Lodge, No. 6870, meets 
in Knights of Pythias' Hall. 

The colored order of Good Samaritans has in this city the follow- 
ing Lodges: Prudence, No. 2, which meets twice a month at 21 South 
Main street; Hope, No. 4, which meets twice a month at Lester Hall; 
Love and Truth, No. 5, which meets twice a month at 87 Canal 
street; Good Intent, No. 6, meeting at Lester Hall twice a month; 
Golden Rule, No. 7, which meets twice a month at 165 Canal street; 
Celestial Degree, meeting monthly at Lester Hall; Unity Select 
Council; and Mount Olivet, No. 8, which meets at Lester Hall once a 
month. These are connected with Roger Williams Grand Lodge of 
I. O. of G. S. and D. S. 

The national organization known as the Grand Army of the Re- 
public was organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6th, 1866. Posts were 
established throughout the Western states very soon after that. The 
Department of Rhode Island was organized May 24th, 1868, with 
General Ambrose E. Burnside at its head. Five Posts have been 
organized and now exist in this city. 

Prescott Post, No. 1, was chartered April 12th, 1867. It meets at 
21 Weybosset street, and has about 300 members. Its commanders 
during part of its term of existence have been: William Stone, 1872; 
Charles C. Gray, 1876; Hazard A. Reynolds, 1878; Philip S. Chace, 
1ST'.), 'SO; William J. Bradford, 1881; Gilbert Wilson, 1882; Eugene A. 
Cory, 1883; William D. Mason, 1884; George H. Chenery, 1885; James 
H. Fairbrother, 1886; William B. Avery, 1887; William J. Crossley, 
1888; James A. Abbott, 1880. 

Arnold Post, No. 4, was chartered January 9th, 1877. It has about 
100 members. Its commanders have been: W. F. Hutchinson, 1878, 
'71). '80; E. F. Mann, 1881; Marcus A. Vose, 1882; M. J. Higgins, 1883; 
Willard H. Greene, M. D., 1884; George W. Blair, 1885; John T. 
Drinan, 1886, '87; George R. Saunders, 1888; William F. Hutchinson, 
1889. It meets at Greenwich Street Hall. 

Slocum Post, No. 10, meets at 27 Market Square on Wednesday 
evenings. It was chartered February 27th, 1868, and has about 350 
members. Among its prominent members have been: Commanders 
Henry R. Barker, 1872; S. J. Morton, 1876; Frank G. Allen, 1878, '79; 
Henry C. Luther, 1880; Charles H. Williams, 1881, '82; Theodore A. 
Barton, 1883, '84, "85; C. Henry Alexander, 1886; George E. Allen, 
1887; William F. Potter, 1888; George F. Batchelder, 1889. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 671 

Rodman Post, No. 12, was chartered March 23d, 1808. It holds 
monthly meetings at 70 Weybosset street. It has about 50 members. 
Among its prominent commanders have been the following: Charles 
L. Stafford, 1872; Andrew T. Macmillan, 1876; William H. Turner, 
1878; J. Albert Monroe, 1879; W. H. P. Steere, 1880; Franklin A. 
Chased 1881; William S. Chace, 18S2; Edwin A. Berzeley, 1883, '84; 
Theodore Andrews, 1885; D. F. Longstreet, 1S86; Martin S. Smith, 
1887; Ferdinand Brown, 1888, '89. 

Ives Post, No. 13, meets at 21 South Main street weekly. It was 
chartered April 23d, 1868, and now has about 50 members. Com- 
manders have been in part: R. F. Nicola, 1872; David E. Howard, 
1876; the same in 1878; F. V. Helme, 1879; W. H. Beckett, 1880; D. E. 
Howard, 1881; John A. Cravatt, 1882; James E. Johnson, 1883, '84; 
John H. Francis, 1885, 'S6, '87; Joseph D. Barnett, 1888, '89. 

There are in Providence a great number of secret and benevolent 
societies, having for their object the mutual protection of their mem- 
bers against want and suffering in sickness, as far as suffering can be 
prevented by means of money or human attentions. Of these 
societies we cannot speak in details, but will notice the principal ones 
in brief. 

The Knights of Pythias, a secret benevolent order, paying from $3 
to $5 a week to its sick and disabled members, have fourteen lodges 
in the city. The order was organized at Washington, D. C, in 1864, 
and the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was constituted February 17th, 
1871. Some time before that the first Lodge in the state, L^nicn, No. 
2, was organized. The order combines the insurance principle with 
the sick benefit method. The policies range from $1,000 to $3,000, 
varying with the rank of the member. The order soon became popu- 
lar, and new Lodges were frequently organized. By 1872 six Lodges 
had been chartered. These were Union, No. 2, in Pythian Hall, 129 
Westminster street; Damon, No. 3, in Haggai Hall, 41 Weybosset 
street, now in Fletcher Hall, 173 Westminster; St. John's, No. 6. in 
Odd Fellows Hall, Olneyville Square, now at 159 Westminster; John 
Milton, No. 7, at 129 Westminster; Oriental, No. 9, at 409 High street, 
now in Oriental Hall, 255 High street, and Crusader, No. 12, in 
Springer Hall, High street. By 1876 two more Lodges had been 
added. These were St. George, No. 14, at 129 Westminster, now in 
Elks Hall, Gaiety Opera House, and Herman, No. IS, meeting at 129, 
now at 41, Westminster street. Union Lodge was disbanded about 

1878. The Endowment Rank was added to the order here about 

1879, there being two sections, Nos. 14 and 81. John Milton Lodge 
was dropped about 1881. Providence Lodge, No. 17, was added about 
1882, its meeting place being Hedly Hall, Charles street, now Odd 
Fellows Hall, Chalkstone avenue. There were about 400 members 
in the city at that time. Rhode Island Uniform Division, No. 1, was 

• organized about 1883, and Narragansett Division, No. 2, abcut a year 



672 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

later. Palestine Lodge, No. 2, was organized about 1885, meeting at 
92.") High street, now at 41 Westminster. About the same time Gar- 
field Lodge, No. 7, was organized at Wanskuck; St. Elmo, No. 10, 
Eddy street and Potter's avenue, and Howard, No. 12, at East Provi- 
dence. Perseverance Lodge, No. 13, began work about 1887, meeting 
in Weaver's Block, on High street. About a year later Elmwood 
Lodge, No. 16, was organized, meeting at Greenwich street and Pot- 
ter's avenue. Uniform Division, No. 3, was organized a year or two 
since. Still later Rhode Island Lodge, No. 22, and Roger Williams, 
No. 137, were organized, the former meeting in Odd Fellows Hall, Wey- 
bosset street, and the latter in Slocum Post Hall, 27 Market Square. 

The Knights of Honor is a .secret organization, which provides 
weekly benefits to its sick members, and an insurance of $2,000 to 
the family of a deceased member. Providence Lodge, No. 182, was 
organized November 5th, 187;"), with 17 charter members. It was so 
popular that in seven years its membership had reached 200. It 
meets at Prescott Post Hall, 21 Weybosset street. Excelsior Lodge, 
No. 633, meets twice a month, at 41 Westminster street. It was or- 
ganized April 30th, 1877. Golden Rule Lodge, No. 697, was organized 
July 23d, 1877, and meets twice a month, at Prescott Post Hall. Har- 
mony Lodge, No. 2987, was organized about 1884. It meets twice a 
month, at Valentine Hall, 344 High street. East Providence Lodge, 
No. 3063, was organized about the same time. Narragansett Ledge, 
No. 3094, located at South Providence, was organized about 1885. It 
holds semi-monthly meetings, at Unity Hall, on Potter's avenue. 

The Knights and Ladies of Honor is an organization similar to 
the Knights of Honor, and was connected with that organization un- 
til January 1st, 1882. It admits, as its name implies, both ladies and 
gentlemen to its membership. It carries the principle of life insur- 
ance, but the amount of insurance cannot exceed $3,000 on any one 
individual. What Cheer Lodge, No. 54, the first Lodge in the state, 
was organized in this city January 4th, 1877. It meets at 41 West- 
minster street. May Queen Lodge, No. 679, and Amity Lodge, No. 
869, were organized about 1885. The former meets at Room 23, But- 
ler Exchange, and the latter at 373 High street. Fraternity Lodge, 
No. 1205, was started about 1887. It meets at 275 High street. Ger- 
mania Lodge, No. 1270, was started a year or two since, and meets at 
98 Weybosset street. 

The Knights and Ladies of the Mystic Circle is an organization 
which was instituted February 8th, 1887. It meets every Tuesday 
evening, in Butler Exchange. The prominent officers are Edward 
Brown, of East Providence, G. R., and George L. Olney, of 37 North 
Main street, secretary. 

The Ancient Order of Forresters is a secret benevolent society, 
established in October, 1873. Though of recent introduction here, it 
has rapidly gained in popularity, and new subordinate branches have 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 673 

within a few past years been frequently added. Court What Cheer, 
No. 0011, the first Lodge in this city, and the tenth .in the United 
States, was organized in 1879, and in the course of three years had 60 
members. It meets twice a month, at 51 Weybosset street. About 
1886 a number of Lodges were added. These were Courts Olneyville, 
No. 6463, at Springer's Hall, High street; Roger Williams, No. 6685, 
at Conrad Building, Westminster street; Star of Providence, No. 6936, 
at Odd Fellows Hall, Chalkstone avenue; Bellevue, No. 7Ct,8, at Al- 
fredian Hall, Veazie street. Wanskuck; Narragansett, No. 7269, at the 
corner of Eddy and Oxford -streets; Canonicus, No. 7396, at 21 Wey- 
bosset street, and Hope, No. 7473, in Odd Fellows Hall, Chalkstone 
avenue. Since 18K7 four other Courts have been organized. These 
are Washington, No. 7481, in Odd Fellows Hall, East Providence; 
Burnside, No. 7492, in Odd Fellows Hall, 346 Fligh street; Thomas 
A. Doyle, No. 7621, and General Sheridan, No. 7649, in Odd Fellows 
Hall, Academy avenue. Another department of this order is Con- 
clave No. 30, K. S. F., which meets in Forresters' Hall, 79 Manton 
avenue, twice a month. 

The American Legion of Honor, a secret benevolent society, had 
its origin in Boston, in 1878. A year or two later the first organiza- 
tion of the order in Providence, Narragansett Council, No. 47, was 
started. It met twuce a month, at 56 Westminster street. About 1881 
Providence Council, No. 566, appeared, meeting at 373 High street, 
which place was soon changed to 97 Weybosset street, wheie it con- 
tinues to meet. Meanwhile the first mentioned Council disappeared. 
Rhode Island Council, No. 1123, was organized about 1885, meeting 
at the same place. It now meets at 101 Westminster street. 

The Order of United Friends was organized in 1884, meeting at 
56 Westminster street twice a month. This Lodge adopted the title 
Rhode Island Council, No. 113. It now meets at 159 Westminster 
street. Burnside Council, No. 273, meeting at 297 Westminster street; 
Tecumseh Council, No. 306, at 346 High street, and Good Will Coun- 
cil, No. 313, at Pilgrim Hall, High street, were organized about 1888. 

The New England Order of Protection, a recently introduced 
order, is represented here by Valentine Lodge, No. 27, at 297 West- 
minster street; Franklin Lodge, No. 61 , at 297 Westminster; Narra- 
gansett Lodge. No. 65, meeting at the same place, and Westminster 
Lodge, meeting at 275 High street. 

The Royal Arcanum is a secret, beneficiary order, of recent organ. 
ization, its origin dating 1877. Of this order there are two Councils 
in Providence, with a total membership somewhere about 200. These 
are Delphi Council, No. 7, meeting at 297 Westminster street, and 
Unity Council, No. 277, meeting at 21 Weybosset street. They were 
organized about the year 1878. 

The Royal Society of Good Fellows was organized in Providence, 
in 1882, principally through the efforts of Mr. James G. Whitehouse, 
43 



(574 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

who is still at the head of the order, as premier of the Supreme As- 
sembly. The insurance feature is prominent in the methods of the 
organization, and mutual aid to its members is also an object. 
The order was confined to Rhode Island, but has since spread to 
other states. The officers of the Supreme Assembly in 1883 were: 
James G. Whitehouse, premier; Francello G. Jillson, vice-premier; 
Oliver E. Bigelow, instructor; Robert S. Franklin, counsellor; John 
S. Whitehouse, secretary; D. Russell Brown, treasurer; Charles E. 
Chickering, prelate; Thomas G. Rees, director; Moses B. Chase, 
guard; George E. Burdon, sentry; Lester S. Hill, M. 13., medical ex- 
aminer. Providence Assembly, No. 1, was the first subordinate 
organization. It met in 1883, as it does now, at Fletcher Hall, West- 
minster street, corner of Eddy. In 1S84 two other Assemblies had 
been organized. These were Lincoln, No. 2, in Fletcher Hall, and 
Columbia, No. 3, in Valentine Hall, 344 High street. What Cheer 
Assembly, No. 20, was organized about 1887. meeting once a month, 
at Elks Hall, 192 Westminster street. About 1888 three other As- 
semblies were organized. These are Narragansett, No. 41, meeting 
in Odd Fellows Hall. Plainfield street; Roger Williams, No. 137, in 
Prescott Post Hall; and Mechanics, No. 141, at No. 70 Weybosset 
street. 

Providence Lodge, No. 14, of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks, meets weekly in Elks Hall, 192 Westminster street. It was 
organized November 13th, 1881, and duly chartered February 19th, 
1883. The Lodge is claimed to be one of the wealthiest in the order, 
and to have one of the finest lodge rooms in the country. 

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is represented in this 
city by two Lodges. Providence Lodge, No. 3, meets at 21 Weybos- 
set street. It was organized in December, 1882. Narragansett 
Lodge, No. 4, was organized about 1884. It meets twice a month, at 
Narragansett Hall, Olneyville. 

The Order of iYlfredians is a secret order " intended to provide 
for the welfare of born subjects of the lineal descendants of King 
Alfred [of England | and those descended from branches of the 
same stock which have thrown off the political allegiance, but who 
rejoice to be bearers forward and the amplifiers of that glorious civ- 
ilization inaugurated by Alfred." The order was established in 
Rhode Island in 1873. It is represented in this city by Brigade No. 
1, meeting at 41 AVestminster .street; Brigade No. 2, at Narragansett 
Hall, High street, and Brigade No. 3, at Alfredian Hall, Wanskuck. 
The latter was organized two or three years since. This order has 
no insurance feature, but pays weekly sick benefits. 

The Order of the Sons of Saint George is an organization of re- 
cent introduction here. Three Lodges have within a few years past 
been organized here. These are Beaconsfield Lodge, No. 186, meet- 
ing twice a month at Prescott Post Hall; Peabodv Lodge, No. 184, in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 675 

Weaver's Hall, 1071 High street, and Mayflower Lodge, No. 209, at 
Alfredian Hall, Wanskuck. 

The United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers is represented here by 
Narragansett Colony, No. 80. This is of recent origin. The pres- 
ent officers are: James C. Gregg, governor; Arthur E. Barrows, secre- 
tary. 

Providence Caledonian Society was organized November 1st, 1870. 
It meets twice a month, at 13 Market Square. Providence Caledonian 
Club was organized in July, 1879, and chartered February 19th, 1883. 
It holds monthly meetings. These are secret, benevolent organiza- 
tions, paying weekly benefits to sick members. 

The Order of Scottish Clans is similar in its scope and purposes 
to the societies last mentioned, but extending to the insurance prin- 
ciple in addition. Scotchmen by birth or ancestry are here united, 
and one of the objects of the society is to cherish fond recollections 
of old Scotland and its customs. The Grand Clan of Rhode Island 
was organized January 19th, 1886. Clan Cameron, No. 7, the only 
subordinate society in Providence, is now under the leadership of 
Alexander McMurtrie, whose title is chief. 

The Beneficial Order of Luciliuswas organized in Providence May 
5th, 1885, and chartered by the General Assembly April 15th, 1886. 
The objects of the society are to aid its members in sickness and dis- 
tress, and to promote the principles of friendship, fidelity and 
charity. The growth of the society has not been rapid. 

The United Order of the Golden Cross admits both sexes to mem- 
bership, and furnishes the benefits of insurance to its members. 
Members are prohibited from using intoxicating liquors as a beverage. 
There are three local societies of this order in Providence, called 
Commanderies. These are Northern Star, No. 44, instituted February 
18th, 1879, which meets in Valentine Hall, 346 High street; What 
Cheer, No. 124, instituted March 9th, 1881, which meets at 41 West- 
minster street; and Roger Williams, No. 324, organized a year or two 
since, and meeting in Wayland Building. 

The Improved Order of Red Men is represented in this city by 
three councils, subordinate to the Great Council of Rhode Island. 
This is a new organization. King Philip, No. 1, meets at Elks Hall, 
Westminster street; Pettaconsett, No. 3, meets at Freedom Hall. 
Eddy street, South Providence; and Wamsitta, No. 7, meets in a hall 
at the corner of Cranston and Winter streets. 

There are two societies of the Order of Harugari in Providence. 
Germania Lodge, No. 266, D. O. H., was organized April 18th, 1872. 
This was the first in Rhode Island. It meets twice a month at 98 
Weybosset street. Chernsker Lodge, No. 315, D. O. H., was organ- 
ized July 4th, 1874. It meets semimonthly, at 56 Westminster street. 

The Providence German Benevolent Life Association, a society 
whose scope and purposes are indicated by its name, was organized 



076 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

June 5th, 1871. It has about 200 members. Meetings for business 
are held at Turner Hall, twice a year. Other German societies are 
the Turner Society, which meets at Turner Hall, corner of Niagara 
and Atlantic streets; Providence Liederkranz, which meets at their 
hall once a month; Providence Lodge, No. 78, I. O. of Free Sons of 
Israel, which meets on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, 
at 98 Weybosset street: Haggai Lodge, No. 132, I. O. of B'Nai B'Rith, 
having for its object the union of Israelites in humane and brotherly 
labors, which was organized in 1869; the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent 
Association, which meets monthly at 98 Weybosset street; three 
Lodges of the Independent Order of the Sons of Benjamin, viz., 
Judah Touro, No. 59, Abraham, and Sons of Benjamin, all of which 
meet at 98 Weybosset street; and Providence Lodge, I. O. of O. F. S., 
No. 80, which meets at the same place. 

There are also a large number of temperance organizations in the 
city, the object of which is to promote social improvement as well as to 
strengthen the sentiment in regard to the use of intoxicating drinks. 
Of these we may mention the Women's Christian Temperance Union, 
having its headquarters at 23 Butler Exchange, and having at present 
the following set of officers: Mrs. George F. Martin, president; Mrs. 
C. W. Field, Mrs. S. Clough, Mrs. M. E. Humphrey, and Miss A. M. 
Brown, vice-presidents; Mrs. W. E. Gladding, recording secretary; 
Mrs. W. L. Barnes, corresponding secretary; Miss Allie E. Parker, 
treasurer. This society opened the '■ People's Coffee House," at 227 
Eddy street. February 23d, 1882. The Young Women's Temperance 
Union is in active operation. The Independent Order of Good 
Templars is represented in Providence by four Lodges, as follows: 
Providence, No. 3, at Park Street church, weekly; Star, No. 7, at 159 
Westminster street; Crystal Wave, No. 8, at 1055 High street; and 
Prosperity, No. 12, at 98 Weybosset street. Belonging to the Grand 
Council of Templars of Rhode Island there are two Councils — Fra- 
ternity No. 1, at 275 High street; and Union, No. 4. Connected with 
the Grand Temple of Honor are North Star Temple, No. 5. meeting 
at 13 Market Square; Unity Temple, No. 9, at 275 High street; Wash- 
ington Social, No. 2, at the same place, and Golden Crescent Social, 
No. 6, at 13 Market Square. There are also in the city four Divisions 
of the Sons of Temperance, viz.: Victory, No. 3, at Olneyville; Provi- 
dence, No. 2, at 159 Westminster street; South Providence, No. 11, 
at Eddy street and Potter's avenue; and Excelsior, No. 16, at 275 
High street. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



PROVIDENCE CITY— BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Albert Lee Anthony. — Eli Aylsworth. — Joseph Banigan. — Jerothmul B. Barnaby. — 
William B. Blanding. — Obadiah Brown. — Henry R. Barker. — John Park Campbell. — 
Henry C. Clark. — William Corliss. — Perry Davis. — Daniel Eugene Day. — Charles 
Fletcher. — William A. Harris. — William S. Hay ward.— Thomas J. Hill. — William 
Henry Hopkins. — Hiram Howard. — Oliver Johnson. — Benjamin Brayton Knight.— 
Robert Knight. — Herbert W. Ladd. — Henry Lippitt. — Isaac M. Potter. — Fitz James 
Rice. — Gilbert F. Robbins. — Elisha H. Rockwell. — Samuel Stearns Sprague. — Royal 
Chapin Taft. — Harvey E. Well man. — Henry B. Winship. 

Albert Lee Anthony, vice-president and treasurer of the J. B. 
Barnaby Company of Providence, R. I., is the son of Jonathan C. and 
Submit A. (Lee) Anthony, and was born at Somerset, Bristol county, 
Mass., April 26th, 1847. The public schools of his native town and a 
three months' course at a business college afforded him his only aca- 
demic opportunities, and at 16 years of age, reliant and reliable, with 
a firm purpose to deserve success whether he won it or not, and with- 
out other capital than the forces abiding in his own character, he left 
the paternal roof to shift for himself. For more than four years, with 
true Yankee versatility, he turned his hand to whatever offered. 
Farming in summer, book canvassing and teaching a country school 
in winter, first engaged his attention. He naturally drifted to Prov- 
idence, the principal city in the neighborhood, where, in the sum- 
mer of 1868, he made a short-lived venture in the grocery business, 
and the next summer essayed the intelligence line, with disastrous 
results, for in it this precocious business man of 22 exchanged his 
money for experience, and with less than nine dollars in his pocket, 
again launched upon the world in search of a fortune. 

After various experiences he entered the employ of the great 
manufacturing house of A. & W. Sprague, as a clerk in one of their 
mill stores, and with them he remained for three years, and until their 
failure, at which time he had risen to be assistant agent, in charge of 
all their seven stores. This proved to be the turning point in his 
fortunes, for here he attracted the attention of the great clothing firm 
of J. B. Barnaby & Co., with whom he had been brought into business 
relations, and when he found himself without a situation, early in 
1874, he was promptly taken into the employ of this latter firm as a 



678 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

bookkeeper. In January, 1884, he was admitted a partner in the con 
cern, and in June, 1889, when it was incprporated under the name of 
the J. B. Barnaby Company, Mr. Anthony was elected secretary and 
treasurer, and a few months later, upon Mr. Barnaby 's death, he also 
became vice-president. 

The confidence reposed in Mr. Anthony's integrity and ability was 
well illustrated by Mr. Barnaby making him, by will, one of the trus- 
tees of his estate, which approximated a million dollars. The J. B. 
Barnaby Company is one of the most extensive ready-made clothing 
concerns in New England, having large establishments at Providence,. 
Boston, New Haven, Bridgeport, Kansas City and Fall River; and Mr. 
Anthony has charge of the financial department of all these. He is 
also one of the directors of the Barnaby Manufacturing Company of 
Fall River, one of the largest manufactories of ginghams in the United 
States, auditor of the Roger Williams Loan and Savings Association 
of Providence, and one of the appraisers of the Providence branch of 
the National Mutual Building and Loan Association of New York. 

Mr. Anthony is a thoroughly self-made man; possessing a calm, 
equable temperament, acquired by self-mastery rather than by natural 
endowment, a cheerful, genial disposition, industrious, methodical 
habits, and a patient, persistent perseverance that will overcome every 
obstacle, as continual dropping of water will wear away a stone; he is 
an admirable representative of New England character. He possesses 
the characteristic Yankee taste for societies, and belongs to the Odd 
Fellows, Knights of Honor, Royal Society of Good Fellows, and the 
Order of the Iron Hall, in some of which he has attained prominence. 
He has taken an active interest in the Royal Arcanum for many years; 
was the first regent of Unity Council, one of the largest Councils in 
Rhode Island, and has held some office in this Council each year 
since it was formed in 1879. At the formation of the Grand Council 
of the state in 1890 he was chosen to be the first grand regent by 
acclamation, and is filling the office with signal ability. He is promi- 
nent in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the 32d degree in 
Rhode Island Consistory and been at the head of his Council, Chapter 
and Commandery. He is now deputy grand master of the Grand 
Council of Royal and Select Masters of Rhode Island and representa- 
tive of the Grand Council of Pennsylvania. He is grand scribe of the 
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Rhode Island and represen- 
tative of the Grand Chapter of Illinois. He has been auditor for 
several years of the Freemasons Hall Company, which owns the 
Masonic Building in Providence. 

September 9th, 1874, he married Anna Elizabeth, only daughter of 
James W. and Sarah J. ( Amsbury) Bullock, by whom he has two 
children, a son and a daughter, altogether composing an intelligent, 
happy and loving family. He is now in the prime of manhood, and 
successful in business. His relations with friends and companions are 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 679 

pleasant, and life opens before him with bright prospects of winning 
wealth and honors.""" 

Eli Avlsworth furnishes a notable example of men, who, by dili- 
gence, economy and integrity, have risen from poverty to honor and 
wealth. He loves to relate to his children and grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren the story of his early years. He was born in Foster, 
R. I., June 6th. 1802, in an un-clapboarded house of two un plastered 
rooms, with two windows, no cellar, and a chimney of stones and clay. 
A married uncle and aunt — his father's sister and his mother's brother 
— lived in the same house. The father possessed a small piece of 
land, enough to make him and his oldest son voters under the old 
charter by which the state was then governed. Only by unremitting 
toil and constant frugality was he able to meet the wants of a family 
which finally numbered 12 children. 

The boy Eli did not enjoy the advantage of schools until he was 
nine years of age. They were then few and from one to four miles 
away. He went to school one summer, and afterward for three or 
four months in the winter. Whatever other education he obtained was 
gained in practical life. When ten years old he earned his first 
money, except perhaps a few cents occasionally for an odd job. He 
found employment for the month of July in a hay field, and in pay- 
ment received four silver dollars. In the autumn following he found 
a job digging potatoes, his compensation being every tenth bushel. 
His share, 16 bushels, he sold for two dollars. These six dollars he 
handed to his mother, requesting her to keep them for him, playfully 
adding: " I always intend to have money." He has them still, and 
frequently boasts of his promise to his mother. After the age of eleven 
years Eli never lived at home. He was hired at farm work in the 
summer, giving the proceeds tohis father to aid in the maintenance 
of the family. Three years, barefooted and coarsely clad, he worked 
eight months at one place, and in the winter went to school, doing 
chores for his board, and paying his own tuition bills. Rising at mid- 
night to chop wood as he sometimes did, that he might get to school, 
was no easy way to get an education. When 17 he was allowed to 
reserve one-half of his wages, and out of the summer earnings he 
clothed himself and loaned ten dollars to his grandfather. The note 
then given was repeatedly renewed, and after the death of the maker, 
in 1843, he received twelve and a half cents on the dollar. " I felt 
well paid," he says; " I took care of them." 

The love and sympathy shown the struggling boy were repaid in 
the care of the aged pair by the prosperous man. He also took care 
of his father and mother when sickness and age came upon them, and 

* Saturday afternoon, December 13th. 1890. about 2.30 p.m., a destructive fire broke 
out in the store of the J. B. Barnaby Company, which burned the building to the ground. 
The corporation, nothing daunted, secured temporary quarters, and ere the ruins had 
fairly cooled off were on deck again with a full assortment of goods and ready t<> attend 
to the wants of their numerous customers. 



680 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

aided in the support of the younger children. At 18 he obtained a 
clerkship in a store for a year, retaining his entire wages, when an- 
other was obtained in a store where jobs of weaving by hand were 
given out to the people of the vicinity. The failure of this trader 
gave him the opportunity of entering business for himself. He was 
20 years old, and just married to Miss Martha Bennett, a lady of ad- 
mirable character, and a member of the Christian denomination. 

He had a capital of $140. He purchased a building, and with the 
help of the neighbors, in country fashion, moved it to the desired lo- 
cation, where it was literally placed " on a rock." When completed 
it had cost $108, to be paid "in goods." He then went to Providence 
and sought the counsel of Mr. Randolph Chandler, an old merchant 
of the city, whose wise advice he implicitly followed, and returned 
home with a thousand dollars' worth of goods, mostly bought on 
credit. He worked hard, sometimes starting at two o'clock in the 
morning with butter, eggs and other produce for Providence, return- 
ing at night with a load of new goods. The business was so well man- 
aged that the first year's profits amounted to $900. For four years his 
house rent cost him six dollars per annum. Mrs. Aylsworth was a 
most efficient helper, even bringing her cradle to the store that she 
might the more readily serve as clerk. For 11 years his stock of 
goods embraced a supply of liquors, as was at that time the prevalent 
custom of country merchants. But he noticed the mischievous effects 
of drinking habits upon the community. His children were growing 
up around him, and he determined that they should not be drunkards. 
vSo he sold out the business, and soon afterward opened a strictly 
" temperance store," which at that time was a novelty in trade. From 
that time he has been an uncompromising foe of intemperance. 

Mr. Aylsworth thus became one of the substantial men of the town. 
He did some farming and also something in buying and selling real 
estate. His neighbors and townsmen trusted him. He was made a 
justice of the peace, and deputy sheriff, and held other offices. In L838 
he was made judge of the court of common pleas of Providence county, 
being associated with Hon. Thomas Burgess and Judges Daniels, 
Potter and Armstrong. Meanwhile, as wealth was increasing and 
honors were falling upon him, he was called in 1837 to bear the loss 
of the wife of his youth and the mother of his nine children. Three 
years later he married Maria Fairman, a lovely and excellent woman, 
and a member of the Baptist church. 

In 1841 Judge Aylsworth sold his store and removed to North 
Foster and settled on a farm. But he soon found it expedient, in order 
to save a debt of $700, to purchase three lines of stages running be- 
tween Providence and Danielsonville, Conn., which rendered necessary 
his removal to the latter place. After six months he removed again 
to Brooklyn, just across the river. There was then but one church in 
I )anielsonville, the Congregational. The place was growing and there 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 681 

was ample room for another. It so chanced that a Methodist local 
preacher, by the name of Wheeler, came into town and opened a series 
of meetings in the conference room of the church, which resulted in 
about 200 professed confessions. It soon became manifest that a large 
number. of converts desired to be organized into a Methodist society, 
and another place of worship must be found. The judge, though not 
a Methodist, promptly gave them sympathy and help. He at once 
hired for their use the ballroom of the hotel, the only available room 
in the town that was of suitable size, stipulating for the closing of the 
bar on Sundays and at all times of service. But the room proved not 
large enough, and for a time the depot freight house was secured. 
He resolved on the erection of a Methodist church. He found four 
men of like spirit with himself, who joined him in the work. A lot 
was bought, the lot on which the present church stands, and a contract 
was made by which the edifice was to be erected and when completed, 
to the turning of the key, the price agreed upon was to be paid. This 
was done. 

The pews were then sole}, and the proceeds were enough to reim- 
burse the projectors of the enterprise and leave a surplus, which was 
turned over to the young society. It is only just to say that for this 
fine success the Methodists of Danielsonville are chiefly indebted to 
Judge Aylsworth. He was made one of the first board of trustees, and 
was kept in that position for some years after he left the state. In 
July, 1842, he was called to mourn the loss, by consumption, of his 
devoted wife, and remained 14 months in lonely widowhood. He then 
married Miss Eliza Angell, of Scituate, R. I., a lady of beautiful char- 
acter and well fitted for her new position. She has been for many 
years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and still lives to 
bless his home. 

In 1850 Judge Aylsworth removed to Providence, where he was 
well known and had many friends. His excellent judgment and 
judicious management of the interests intrusted to him soon brought 
him plenty of business. He was for a year director of the Atlantic 
Bank and was the first president of the Jackson Bank. In the same 
year, 1854, he became a member of the first board of directors of the 
Mechanics' Savings Bank and of the loaning committee, and for nearly 
2() years was its vice-president. His directorship continued until 1878, 
when he declined a reelection. During this entire period, in full 
compliance with the spirit of the law of the state, forbidding officers 
of savings banks becoming indebted to the bank, he would allow no 
paper bearing his name, even as an endorser, to be accepted. In three 
years the bank was flourishing and successful, standing in the first 
rank of such institutions. In 1856 he was elected president of the 
Westminster Bank, which position he still holds. He has been engaged 
in many real estate transactions, owning at different times property in 
six states — Rhode Island. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Iowa 



682 HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 

and Pennsylvania — it being- distributed in 14 towns and three cities. 
Judge Aylsworth has for the past 50 years carried insurance on all his 
property, the policies sometimes amounting to as much as $100,000, yet 
strange to say he has not sustained a single loss. 

In political life Judge Aylsworth has had few ambitions, yet in 1854, 
1866 and 1867 he was honored with a seat in the general assembly of 
Rhode Island, and in the last two years was a member of the important 
committee on finance. He has always been on the side of liberty and 
right. In the presidential election of 1824, the first after he attained 
his majority, he cast his vote for John Ouincy Adams. He affiliated 
with the whig party, as in his judgment the most in accordance with 
human freedom and the best interests of the country. He was always 
an anti-slavery man, and when pro-slavery ism entered on its struggle 
for the control of the nation, his whole soul revolted and he heartily 
joined the republican party at its organization in 1856. He has been 
all his life an habitual abstainer from intoxicants. He is an intense 
hater of tobacco in all its forms. He has been a member of the 
Mathewson Street Methodist Episcopal congregation since his removal 
to Providence, and is a contributor to every good movement. 

The Judge, although in his 89th year, is a remarkably well pre- 
served man. His faculties are as keen as they were 50 years ago, and 
he still personally superintends all his many business affairs. His 
descendants are quite numerous, there having been in all 68. He had 
born to him 13 children, six of whom are now living. The living- 
grandchildren number 24, and the great-grandchildren 20. 

Joseph Banigan. — The subject of this sketch was born in the 
County Monaghan, Ireland, June 7th, 1831), his parents being 
Bernard and Alice Banigan. It may be mentioned as a coincidence 
that his mother bore the same name before her marriage. When but six 
years of age his family found it necessary to leave Ireland, and taking 
him with them, settled in the city of Dundee, Scotland. Here they 
remained for two years, and soon after embarked for America, mak- 
ing the city of Providence their home, where they have since resided. 
The lad spent one year at the public schools, and when but nine years 
of age sought and obtained employment in the factory of the Xew 
England Screw Company. Later he served three years as an appren- 
tice to the jeweler's trade, and until the age of 21 worked as a journey- 
man. On attaining his majority Mr. Banigan engaged with John 
Haskins in the manufacture of rubber bottle stoppers, and soon after 
removed to Boston as superintendent of the works located at that 
point. The business was afterward organized as the Goodyear India 
Rubber Bottle Stopper Company, with Joseph Banigan as manager, 
in which capacity he continued until 1866, in the meantime erecting 
a new factory for the company at Jamaica Plains. Even at this early 
age he gave ample evidence of the executive ability subsequently de- 
veloped to such a degree as to place him at the head of the rubber 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 683 

manufacturing business of the world. He is acknowledged not only 
by the manufacturers of rubber goods, but also by the dealers in crude 
rubber to be a master in every branch of the business. 

In 1866 he organized the Woonsocket Rubber Company as a co- 
partnership, consisting of Lyman A. Cook, Simeon S. Cook and Joseph 
Banigan. A small, two story stone mill was leased for the manufac- 
ture of mechanical articles, with Mr. Banigan as buyer, superinten- 
dent and salesman. The following year the company was reorgan- 
ized as a stock company, and under his management the business 
progressed even beyond the anticipation of those who already recog- 
nized his executive ability. Year after year additions were made to' 
the original building, until it was finally deemed advisable to erect a 
mill embodying in its structure all that was possible in the way of 
economical and labor-saving appliances. It is conceded that the mill 
at Millville, Mass., is the model rubber factory of the country, but 
even this has proved inadequate to the requirements of the business, 
and another factory is in process of erection at Woonsocket, which 
when completed will be the largest rubber shoe factory in the world. 

It may be of interest to mention that of all those engaged in the 
manufacture of rubber goods, Mr. Banigan is the only one who has 
thus far realized the importance of dealing directly with the rubber 
gatherers in Brazil for the supply of crude rubber, which he did by 
going to Brazil and establishing a house in Para. He is at present 
the largest individual importer of rubber in the United States. His 
mastery of detail and far reaching comprehension may be understood 
when it is mentioned that he is obliged to carefully follow the 
fluctuations in exchange in Brazil and the causes which affect it, in 
order to buy a block of rubber to advantage or to refrain from buying, 
as the case may be. He also finds it necessary to follow the exports 
from and imports to this country to accurately determine the balance 
of trade and thus regulate his purchases of exchange on London, to 
meet the drafts of his agents in Para. 

Mr. Banigan has also various other business interests. He is the- 
president of the Bailey Wringing Machine Company, of the American 
Hand Sewed Shoe Company, of Toledo, Ohio, of the Providence Evening 
Telegram Publishing Company, and director in the Seamless Rubber 
Company of New Haven, the Providence Cable Tramway Company, 
the Glenark Knitting Company and the Providence Board of Trade. 
Apart from those he is actively engaged in the woolen business, being- 
seven-eighths owner of the Lawrence Felting Company, Millville, 
Mass. 

While achieving success in his business enterprises he has not 
been unmindful of the claims of charity, as a liberal contributor to 
benevolent institutions of every denomination. In May, 1884, he com- 
pleted the erection of a Home for Aged Poor, at Pawtucket, which was 
on its dedication placed in charge of the Little Sisters of the Poor. In 



684 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

his generosity Mr. Banigan knows no race or sect. His mind and 
heart are broad enough to take in all of God's unfortunates. As a re- 
cognition of his philanthropic impulses he was especially honored by 
Pope Leo XIII., who created him a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory 
the Great, the members of which form the immediate body-guard of 
his Holiness. That this honor was worthily conferred those who have 
enjoyed his munificence will gratefully attest. 

In 1860 Mr. Banigan was married to Margaret, daughter of John F. 
Holt of Woonsocket, by whom he had four children: Mary A., wife of 
W. B. McElroy; John J., William B., and Alice, wife of Doctor James 
E. Sullivan. He was a second time married November 4th, 1878, to 
Maria T. Conway of New York city. 

Jerothmul Bowers Barnap.y, the founder of The J. B. Barnaby 
Company, was one of 14 children of Stephen B. and Lucy H. (Hatha- 
way) Barnaby, and was born at the Barnaby homestead October 27th, 
1830. The family is descended from James Barnaby, who was at Ply- 
mouth as early as 1660. In 1725 Ambrose Barnaby moved to Freetown, 
Mass., near Fall River, where he purchased a portion of the estate now 
known as the Barnaby homestead, which at present is owned by the 
heirs of Stephen Barnaby, the father of the subject of this sketch. 

Mr. Barnaby was educated in the country schools at first, supple- 
menting this work with a course of instruction at Pete's Academy, an 
institution then in existence near Fall River. He was 16 years old 
when he left school and became a clerk in the employ of his brother- 
in-law, William H. Ashley, at Steep Brook, near Fall River. When 
20 years old he entered the clothing store of Andrew N. Dix, at Fall 
River, where he remained about two years. October 27th, 1852, he 
came to Providence and opened a store at 15 South Main street, where 
he continued in business very successfully for 17 years. Then he re- 
moved to larger and more commodious quarters, which had been spe- 
cially fitted up for his business, in the new Woods Building, corner of 
College and South Main streets, in 1869. During this year also the 
firm of J. B. Barnaby & Company was formed, Mr. Henry B. Winship 
becoming a member of the copartnership. Success followed the new 
firm, as it had followed its senior member, and they were compelled 
to remove again in 1876 to still larger and more eligible quarters, 
which they secured in the new Dorrance Building, located on Dor- 
rance, Westminster and Middle streets. From that time to the present 
the firm has not only popularized itself by certain unique and attrac- 
tive devices for drawing public attention, but in the legitimate expan- 
sion of its business it has stretched forth to several other cities, where 
large stores under the firm's management are also operated. In 18S4 
the firm was enlarged by the addition of three members — Messrs. 
Walter A. Scott, George H. Grant and Albert L. Anthony, who had 
been clerks under the old management. On January 1st, 1881), Mr. 
Barnabv retired from the business, with which his name had been 




^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ■ 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 685 

honorably connected for over a generation, leaving the large clothing 
concern that he had established in the hands of his late partners. 

Mr. Barnaby also engaged in enterprises outside of Rhode Island, 
among them the Barnaby Manufacturing Company of Fall River, which 
is engaged in the manufacture of ginghams, and in which he was a di- 
rector and one of the largest owners. He erected the first iron front 
building in the state. It was located at the corner of Westminster and 
Union streets, and was built in 1870. In 1872 he built the Bowers 
Block, and subsequently the Conrad Building, one of the finest edifices 
devoted to business in the city. 

In politics Mr. Barnaby was a democrat. In former years he paid 
more attention to politics than during the latter period of his life, ow- 
ing to the multitude of business affairs. In the first place he was a 
member of the city council from the old Seventh ward from 1870 to 
1870, and for several of the latter years of this period he was succes- 
sively selected for chairman of the joint committee on finance of the 
city government. In 1875 he was elected to the general assembly from 
this city, and served for one year. The year 1877 saw him nominated 
as the democratic candidate for governor. His opponent was ex-Gov- 
ernor Van Zandt, republican and prohibitionist. A highly exciting 
campaign resulted in Mr. Barnaby's defeat by 454 votes out of a total 
of 24,456. The next year he was made the democratic candidate for 
congress in the Second district, though his residence was in the First 
district. Honorable Latimer W. Ballou, the republican candidate, out 
of a total vote of 10,427, defeated Mr. Barnaby by 717 votes. On the 
death of his brother, Mr. Abner J. Barnaby, in 1882, who was a mem- 
ber of the democratic national committee from Rhode Island, Mr. Bar- 
naby was elected to that position, and he was twice reelected, the sec- 
ond time in the spring of 1888. 

Mr. Barnaby was married September 15th, 1857, to Josephine A. 
Reynolds, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Anthony) Reynolds, of 
this city. They had three children; Mabel, wife of John Howard 
Conrad, of Chicago, 111.; Hattie A., who died in 1879; and Josephine 
Maud. After an illness of several years, Mr. Barnaby died on the 
morning of September 19th, 1889. The flag on the Board of Trade 
Building was placed at half-mast on the day of his death in tribute to 
his memory. Mr. Barnaby became a member of the Board of Trade 
February 26th, 1887. He was a regular attendant and a large contrib- 
utor to Grace church. He was buried September 25th, 1889. 

William B. Blanding. — In reviewing the names of those who have 
been, and are prominent, enterprising, respected citizens of Provi- 
dence, that of Blanding is one not to be last mentioned. The subject 
of this sketch, William B. Blanding, has in everyway upheld the hon- 
ored name of his ancestors, who settled in this country at an early 
date. The first trace we find of them is at Plymouth, but subsequently 
they removed to Rehoboth, Mass., having been among its earliest set- 



686 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tiers. Colonel Christopher Blanding was an officer of the revolutionary- 
army, and his son William, until his death at Providence in 1845, en- 
joyed the companionship of Mary R. (Bullock) Blanding. To them, 
August 2d, 1826, was born William Bullock Blanding. 

The public and private schools afforded Mr. Blanding a good edu- 
cation. When 18 years of age he entered, as a subordinate, the drug 
store of Edward T. Clark, at 59 North Main street, Providence, and 
soon attained a proprietary interest, succeeding to the business in 1849. 
To-day r this is the oldest drug store in Providence. His increasing- 
trade necessitated the establishment of a branch house, and in 1873 he 
bought the stock of Dyer Brothers, on Weybosset street, where he has 
since carried on an extensive business, and he also manufactures med- 
ical preparations. In 1882 he became proprietor of the drug store at 
375 High street, and July 1st, 1890. associated with his only son, Wil- 
liam (). Blanding, the firm style becoming Blanding & Blanding. 

Mr. Blanding's business career has been attended with success, and 
he is recognized as one of the oldest and most prosperous merchants 
of the state. Since the organization of the State Board of Pharmacy 
in 1870, he has been one of its members, and for the past six years has 
held the office of president. Of other associations in which he has 
held important offices, we may mention the Rhode Island Pharmaceu- 
tical, having been its president; vice-president of the American Phar- 
maceutical Association, and first vice-president of the National Whole- 
sale Drug Association. In 1853 Mr. Blanding became a member of 
the United Train of Artillery, for ten years held a lieutenant's com- 
mission, and is now a member of the Veteran Association connected 
with that organization. 

He has long been identified with the Masonic order, having joined 
Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 4, of Providence, in 1854. He was one of the 
organizers of What Cheer Lodge, No. 21, in 1857, being its first mas- 
ter, and serving two years in that office. He also held various po- 
sitions in the Providence Royal Arch Chapter. In 1855, the order of 
Knighthood was conferred upon him by St. John's Commandery, and 
he was generalissimo of the same from 1858 to 1861. In I860 he was 
one of the founders of Calvary Commandery, and was its commander 
in L865-6. He has been senior grand warden and deputy grand mas- 
ter in the Grand Lodge of Masons, and generalissimo of the Grand 
Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has taken all 
the degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, including 
the 33d, which was conferred May 6th, L863. 

In politics Mr. Blanding is a democrat, and has always taken an 
active and prominent part in matters relating to the interests of the 
party, but never accepted any public offices until he was elected a 
member of the city council for the years 1885, '86 and '87. He was a 
representative in the general assembly in 1S87-8, which position he 
filled with dignity and efficiency. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 687 

November 13th, 1851, Mr. Blanding united in marriage with Mary 
A., daughter of Oliver and Electa A. (Bosworth) Remington, of Provi- 
dence. One son, William O., has been the fruit of their union. 

In brief, Mr. Blanding may be described as a man of modest and 
genial manners, kind disposition, thorough in all undertakings, and 
loved most by those who know him best. 

Obadiah Brown, a well known farmer throughout New England, 
and a member of the state board of agriculture, was born in the town 
of North Providence, November 30th, 1823. He is a descendant of 
Chad Brown, who came from Salem to Providence in 1637 (the year 
after Roger Williams) with his wife Elizabeth and his son John. 
Chad Brown was contemporary with Roger Williams and whether he 
was the first pastor of the church, as Moses Brown says, or the first 
after Roger Williams, has been a disputed point. He was a man of 
excellent character, and held various appointments in the community. 
On May 14th, 1770, John Brown, great-great-grandson of Chad Brown, 
laid the corner stone of University Hall, the name of which was 
changed to Brown University in 1804. Governor Elisha Brown, son 
of James, was a great-grandson of Chad Brown. James Brown, grand- 
son of Chad Brown, was one of the founders of the commercial house 
of the Browns, and his son Joseph Brown, the great-grandfather of 
the subject of this sketch (born May 5th, 1701), lived in North Provi- 
dence on lands now owned by Obadiah Brown. The lineal descent is 
as follows: Chad 1 , John 2 , James 3 , Joseph 4 , Andrew 5 , Richard , Obadiah 7 . 
Andrew Brown had three wives, but there was issue only by the first, 
Dorcas Knight, whom he married June 27th, 1773. His son, Richard, 
was born June 17th, 1789. Richard married Penelope, daughter of 
Joseph and Hannah Farnum, February 23d, 1812. Their children 
were: Sarah Ann, Martha Ann, Dorcas K., Mary Jane, Obadiah and 
Joseph Farnum. Richard Brown was a well-to-do farmer, and a man 
of force and character. He held various offices of honor and trust, 
among which was that of representative of his town to the general 
assembly of Rhode Island. He died in 1840, at the age of 51, leaving 
Obadiah, then a youth of 17 years, in charge of the farm. Penelope 
was born April 12th, 1793, and died July 24th, 1869. Her father was 
a Quaker. He owned the grist mill and forge at Georgiaville, also 
extensive tracts of land in that vicinity. 

Obadiah Brown was raised a farmer. His educational advantages 
were limited to the common district school, and even those were 
terminated, in early life, by the death of his father. From necessity 
he has been in management of the interests of the homestead from 
his youth, and to his share of this property he has added other posses- 
sions, comprising the beautiful site upon which he built his handsome 
residence in 1849. This house stands on Chalkstone avenue, on an 
elevated piece of land, commanding in extent one of the most delight- 
ful views in the county. 



688 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Mr. Brown is distinctively a farmer in the best and broadest sense 
of that term, and as a leader in agricultural pursuits, his career empha- 
sizes the greater possibilities of those more intelligent husbandmen, 
who supply the world with the substantial products of life. As a 
farmer, he has secured prominence throughout New England because 
of his eminent services rendered to stock raisers, and to the producing 
class, and also because of the high positions held in both state and 
county agricultural societies. Almost from his youth he has been 
identified prominently with the Rhode Island Society for the Encour- 
agement of Domestic Industry, as also was his brother, Joseph Brown, 
who succeeded him in the vice-presidency and in the presidency of the 
society, both of which offices were held by each of the brothers for 
several years. In 1863 Joseph Brown entered into co-partnership with 
Mr. Andrew Winsor, under the style of Winsor & Brown, well known 
and extensive lumber dealers of Providence. 

In 1884 Mr. Obadiah Brown became a member of the state board 
of agriculture, and still holds that position, his efficiency being recog- 
nized by every one. He has devoted much time to raising and im- 
proving fine stock. His barn, a model of convenience, built in 1851 
and adapted for housing cattle, is at the present time full of some of 
the finest Ayrshires, of his own breeding, found in New England, and 
the many gold medals and first premiums received in Rhode Island, 
Massachusetts and other states bear testimony to his good judgment 
in this matter. At the Dairy Show, Madison Square Garden, New 
York, in 1888, first prizes were awarded him on some stock now in 
his barn. 

Politically Mr. Brown is a republican, and socially he is a very pop- 
ular man, and has held his share of the public offices. In 1855, 1856, 
and again in 1857, he was representative from the town of North 
Providence to the General assemblv of Rhode Island, under the guber- 
natorial administrations of Governors W. W. Hoppin and Elisha 
Dyer. In 1873, before the town was divided, he was elected state sen- 
ator from North Providence, and reelected in 1874, being the last sen- 
ator of the old town before his part of the town was annexed to the 
city. In 1884 the city elected him representative to the general as- 
sembly again, and he served on some of the more important commit- 
tees of the house. During this official career, the public spirit of the 
man was manifest when the city of Providence made him commis- 
sioner of public highways. Subsequently he was appointed a member 
of the public board, and in these capacities his broad views have crys- 
talized and become a part of our magnificent institutions, and are 
monuments in themselves of his fitness for holding offices of trust and 
responsibility. 

September 18th, 1849, he married Amey R. Angell, daughter of Na- 
thaniel and Asha (Smith) Angell, who is a descendant of Thomas An- 
gell, the ancestor of one of the most influential families in the state. 








O^t/otf^ 



stms-**-. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 689 

She was born August 8th, 1827. They have had six children, of 
whom the following are living: Anna M., Mabel, Adelaide V. and 
Florence. 

Henry R. Barker, mayor of Providence city, is in every respect 
a representative man. He comes of an old and honorable family who 
were connected with the settlement of the Rhode Island colony and 
have always held positions of trust and importance in their respective 
communities. The first American ancestor was James Barker. He 
and his father sailed from England (1634) in company with Nicholas 
Easton. His father died during the voyage, and James, a boy 11 
years of age, was cared for by Nicholas Easton, and subsequently 
removed to Newport, R. I. James' mother was Barbara Dungan, 
granddaughter of Lewis Latham, falconer to King Charles I. He died 
in 1702, after having served in public office many years. The genea- 
logical table prepared by John Austin enumerates the offices held as: 
corporal, ensign, member of the general court of elections, commis- 
sioner, assistant (member of upper house) for nine years, deputy 
(member of lower house) for twelve years, and deputy governor. We 
have not space to trace the line to Mayor Barker's parents. His father, 
William C. Barker, was a native of Newport, and came to Providence 
when 12 years of age. He was a member of the common council from 
the organization of the city government in 1832, to 1836, when he was 
elected one of the board of aldermen and remained in that body two 
years. At the time of his death (1850) he held a government office 
under the administration of President Buchanan. His mother's name 
was Sarah A. (Jencks) Barker, of Smithfield, R. I. 

Mayor Barker was educated in the public schools of his native city, 
passing through every grade from primary, and graduated from the 
high school in 1859 with creditable rank in his class. The following- 
year he was engaged as clerk for the Providence Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company (organized in 1800), and soon won the favor and esteem 
of his employers. When President Lincoln summoned the North to 
rally in defense of the capital, Mr. Barker, though still under age, 
enlisted as sergeant of Company I, of the Tenth Rhode Island Regi- 
ment. Having been honorably discharged at the expiration of the 
regiment's term of service, he returned to Providence intending to 
reenlist. Ashe entered the office of the Providence Mutual Insurance 
Company Mr. Joseph T. Snow, the secretary, greeted him as follows: 
"You must not go back to the army, Mr. Barker. One of us must 
remain to take care of the business, and as I have enlisted you are the 
man." He was accordingly installed as assistant secretary, and for 
upward of a year had full charge of the affairs of the company, then 
carrying insurance to the amount of about $12,000,000 in Providence 
and throughout Rhode Island. Mr. Barker was afterward elected 
secretary and subsequently president of the corporation, which office 
he still holds. The amount of business done by the company has 

44 



690 HISTORY OF PROVIDE^XE COUNTY. 

doubled in the past 20 years, and much of the prosperity is due to Mr. 
Barker's careful management. It is now in a very flourishing 
condition. 

With the Grand Army of the Republic Mr. Barker has always 
been an interested and active member. He is a charter member of 
Slocum Post, No. 10, and is still in active membership. In this Post 
he held the office of first adjutant, and served five successive terms as 
commander, and upon retiring from the command was elected quar- 
termaster, which position he still holds. He was elected commander 
of the Department of Rhode Island in 1879, and has represented the 
Grand Army of the state in several national encampments. He took 
a prominent part in the national encampment held in Boston in 1871, 
when General Burnside was elected commander-in-chief. When upon 
the death of General Burnside it was determined to erect a monu- 
ment to his memory, Mr. Barker was appointed on the committee 
and rendered valuable and efficient service in securing the necessary 
funds for its erection. At the dedication of the statue he was the 
chairman of the committee of arrangements and presided at the 
dedicatory exercises. 

Mayor Barker's municipal service began in 1873, by representing 
the Ninth ward in the common council. He remained in the council 
seven years, the last one of which he was unanimously elected presi- 
dent of that body. He served on several important committees, and 
was chairman of the committee on education from 1875 to 1878, inclu- 
sive. In the latter year he was appointed chairman of the committee 
on the dedication of the city hall, and also rendered valuable service 
as chairman of the committee on the erection of a new high school. In 
this position he devoted a great deal of time, closely following the 
work of the erection of the building from the day of its inception to 
its completion. In 1870 Air. Barker was promoted to the board of 
'aldermen. He brought into that body the influence which his long and 
efficient service in the common council merited. He was appointed to 
the joint committees on police and railroads, and was chairman of the 
aldermanic committee on police. The election of Mr. Barker as chair- 
man of the committee on police was a tribute to his discretion and 
energy at a period which called alike for rare tact, prudence and firm- 
ness in the direction of affairs pertaining to that department, as may 
be seen by reference to the history of the Providence police. Mr. 
Barker amply justified the confidence exhibited in his judgment and 
abilities, and the following year continued on the same committees. 
He was unanimously elected president of the board of aldermen in 
1882, and was a member of the joint committee on the city debt and 
the city engineer's department, and also the aldermanic committee on 
streets. 

At the close of 1882 Mr. Barker retired from public life in order 
that he migfht e'ive more attention to the erowine business with which 




^l^lHi ffo* 



C4U;' ' 





HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 691 

he had been connected since youth. The public eyes were more than 
once turned toward him as a fitting candidate for mayor but Mr. 
Barker was not a man to strive for elevation. He did not affect to 
despise public office or to hold in light esteem those trusts which are 
in Rhode Island certainly the evidence of honorable repute and of 
standing in the community. But he felt that the people had his record 
to judge from, and that upon their judgment it was his duty to wait. 
His nomination and election by a decided majority proved that faith- 
ful service had not been forgotten, and that his fellow citizens believed 
him to be the right man to whom to trust the leadership of the munic- 
ipality. Their trust was not misplaced, as in January,- 1891, Mayor 
Barker finished a term of office which has been as highly satisfactory 
and efficiently filled as any in the annals of mayorality. 

Space forbids a complete account of the measures proposed and 
carried through by him, but a few of the more important may be 
noted. In his first inaugural address he called attention to the press- 
ing need of some method of public industrial instruction by which 
young men, in connection with other studies, should learn the general 
principles of the mechanical arts and trades. This recommendation 
he kept before the attention of the council so vigorously, and he was 
so aided by the consensus of opinion among the broadest minded 
educators of the city, that an appropriation of $70,000 was made to 
carry out his suggestion. In connection with this educational work 
Mr. Barker called attention to the need of an appropriation for the 
public library of the city. Hitherto this most useful of public institu- 
tions had been carried on by private contributions. Now $7,500 is 
annually devoted to its maintenance. He proposed the reduction of 
the number of the members of the school committee, and that body 
is now composed of 33 instead of 63 members as formerly, and busi- 
ness is greatly facilitated by this concentration. His most important 
service to the city's interest, aside from his strenuous efforts as well as 
success in securing rights of way for the development of a plan for a. 
comprehensive sewerage system whereby many thousands of dollars 
were saved to the city, lay in the direction of more improved terminal 
facilities for railroads. From the day of his inauguration he was in 
complete accord with the railroad managers, and by his conciliating 
measures, with a due regard for the rights of the people, the interests 
of the city were strictly guarded and those of the railroads promoted 
as well. Plans were soon adopted and work is well under way which 
will give Providence railroad facilities unsurpassed by any city in the 
country. 

The aggressive and business like methods used by Mr. Barker have- 
made him and his work appreciated, his characteristics being uniform 
courtesy, unfailing generosity, intense local pride, unswerving justice. 
He is president of the Boston Investment Company, a corporation 
with assets of more than two and a half millions of dollars; is also 



602 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

president of the Rhode Island Investment Company; has been 
for nearly ten years vice-president of the Roger Williams Savings 
Fund and Loan Association of Providence, and is a director in the 
Industrial Trust Company of Providence. He is a prominent member 
of the Masonic brotherhood. In 1862 he became a Mason, and was an 
officer in St. John's Lodge during the same year. He is a charter 
member and past master of Corinthian Lodge, and is a member of the 
Providence Royal Arch Chapter, and of Calvary Commandery, Knights 
Templar. In the latter body he has recently declined a reelection as 
commander. 

Mayor Barker's marriage relations have been most pleasant. He 
married in October, 1864, Annie C, daughter of Stephen A. Tripp, of 
New Bedford, Mass. Their union has resulted in two children: Henry 
A., who is at present with his father in business, and Jessie L., who is 
attending school. 

John Park Campbell, one of the four Campbell brothers engaged 
in business in Rhode Island, sons of Winthrop and Susan Dorrance 
(Gordon) Campbell, was born December 28th, 1822, in Voluntown, Conn. 
The history of this branch of the Campbell family runs back to Scot- 
land, and counts many highly worthy names in the various profes- 
sions and all the walks of life. Robert Campbell, born in Scotland in 
1673, with his wife Janet and children: Charles. John, Sarah, Mary, 
James and Robert, emigrated to New England, and settled first, in 
1719, at New London, Conn., and shortly afterward at Voluntown, being 
among the first settlers in this last region, then a wilderness, where 
he and his family were the chief actors in founding the Presbyterian 
church, organized in October, 1723. This worthy planter, the father 
of a very worthy family, died February 14th, 1725, in his fifty-second 
year. 

Robert's son, John, known in history as Doctor John, on account 
of his professional skill, born in 1698, married Agnes Allen and had 
children; Jean, Sarah, James, Agnes, John, Moses, Martha and Moses. 

This second John, well known as Deacon John, born September 
23d, 1728, married Mary Ferguson, June 2d, 1748, and died December 
4th, 1808, having children: George, Ann, Janet, Alexander, John and 
Rebecca. 

This third John, who became a captain, born in 1758, married Jean 
Campbell and had children: Daniel (a doctor), Rebecca, Winthrop, 
Olive, Lydia and James. He was a solid farmer and of a stalwart type 
of character. He was a soldier in the revolution and shared the bitter 
winter at Valley Forge. He died in 1840. 

Winthrop, a son of this last John, born December 16th, 1786, mar- 
ried Susan Dorrance Gordon, March 6th, 1814, and had children: Hora- 
tio Nelson, Daniel Gordon, Mary Gordon, Rosanna Stewart, John 
Park and Jane Ann (twins), James Monroe, Rowena and Emma Dor- 
rance. He was a devoted, enterprising, successful farmer. He and 





C X0 



■ (/■ < 




HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 693 

his family were in high repute for intelligence and virtue, and all 
his children rose to usefulness and honor. He died February 25th, 
1867. 

John Park, after a course of education in his excellent home and 
in the public schools, chose to enter upon a business career, and first 
and last, was associated with his enterprising brothers, Horatio N., 
Daniel G. and James M. His training in industry, economy and in- 
tegrity in his pure New England home, that had withal a genuine 
Scotch air, prepared him for fidelity and success in whatever he might 
undertake. 

He first removed in June, 1840, to Westerly, R. I., and engaged as 
a clerk in the mercantile house conducted by Mr. Rowse Babcock, Jr., 
who was also a large and distinguished manufacturer, in which store 
his brother, Horatio N., had been for four years. In October of the 
same year Mr. Babcock removed his business to the corner of Broad 
and Main streets, into a new and larger building, and received as a 
business partner, Horatio N., forming the firm of H. N. Campbell & 
Co. John P. entered as clerk in the new house, and so continued till 
1850, when he became a member of the firm. The house dealt in 
merchandise, manufacturers' supplies and wool. He rose to promi- 
nence in business by his activity, tact and good judgment. 

In the spring of 1855 he retired from the firm of H. N. Campbell 
& Co., and forming a co-partnership with his brother James M., re- 
moved to Providence, where, under the firm name of J. P. & J. M. 
Campbell, was established a wholesale house, dealing in wool and cot- 
ton. The ability of the partners built up a sound and prosperous bus- 
iness. This firm continued till 1865, when James M. withdrew to en- 
ter upon other engagements, and a new firm was formed including 
Daniel G., bearing the name of J. P. Campbell & Co. At this point 
the tide of business was somewhat changed, adding to the trade in 
wool that of manufacturing woolen goods. First the firm took the 
well-known Belleville Mill in North Kingstown on lease. This mill 
was improved and run to good advantage. 

Later, in 1876, the firm bought the mill property at Potter Hill, in 
the northern part of Westerly, ever after known as the Campbell 
Mills, one of the best woolen factories in Rhode Island. Here the 
firm nearly doubled the size and capacity of the mill, and did a profit- 
able business. In 1887 John P. bought out the interest of his brother 
Daniel G. in the Belleville Mill, and enlarged the mill, adding new 
machinery, making a first-class fancy cassimere mill. Of this mill 
James R. Wilson, a capable young man, being brought up in the mill, 
is now the agent, and owns in it a small interest, Mr. Campbell own- 
ing the balance, and being treasurer. The Campbell Mills at Potter 
Hill are now incorporated, John P. being president, and Daniel G. be- 
ing treasurer; Daniel A. Taylor being the agent or manager at the 



f>94 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

mills. John P. and Daniel G. also bought in 1884 the Riverside Mill 
in East Providence, a new plant which they have equipped with 
10,000 spindles for working cotton. 

In 1888 John P., in connection with B. B. & R. Knight, bought the 
Cranston Print Works property, in Cranston, once owned by the 
Spragues, and organized the business under the name of the Crans- 
ton Print Works Company, the business being that of bleaching, 
printing and finishing cotton goods. Mr. Campbell was chosen presi- 
dent. 

Thus his hands as a manufacturer are very full, but all his inter- 
ests, on account of his ability, reliability and fidelity, are prospered. 
Through all monetary crises he has steered his affairs wiselv and 
safely, his word being equal to gold. Interested in all religious af- 
fairs, he still keeps up his regard for the church of his ancestors in 
Connecticut by annually contributing to its support, as do also his 
three brothers. 

Mr. Campbell is a member of the Providence Board of Trade, hav- 
ing been one of the first to organize and establish that body. For 
about twenty years he has been a director in the Second National 
Bank, Providence. He became a director in the Industrial Trust Com- 
pany of Providence soon after its formation, and is a director in two 
insurance companies. 

He was married February 25th, 1873, to Jessie H. Babcock, of 
Liverpool, England. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, while her 
father, Benjamin F. Babcock, of Stonington, Conn., was engaged there 
in a branch of a banking house with his brother Samuel D., then in 
New York. 

Politically, John P. began life with the old whig party, but on the 
formation of the republican party hastened to its banner, under which 
he has bravely stood in peace and in war, never, however, seeking or 
accepting office. With voice and hand and purse he has upheld all 
public interests and kept in view the common welfare. Associated 
with the leading men in the state, he has justly been accounted a man 
of deep principle, sagacity and strength. Reared in the pure air of a 
Presbyterian home, he soon became a decided Episcopalian, uniting 
with Christ church in Westerly, and afterward with Grace church in 
Providence. In this last he is esteemed both as a supporter and an or- 
nament. Here, too. his wife is very active. In short, his career has 
been one of large honor to himself and his family, and of special 
credit to the state of Rhode Island. He is still in the full tide of 
business. 

Henry C. Clark was born November 28th, 1822, in Providence, 
where he has since resided, with the exception of a few years spent in 
California and abroad. During his travels he sailed around Cape 
Horn to the gold regions in 1849, where he adapted himself to the 
situation, following the occupations of a laundryman, boatman, boat- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 695 

builder, miner and merchant. After receiving his education in the 
public schools of his native city, in 1841 he was employed in the coal 
business of Jackson & Clark. His merit was soon made manifest, and 
later he became a partner, the firm becoming Jackson, Clark & Co. 
Continuing in this line the name of the firm has been S. Clark & Co., 
Clark & Coggshall, Henry C. Clark, Clark & Webb, Tucker, Swan & 
Co., and at present the Providence Coal Company, which is the largest 
in the city if not in the United States. From the small sale of 1,000 
tons annually, under Jackson & Clark, the business has grown to its 
present vast proportions, the Providence Coal Company selling more 
than 275,000 tons in a single year. 

Mr. Clark has invented many devices for handling and storing 
coal, which are universally adopted. He was first to plan and erect 
large pockets for the rapid discharging, storing, and cheapening the 
handling of coal, their present capacity being 40,000 tons. He invented 
and put into use a tub, which under the direction of one man, fills it- 
self in the vessel with coal, and distributes its contents over an in- 
clined railway into the pockets. It is then drawn from the bottom 
through a trap into carts, ready for delivery, completely doing away 
with cars, barrows, and the labor and other unnecessary expenditures 
attending the old way. He invented and patented a device for the 
easy dumping of loaded carts by means of a screw, also a latch to keep 
the tail-boards of carts in place. His many inventions being very 
valuable, several enterprising individuals have patented portions of 
his work as their own designs. The yards and apparatus of the Prov- 
idence Coal Company are of the most approved style. The pockets 
and mill are fitted with water pipes and sprinklers for protection 
against a repetition of the disastrous fires which twice destroyed the 
pockets. Mr. Clark has also been largely interested in the salt, grain 
and hay business, being the owner and operator of a large mill estab- 
lishment in that line. 

With strong anti-slavery and temperance proclivities, he took an 
early and active part in legislation, having been a member of the city 
common council, board of aldermen, state legislature, and was the pro- 
hibition party's candidate for mayor. He is firm in his convictions of 
right and wrong, outspoken in their defense, and persevering in 
maintaining them, having repeatedly, before the inter-state commerce 
commission and courts, defeated large corporations in their claims. 

William Corliss, the inventor and manufacturer of the famous 
burglar-proof known as the Corliss Safe, was born in the town of 
Greenwich, Washington county, N. Y., November 5th, 1835. His fa- 
ther, Doctor Hiram Corliss, was an eminent physician and surgeon, 
who remained active in his profession to the age of four score years. 
The oldest of his four sons was George H. Corliss, the renowned in- 
ventor and manufacturer of the Corliss Engine, the subject of this 
sketch, William Corliss, being the youngest. Mr. Corliss received his 



6DC) HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

education at the Greenwich Academy and at Fort Edward Institute, 
Fort Edward, N. Y. Upon invitation of his brother, George H. Cor- 
liss, he came to Providence in 1856 and began his business education 
under the direct and personal tuition of his brother, who was 18 
years his senior. Becoming a member of his brother's household, and 
entering the draughting room at the engine works, they were almost 
continuously in each other's company. So close a relationship with 
such a person as George Ff. Corliss — a man of untiring energy, indom- 
itable will and of rare genius — could not fail to be of great and lasting 
benefit to the younger brother — nor did it. In 1858 the engine build- 
ing firm of Corliss & Nightingale was changed to the Corliss Steam 
Engine Company. In 1862 William Corliss was made vice-president, 
and from 1863 to 1871 was treasurer, being entrusted by his brother, 
who was president, with the general management of the vast business 
of that company. 

In 1862 the city council elected Mr. Corliss water commissioner to 
fill the vacancy caused by the death of Moses B. Lockwood. The 
other members of the board were Joseph J. Cooke and Charles E. Car- 
penter. These commissioners were charged with the duty of con- 
structing water works and introducing water into the city of Provi- 
dence. The labors of this commission were completed in 1876, and the 
works, costing something over four and one-half millions of dollars, 
were turned over to the city. Mayor Doyle in his annual message, 
1877, closes his reference to the work of this commission in the follow- 
ing language: " The work thus planned and executed in the two de- 
partments " (water and sewage) "under the supervision of Moses B. 
Lockwood, Joseph J. Cooke and Charles E. Carpenter, and by William 
Corliss as a successor of Mr. Lockwood, has already received the 
highest encomiums, from the most eminent talent engaged in the 
construction of water works and sewers, both in this country and 
Europe; and its great excellence will be more and more apparent as 
it is tested by use. These gentlemen retired from office, Messrs. 
Cooke and Carpenter after a service of more than seven years, and Mr. 
Corliss of four and one-half years, with a record for unimpeachable 
integrity and faithfulness to duty too rarely found in public servants 
of the present time, and for which the generations to come will hold 
them in grateful recollection." 

The life work of Mr. Corliss is to provide means by which portable 
property may be made absolutely secure from fire and burglary. His 
attention was first directed to this subject by circumstances that would 
seem trivial, but which ultimately changed his whole course of life. 
While treasurer of the Corliss Steam Engine Company, and acting as 
a director in a national bank, Mr. Corliss first discovered and recog- 
nized the utter inability of all known safes to withstand the attack of 
burglars, and he easily made plain that fact to his associates and oth- 
ers. Having made this discovery and fully realizing the vast import- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 697 

ance of the subject, as strikingly illustrated by the imperative needs 
of the bank for which he was making the investigation, the question 
naturally arose— " Is it not possible to make a burglar-proof?" The 
answer to this question is written in the years of study and toil de- 
voted to this subject by Mr. Corliss. It is written in the thousands 
and tens of thousands of dollars that have been expended by him in 
various experiments; it is emphasized by Mr. Corliss' abandonment of 
the steam engine business, in order to follow out and accomplish this 
great work; and it is finally answered affirmatively by the production 
of that unique and wonderful structure known as the Corliss Burglar- 
proof. Very rarely do we see anything that so little resembles all else 
that has preceded it. A r ery seldom do we find such a radical depart- 
ure from established methods and practice. 

The difficulties that confronted Mr. Corliss in the production of 
his safe were not such as could be easily surmounted. Some years 
were spent by him in experimental research before he was able to de- 
termine upon the material best adapted to its construction. After this 
point was settled, it was found that there was no machinery known by 
which this material could be successfully worked, therefore it de- 
volved upon Mr. Corliss to work out this problem also; to this end he 
was obliged to invent special machinery and devise means by which 
his safe could be manufactured. His familiarity with machine shop 
practice and his engineering experience were excellent qualifications 
for such an undertaking. His general knowledge of mechanics, to- 
gether with his instinctive inventive' faculties and a determination 
that could not be dismayed by any obstacle, finally resulted in the de- 
sired consummation, and the Corliss Safe stands to-day a perfected 
structure, affording absolute security against all practical methods of 
assault by either mobs or burglars. 

In 1883 the Corliss Safe Company, of which Mr. Corliss is president, 
purchased several acres of land at Auburn, a suburb of Providence 
adjoining Roger Williams Park, and erected their manufactory upon 
the line of the New York, Providence & Boston railroad. These works 
have attracted much attention from the public, on account of the gen- 
eral appearance and character of the buildings erected, and from en- 
gineers and practical men, because of the interior arrangement and 
special machinery there introduced. The peculiar characteristics of 
Mr. Corliss, both as a man and as an engineer, seem to pervade every 
department, and the Corliss Safe Works, with their beautiful grounds 
and substantial buildings, are regarded by all who visit them as a 
model establishment. 

Corliss Burglar-proofs are now being built of various sizes, from 
safes having an available capacity of 6 cubic feet, weighing 8,500 
pounds and costing $2,000, to those having a capacity of 50 cubic feet, 
weighing 32,000 pounds and costing $8,000; and when it is stated that 
plans are already matured for making safe deposit vaults upon this 



698 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

system of construction, that will weigh from 75 tons to 300 tons each, 
some idea may be formed of the magnitude of the enterprise. 

Perry Davis, widely known as the author of the renowned " Pain 
Killer" medicine, was born in the town of Dartmouth, Bristol county, 
Mass., July 7th, 1791. He was the son of Edmund and Sarah Davis, 
being the eldest of three children by this marriage. Four years after 
his birth his parents moved to Westport, in the same county, where 
they resided during the period of his youth. His early educational 
advantages were meagre. When he was 14 years of age he seriously 
injured one of his hips by falling through a raft upon which he was at 
work, and by this accident was not only made a cripple for life but 
rendered peculiarly liable to colds, followed by fevers and kindred 
diseases, to many of which he became a prey in succeeding years. 
From sickness he suffered greatly and was brought down with fevers 
which had their regular run on 24 different occasions. " With physi- 
cians, however," says a contemporary writer, " he was abundantly 
blessed of the regular scientific stamp, and by them has submitted 64 
times to the use of the lancet, not to mention other accompanying 
remedies administered for his diseases." In 1838 he removed to Paw- 
tucket, R. I., and during this year invented a mill for grinding grain; 
and the next year removed to Taunton, Mass., for the purpose of 
enlarging and facilitating the business of putting up these mills. 
While in Taunton he studied the effects of certain drugs upon the 
human system, and experimented in their uses until he had com- 
pounded a medicine capable of curing his own maladies. In 1841 he 
removed to Fall River, Mass., where on July 3d, 1843, he was burned 
out, and then located in Providence, among strangers and in poverty 
stricken circumstances. 

He opened his Pain Killer manufactory in his own residence, be- 
ing assisted by his wife and daughter in the work. Everything seemed 
to be against wind and tide, but Mr. Davis was not a timorous man, 
and he persevered faithfully. One sad event brought the stranger 
t<> the city into sudden notoriety. One day while at work, a large can 
oi alcohol in use caught fire, and the sudden flame of the burning 
liquid in its rapid ascent to the ceiling enveloped Mr. Davis, burning 
his body to the bone. Mrs. Davis and his daughter, Mrs. S. Dennis, 
were left powerless in their attempts to rescue the sufferer, and rushed 
to the street for aid. When help arrived the flesh on his arms and 
hands hung in shreds, the thick fleshy portions on his hands falling 
off. His face was one solid burnt sore, and his kidneys were so injured 
that he passed nothing but blood for nearly two days. The family 
pleaded for a physician, but Mr. Davis was inexorable and said if his 
medicine could not save him he would go with it. The Pain Killer 
was used as directed. The sufferings of the patient were terrible. No 
one thought he could survive, and the second night following it was 
supposed he was dying, but he finally passed off into a quiet sleep, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 699 

and from that time began to gain. In four weeks from that time he 
drove a wagon to Apponaug. The first Pain Killer taken to Boston 
Mr. Davis carried in a basket on his arm, walking there and back. 
He called on the druggists, but they shrugged their shoulders and 
said they could not sell it without the assistance of advertising and 
that they made mixtures equally as good themselves. After canvass- 
ing the city with but little success, and at last discouraged, he went 
among the crowd upon the street and to each poor, sick, lame person 
he met he handed a bottle of Pain Killer. This done he returned 
home more discouraged than ever. 

In the meantime his medicine at home grew more popular every 
day and soon afterward the cholera made its appearance in the United 
States and Pain Killer was suddenly brought into general notice by 
the astonishing cures of this dreadful disease which it effected. 
Orders now began to come in to such an extent that Mr. Davis had to 
cast aside his pestle and mortar and commence the manufacture of 
Pain Killer upon a larger scale. It was now found that each bottle 
given away in Boston and elsewhere, had created a demand for many 
more; the sale increased from day to day, while everybody who used 
this wonderful compound was either writing or telling his friends of its 
powers in relieving pain and suffering. It was soon after its discovery 
that Perry Davis' Pain Killer was introduced into a factory at Provi- 
dence, and the employees there found it a cure for all those little ills 
and numberless hurts or accidents which factory hands are constantly 
subject to. 

In various ways the medicine became advertised until now it is 
used by every people on the Globe and known everywhere. The 
North American Indians prize it above gold. The miners of South 
Africa and Brazil have christened it the " Miners' Friend," while the 
natives of India and other warm climates find it a sure antidote 
against the bite of the most poisonous reptiles. The Hudson Bay 
Company, whose business reaches out through all the vast territory 
between Alaska and the coast of Labrador, are among the largest 
dealers of this article. In 1866 Perry Davis & Son opened in London, 
England, a branch depot for the exclusive sale of their Pain Killer in 
Great Britain. Extensive agencies also have been opened up in China, 
India, Japan, Turkey, Australia, Africa, New Zealand and other 
countries both in the new and old world, until now the manufac- 
ture and sale of this medicine exceeds that of any other. Mr. Davis' 
liberality has also contributed largely to the advertisement of this 
medicine. Missionaries to heathen lands, especially those of the Baptist 
church, have been furnished medicines free of charge to take with 
them. This alone has brought the remedy into great notoriety with 
the natives of heathen lands. 

When a young man Mr. Davis became converted to God, and from 
that time till his death lived a consistent Christian life. He was bap- 



700 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

tized by Elder Job Borden of the First Baptist church in Tiverton, 
R. I. In church work Mr. Davis was also active. He was very liberal 
with his money to all classes of society, and was a generous, kind 
hearted man to the needy and distressed. On the day of his burial 
the streets about his door were lined with the poor and the needy of 
the city, who loved him for the many benevolent acts of his life. 
Although almost in poverty himself till after 50 years of age, he 
always gave freely and sometimes of all he had to others in distress. 
His generous nature would respond to every call, and for a consider- 
able length of time no appeal which was made to him was refused. 
His donations to the church were extensive. He first built a chapel 
on Broad street, iibed for several years; then the little chapel on 
Stewart court, then called High Street church; then the Stewart Street 
church, which cost him $36,000. He himself was an earnest preacher 
and was ordained to the ministry November 0th, 1853. 

October 8th, 1813, he married Ruth, daughter of Pardon and Pris- 
cilla Davol, a member of the same church with himself, and kindred 
in spirit, as may be inferred from the fact, that on the evening of 
their wedding day, both bride and groom attended and actively par- 
ticipated in the exercises of a meeting for prayer and conference, 
held at the residence of one of the deacons of the church. Together 
they not only travelled the path of "the life which now is," but that 
" also of the life which is to come," along which, as the sequel shows, 
"the happiest of their kind whom gentle stars unite," they 
pleasantly journeyed, sharers in each others' sorrow, and mutual 
helpers of each others' joy. For a period of nearly thirty years their 
course of life seemed, in one view, to flow in rugged channels, with 
whirls and eddies. Clouds of sorrow thickened around them. Ad- 
verse winds impeded their progress. The multiplied anxieties of 
sickness, destitution and pinching want, at times legion-like darkened 
their pathway; and " bowed down by weight of woe," with the man of 
ancient times, they could look up to the eternal throne, and cry out 
to Him who sits thereon, " All thy waves and thy billows have gone 
over us." 

Mr. Davis died May 12th, 1802, and Mrs. Davis died October 31st, 
1872. Edmund, their only son who grew to manhood, died in 1880 in 
the 57th year of his age. He was a splendid business man, one of 
the best financiers in the state. Mrs. Sarah Dennis is the only one of 
his children now livino-. 

Daniki, Eugene Day, merchant, son of Deacon Harvey and Olive 
(Dorrance) Day, was born in Killingly, Conn., on May 28th, 1820. His 
grandfather was the Reverend Israel Day, 40 years a settled pastor in 
South Killingly, Conn., 'who was a descendant, in the fifth generation, 
of Anthony Day, who came from England and settled in Gloucester, 
Mass., in 1645. He is also a descendant of the Reverend Samuel Dor- 
rance, the first settled pastor in Sterling, now Voluntown, Conn. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 7<>1 

Mr. Day pursued the ordinary course of study in the common 
schools and academy of his native town until he was IS years of age, 
when he became a teacher, and taught successfully for eight years. 
He then entered into business in Danielsonville, Conn., with W. C. 
Bacon, and in a few years opened a flour, grain and provision store. 
In 1852 he removed to Providence, R. I., and began business in flour 
and grain on Peck's wharf, on Dyer street. In the same year Mr. S. S.. 
Sprague entered into partnership with Mr. Day, and by their energy, 
practical methods and careful management, a large and prosperous" 
business was established, the firm name being Day & Sprague. In 
1856 they removed to South Water street, and the sons of both mem- 
bers of the firm became partners, and the firm name was changed to 
Day, Sprague & Co. In 1866, to accommodate the increase of busi- 
ness, the wharf property occupied by Spellman & Metcalf, on Dyer 
street, was purchased. In 1876 the firm was dissolved. Mr. Day pur- 
chasing the entire property, and, with his sons, Henry G. and Charles 
R., under the firm name of Day, Sons & Co., continued the business 
at the old location. Extensive improvements have been made to the 
original plant, and to-day the house is the oldest and largest in its line 
of business in the city and state. The business is supplemented by 
warehouses and elevators in Macon county, 111., where purchases of 
grain are made direct from the farmers and shipped to different parts 
of the country. 

In the interest of good government, Mr. Day was nominated and 
elected by the republican party as state representative, and served his 
constituents faithfully for six years, during five of which he was chair- 
man of the important committee on finance. In 1875 Mr. Day was 
nominated for the office of lieutenant governor by the independent 
republican party, in recognition of his personal worth, his experience 
in public affairs and his firm adherence to temperance principles. In 
the exciting election which followed Mr. Day received a plurality of 
votes, running ahead of the nominee of the regular republican con- 
vention by about 1,200 votes. As there was no election by the people, 
and as the issue was decided by the house of representatives, Mr. Day 
was not elected. From this time Mr. Day was an honored and useful 
member of the city council of Providence until the year 1880, when 
he declined a reelection. During this time he was an active member 
of the joint standing committee on finance and water. Important 
acts were introduced and supported by Mr. Day in relation to the in- 
troduction of water and sewers into the city of Providence, and for 
the establishment of a sinking fund for the state of Rhode Island. He 
was one of the original commissioners of the sinking fund for the city 
of Providence. He was elected in 1873, and retains this responsible 
position. 

In his business career Mr. Day has become widely known for his 
capacity as a merchant, and for his honesty and uprightness of char- 



702 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

acter. These characteristics have made his services valuable, and he 
has been called upon to fill important positions connected with bank- 
ing and financial institutions. Only two positions of this kind has he 
accepted. In 1870 he became associated with the Commercial National 
Bank as director. In 1855 he was elected president, which office he 
holds at the present time. In 1877 he was elected a director of the 
People's Savings Bank, and in 1888 was chosen to be one of the vice- 
presidents of the institution, and is still in office. 

Mr. Day united with the Congregational church in West Killingly 
in 1843. In 1852 he became a member of the Richmond Street Con- 
gregational church of Providence, then under the pastorate of the Rev- 
erend Jonathan Leavitt, D. D.,and when this organization was merged 
into the Union Congregational church, he became a member of this 
body. He was elected deacon in 1889 to fill the unexpired term of the 
late Theophilis Salisbury, and was reelected in 1890 for the full term 
of six years. 

In social life Mr. Day's genial and hospitable disposition has wide 
recognition and appreciation. Although he had few early advantages, 
in youth being dependent upon his own exertions, yet by industry, 
perseverance and natural force of character, he has earned an honor- 
able position in the community, and is held in high esteem as a citi- 
zen, and as a stable member of his church, of which he has been a 
faithful and liberal supporter, and of gospel institutions of every kind, 
of education and of charity. 

Mr. Day was married in 1844 to Lydia Read Wilbur, daughter of 
Enoch Wilbur, of Raynham, Mass., who died in 1886, leaving four 
children: Sarah Adelaid, married to Edward W. Eames, of Buffalo, 
N. Y.: Henry Gould, married to Mary H. Love, of Providence; Charles 
Read, married to Emma J. Braman, of Cambridge, Mass.; and Olive 
Dorrance. 

Charles Fletcher, president of the Providence Worsted Mills, is 
now, in the various mills of which he is the principal owner, the lar- 
gest consumer of wool in the United States. Eminent, as a manufac- 
turer in the textile industries of the country, his record is somewhat 
remarkable. It would indeed be difficult to find a case parallel with 
his, wherein such large results, in so short a period, have been attained 
in manufacturing pursuits. Mr. Fletcher began at the bottom of the 
ladder, and is now recognized as one of the foremost manufacturers in 
our great country. As late as 187.") we find him beginning business 
for himself for the first time in a very small way, with an indomitable 
will, and greater capacity for labor than money for capital, and now 
because of constant and increasing demand for his special fabrics, the 
little mill in which he began, with its limited equipments, has given 
way to a whole plant of large buildings, in which he has in operation 
at this time 45 sets of woolen cards, 36 sets of worsted cards, 28 worsted 
combs and 52 woolen mules, having, with other spinning machinery, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 703 

an aggregate of 52,800 spindles and 420 looms for weaving worsted 
suitings for gentlemen's wear, also overcoatings and ladies' cloakings. 

Charles Fletcher was born in Thornton, near Bradford, Yorkshire, 
England, November 29th, 1840. He is the son of Richard and Ann 
( Drake ) Fletcher, the father being the owner of a large variety store 
at that place. Charles Fletcher received his education in the public 
schools of Thornton, attending night schools after he began work in 
the mills. When 17 years of age the mills stopped, and he sought 
and obtained employment in the mills at Bradford. He remained in 
Bradford till 21 years of age, though he had completed his apprentice- 
ship at the age of 17 years. In 1804 he came to this country and was 
employed one year in the Pacific Mill at Lawrence," Mass. He then 
returned to England, but in 1867 set sail again for America, locating 
this time in Providence, where he still remains. 

Mr. Fletcher began his career here in the Valley Worsted Mill, in 
charge of one department of the work, and afterward as superinten- 
dent of the worsted department. He remained in this capacity nine 
years. The operations of the mill under his management were very 
profitable, enabling the proprietors, who were embarrassed by debt 
when he commenced, to pay off their obligations two years afterward. 
At the close of his superintendency for them, the mills were on a 
strong financial basis, and earning a large interest on the capital 
invested. 

Late in the summer of 1875, Mr. Fletcher determined to undertake 
the manufacture of worsted yarns on his own account. Accordingly 
he hired the small stone mill on Valley street, known as the Rising 
Sun Paper Mill, from Anna Richmond, trustee of the Richmond 
estate, and at once ordered from England a Noble comber and the 
necessary subsidiary machinery for the manufacture of worsted yarns. 
Work was begun early in 1876, Mr. Fletcher himself superintending 
the operation of the machinery with the utmost diligence during 
working hours, devoting the evenings — often far into the night — to 
correspondence and the keeping of his books and accounts. He also 
personally sold the product of his mill, making occasional visits to the 
various large cities of the country for that purpose. Severe as was his 
routine of labor already, at the earnest solicitation of his former em- 
ployers, he also exercised supervision of the work at the Valley 
Worsted Mills. 

The success of Mr. Fletcher as a manufacturer is due wholly to the 
superior class of worsted goods he placed upon the market. In con- 
sequence, a demand for his yarns was created beyond the capacity of 
his facilities, necessitating the erection and equipment of new build- 
ings, especially designed and adapted to the worsted manufacture. 
Accordingly, on the 1st of October, 1878, he purchased the mill and 
land, in area about 24,000 feet, having a frontage on Valley street of 
175 feet, and he has since increased the area by a purchase from the 
Richmond Land Company and others, so that it now measures 213,000 



704 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

square feet, with a front on Valley street of 852 feet. On this prop" 
erty he erected six large mills, a building for the offices of the com- 
pany, and numerous small buildings. Mill No. 1, erected in 1879, is 
210 by 58 feet, four stories high; No. 2, erected in 1881, is 263 by 57 
feet, four stories high, with basement; No. 3, erected in 1884, is 215 
by 63 feet, four stories high, with an extension 36 by 36 feet, four 
stories high, and an ell 47 feet wide and four stories high; No. 4, 
erected in 1884, is 252 by 46 feet, four stories high; No. 5, erected in 
1886, is irregular in shape, having an average length and width of 
130 by 45 feet, and a height of two stories. In 1890 Mr. Fletcher 
erected a group of mills on Valley street, the largest one being 278 by 
LOO feet, four stories; another 120 by 80 feet, three stories high; and 
south of this building, called the Annex, a storehouse especially for 
the storage of wool, 140 by 60 feet, four stories high. In addition to 
the above, engine and boiler houses, dye house, storehouses, etc., have 
been erected as needed. 

In July, 1883, Mr. Fletcher associated with himself four of his most 
faithful and efficient employees, putting to their credit in the aggre- 
gate, $100,000 of the stock, with the privilege of paying for it from the 
profits of their shares, allowing their regular salaries still to continue, 
and organized the Providence Worsted Mill Company, under the gen- 
eral laws of the state, with a cash capital of $500,000. In 1886 this 
capital was increased to $1,000,000. December 31st, 1880, he purchased 
from the Lonsdale Company the mills and tenements at Manton, R. I. 
He then added a new mill, and sold the property to Horace Kimball. 
July 5th, 1883, he purchased the estate of the Providence Thread 
Company, in what had been known as the village of Simmonsville, and 
established an important industry, giving it the name of the Thorn- 
ton Worsted Mills, naming it after the village of his birth, and put it 
under the immediate superintendence of his son, Joseph E. Fletcher, 
by whom it was operated till 1888, in which year the Thornton Wors- 
ted Mill Company was formed. 

In 1883 Mr. Fletcher purchased from Charles H. Whipple the mill 
privileges next below that now occupied by the Thornton Worsted 
Mills, and erected a mill, which he leased in 1884 to the British Ho- 
siery Company. Mr. Fletcher also became interested in the manufac- 
ture of a fabric woven of cotton yarns, under a patent granted origi- 
nally to John Gujer, of Philadelphia, May 18th, 1858. Subsequently 
an improvement was granted to Seth W. Baker, of Providence, Sep- 
tember 4th, 1866, and on the 30th of January, 1883, a patent for an ap- 
plication of this fabric was granted to Mr. Fletcher, for the manufac- 
ture of aprons for carding, combing and drawing machines, used in 
preparing the sliver of wool fiber. In 1886 Mr. Fletcher purchased 
the Narragansett Hotel. He was also one of the original instigators 
and builders of the cable street railroad now in successful operation 
in the city of Providence. The above is but a meager outline of the 
grand career of Mr. Fletcher's life, and his life seems but commenced.. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 705 

William A. Harris. — The great ancestor of the subject of this 
sketch. William Harris, came to America from Bristol, England, in the 
ship " Lyon," in company with his brother Thomas and the world 
renowned Roger Williams. He was one of the first settlers of Provi- 
dence in 1636, one of the twelve to whom Williams deeded land in 1638, 
and one of the 12 original members of the First Baptist church. Sub- 
sequently he had a long controversy with the founder of the state, 
which was characterized by a good deal of warmth on both sides. 

William Andrew Harris was born in Woodstock, Conn., on the 2d 
day of March, 1835, the family consisting of three sons. His parents 
came to Providence while he was a child, and after remaining until 
1840 they removed to North Adams, Mass. At the age of 11 he 
returned to Providence, where he has since resided. After having 
attended the Fountain street grammar school for about three years, 
the principal being Mr. Albert A. Gamwell, a famous teacher in his 
day, he entered the high school in 1849, where he remained until the 
spring of 1851, when he left to attend a boarding school at South Wil- 
liamstown, Mass. While attending the hig-h school he was one of the 
carriers of the Providence Journal, retiring therefrom, as he well re- 
members, on the anniversary of Washington's birthday, February 22d, 
1851, he playfully remarking to one of his young companions who 
asked what the cannon-firing was for. that it was because he had got 
through carrying the Journal. And here it may be remarked that to 
have been a carrier of the Providence Journal in its early days is a dis- 
tinction which gives a justifiable degree of pride to many of the prom- 
inent citizens of the "City of Roger Williams." 

Young Harris, during the winter of 1851-2, remained at home 
practicing drawing. In March of the latter year he entered the Union 
Bank of Providence as clerk, where he remained three years. In 1855 
he engaged in the emplov of the Providence Forge and Nut Company, 
now known as the Providence Tool Company, as draughtsman. The 
following year he accepted a similar position with the Corliss Steam 
Engine Company. Here he remained eight and one-half years. On 
the 1st of August, 1864, he began building the Corliss engine on his 
own account, paying the inventor, the late George H. Corliss, a stip- 
ulated royalty. At first he occupied an old building on Eddy street 
which was used during the " Dorr War" as the headquarters of Thomas 
Wilson Dorr's adherents. For four years Mr. Harris carried on busi- 
ness here. In 1869 he exhibited one of his " Corliss Engines" at the 
American Institute in New York city. The New York Tribune, in 
describing it, gave it the name of the " Harris-Corliss Engine." Since 
1870, the date when the patent on the Corliss engine expired, Mr. 
Harris has manufactured it, with his own and other patented improve- 
ments, under the name originally given it by the Tribune. 

Mr. Harris started his present extensive works on the corner of 
Park and Promenade streets, west of the Union railroad station, on the 

45 



706 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

17th of November, 1868. The premises occupy nearly 150,000 square 
feet of valuable land. The buildings, constructed expressly for the 
business, consist of a machine shop, blacksmith shop, iron foundry, 
brass foundry, pattern shop and pattern storehouse, and other struc- 
tures. A large force of skilled workmen, varying with the fluctua- 
tions of business from 200 to 400, is employed in the establishment, 
the most amicable relations at all times existing between the employer 
and the employees, " strikes" being an unheard of thing here. A 
large part of the machinery and tools were invented and made espec- 
ially for these works, the product of which consists of stationary 
engines varying from 20 horse-power to 2,000. The establishment, 
when run to its full extent, is capable of turning out half a million 
dollars' worth of merchandise annually, which is shipped to all parts 
of the United States, and to Cuba, Mexico and Spain. 

Fifty years ago a prominent feature of the arts and trades through- 
out New England was the apprentice system, a thing now almost un- 
known. But in Mr. Harris's establishment this commendable feature 
is still kept up. Briefly stated, the system, as devised by him and im- 
proved and perfected by the experience of years, makes his works a 
manual or industrial training school of the best and most practical 
kind, covering a period of three years, that being the term of ap- 
prenticeship. During this time the learner is thoroughly taught to 
execute every part of the complex w r ork in the best manner, so that 
when his apprenticeship is ended he is the master of a good trade, 
and can, if he chooses, find employment where he learned the busi- 
ness. A large proportion of the workmen employed by Mr. Harris 
have thus been instructed under the direct supervision of his superin- 
tendent and foremen, thereby securing skilled mechanics and a total 
exemption from the friction which so often exists between employer 
and employed. Every man in the establishment thoroughly under- 
stands wdiat is expected of him, and upon compliance therewith merits 
and receives the approbation of the proprietor. 

In the war of the rebellion Mr. Harris entered the service of his 
country as a member of the 10th Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, 
and after serving the full period of his enlistment he received an 
honorable discharge. He is a much esteemed comrade of Prescott Post, 
No. 1, G. A. R., of Providence; served as an aide-de-camp on the staff 
of Commander-in-Chief Rea; was chosen a member of the council of 
administration of the Department of Rhode Island at the annual 
encampment in 1800; and at the annual encampment in 1891 was 
chosen as delegateat-large to the national encampment to be held in 
Detroit, Michigan, in August, 1891. 

In politics Mr. Harris is a republican. He has represented his 
ward in the city council, and for four successive years (1882-6) he was 
chosen representative to the general assembly. 

He married, September 8th, 1859, Eleanor F. Morrill, of New 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 707 

Hampshire. They have two sons, Frederick W. and William A., Jr. 
Mr. Harris is a Unitarian in religious belief, and has for many 
years been a regular worshipper at the First Congregational chureh 
in Providence. As a citizen he is widely known throughout the 
state and universally respected by all classes. By his uprightness 
of character and other sterling qualities he has won an honorable 
position in business and social circles in the city where he has so long 
resided. 

William S. Hayward was born in Foster, R. I., February 26th T 
1835. His early youth was spent on a farm while attending the pub- 
lic school. In 1847 he went to Old Warwick, R. I., where he engaged 
in farming, attending the district school during the winter months. 
Removing to Providence, his present home, in 1851, he obtained em- 
ployment in a baking establishment and followed that business until 
1858, when he purchased an interest with Rice & Hayward. Two 
years later he became a partner under the firm name of Rice, Hay- 
ward & Co. In 1863 Mr. Hayward bought the entire interest of the 
firm, and continued alone in business until 1865, when Mr. Fitz 
James Rice again became his partner, which copartnership has existed 
until the present time. An extended notice of such a well-known es- 
tablishment would be superfluous. We suffice to say its prosperity 
is largely due to Mr. Hayward's sterling qualities, which insure 
success, whether in business or at the head of a municipal corpo- 
ration. 

His fellow citizens were not long in recognizing this fact, and in 
consequence he was called upon to fill many positions of honor and 
trust. In 1872, Mr. Hayward was elected to the common council of 
the city of Providence, and annually reelected until 1876. During his 
terms of office in this branch of the city government, he served on 
many important committees, acting as chairman of the committee on 
fire department, public parks, etc. We may here mention that Mr. 
Hayward has always been a supporter of all measures for the benefit 
of the city and people, and has contributed much of his time and 
means to the furtherance thereof. The beautiful fountain which 
adorns the center of Hayward Park was his present to the citizens of 
the city of Providence in 1889. In 1876 he was elected a member of 
the board of aldermen, and in 1878 was chosen its president, which 
office he held three years. 

In November, 1880, Mr. Hayward was nominated and elected mayor 
of the city of Providence, succeeding Honorable Thomas A. Doyle. 
He brought to that office the ripe experience of a long training in 
the common council and board of aldermen, a sound judgment, and 
an enterprising spirit, and it is unnecessary to say his position was 
filled to the entire satisfaction of the community. After serving as 
mayor for the years 1881, 1882 and 1883, he declined a renomination 
for the office. 



708 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The following notes are from newspaper articles published after 
his valedictory address. Providence Journal, January 5th, 1884: "The 
pleasant words of thanks to Mayor Hayward, which accompanied the 
close of his legislative functions, have much more than an official and 
perfunctory significance. They indicate not only the warm feeling 
of personal respect and regard of his associates, won by unfailing 
kindliness and impartiality, but that of the community as well, for a 
high order of administrative ability, sincere devotion to the public 
welfare, and a graceful courtesy and dignity worthy of the chief mag- 
istrate of the city." 

The Providence Evening Press. January 7th, 1884, gives an extended 
editorial. Among other things it says: " The valedictory address of 
Mayor Hayward, delivered before the city council, to-day, very prop- 
erly is confined to a brief summary of some of the more important 
operations of the various departments of the city government during 
his term of office, which has embraced the past three municipal years. 
It informs us that the net city debt has been decreased during that 
period $593,646.43." After referring to other matters in the address,, 
it sums up as follows: " Such is a brief summary of the matters treated 
in the valedictory address of His Honor, Mayor William S. Hayward, 
now ex-mayor of the city of Providence — than whom no more honest,, 
upright, well-meaning man, ever occupied the mayoral office of this 
or any other city in the land. He has given twelve years of an honest 
man's life to the service of the city in one and another of the differ- 
ent branches of its municipal government, and retires to-day to pri- 
vate life crowned with the enviable, imperishable honor of a well 
spent public career, and laden with the grateful thanks of his fellow 
citizens." 

The Providence Evening Telegram, January 7th, 1884, says: "At 
noon to-day Mayor Hayward performed the last official act of his ad- 
ministration, and bade farewell to the halls of municipal legislation. 
There was a tinge of sadness to his final parting words, for during 
the three years he occupied the mayoral office he had endeared him- 
self to all officials of the city government, and to our citizens gen- 
erally by his faithful discharge of duties, courteous and affable man- 
ners." 

Honorable Thomas A. Doyle again succeeded to the mayoralty 
after the retirement of Mayor Hayward. The following is a quota- 
tion from his inaugural address of January 7th, 1884: "In declining 
to be a candidate for reelection to the position to which his fellow 
citizens would have again cheerfully called him, Honorable William 
S. Hayward closes a term of service highly honorable to him, and 
creditable to the city. In assuming once more the position of private 
citizen, he takes with him not alone the esteem of a large number who 
have been associated with him during his twelve years of service in 
the municipal government, but he has won the respect of the citizens 




■'■■■.■..• ' . ' 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 709 

of Providence, whose interests he has honestly guarded and always 
endeavored to promote." 

Mr. Hayward is president of the Bank of America, and is a direc- 
tor in the Citizens' Savings Bank and the National Eagle Bank. In 
1885 he was elected a representative in the state legislature and was 
reelected in 1886. He was appointed a member of the state board of 
charities and corrections by Governor Bourn, January 23d. 1884, and 
was reappointed by Governor G. P. Wetmore in 1886, and is still in 
office. He has been a member of the committee on buildings and 
repairs, and for five years chairman, during which time many new 
buildings have been erected at the state institutions, notably the new 
alms house, a structure 730 feet in length, and with accommodations 
for 400 people. 

Mr. Hayward is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Franklin Lyceum, 
Providence Light Infantry, Squantum Club, and other societies and 
organizations. 

He married November 9th, 1859, Miss Lucy Maria Rice, daughter 
of Fitz James Rice, Esq. 

Thomas j. Hill is one of the oldest and most active of the busi- 
ness men in Providence. He is the son of Cromwell Hill, a native of 
Rehoboth, Mass., who removed to Pawtucket, R. I., about the year 
1800, soon after his marriage with Cynthia Walker. Mr. Hill was 
born at that place March 4th, 1805. He obtained an ordinary school 
education, and after working a few years with his father and in the 
mills of Pawtucket, entered the machine shop of Pitcher & Gay, with 
whom he remained nine years as journeyman and apprentice. In 
April, 1830, he went to Providence and took charge of the machine 
shop connected with the steam mill then owned by Samuel Slater. A 
few years later he purchased a two-fifths interest with his employer. 
They then associated in business under the name of the Providence 
Machine Company. Mr. Slater, died in 1835, and his interest was sold 
to other parties. Under the management of Mr. Hill the business im- 
proved rapidly until 1845, when it became necessary to have larger 
quarters. New buildings were erected, and the following year Mr. 
Hill became sole proprietor of the Providence Machine Company. In 
1867 a charter was obtained by him for the corporation, but it was not 
until 1874 that the company was organized, with Mr. Hill as president 
and treasurer, his son, Mr. Albert Hill, as secretary, and Mr. George 
Hazard as manager and agent. In 1837 he bought the Lee Mill at 
Willimantic, Conn., and for several years operated it in the manu- 
facture of thread and machinery. 

Observing an opportunity for manufacturing in Lewiston, Maine, 
he associated himself with a number of Boston capitalists, who organ- 
ized the Bates Manufacturing Company, and built extensive cotton 
mills. At that place, in 1850, Mr. Hill erected a foundry and rented a 



710 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. » 

machine shop, where he built machinery for the mills, associating 
himself with Mr. Samuel W. Kilvert, a former foreman in his foundry 
at Providence. About ten years later he sold this plant. In 1859 he 
bought the Peckham Mills, at East Greenwich, R. I., and started there 
what is now known as the Bay Mills. This mill he afterward gave to 
his two sons. The Providence Dredging Company was organized by 
him in 1866, and a year later he organized the Rhode Island Malleable 
Iron Works, and in 1874 the Providence Pile Driving and Bridge Com- 
pany was established by him. Subsequently he founded the village 
of Hill's Grove, on the N. Y., P. & B. railroad, and in 1875 he started 
a cotton mill there of upward of 20,000 spindles, which he named 
Elizabeth Mill, a compliment to his wife. 

Besides being a large manufacturer, Mr. Hill has been prominently 
identified with various banking institutions and insurance companies, 
and has held several positions of trust and responsibility. He has 
been president of the Lime Rock National Bank for over 35 years, 
and vice-president of the City Savings Bank from 1850 to 1884, of 
which he was also one of the board of trustees. He was a member of 
the Providence city council during the years 1848-52, 1855-6, and 1878. 
Mr. Hill has also served as a member of the general assembly of 
Rhode Island. He is a member of the Rhode Island Historical So- 
ciety, and of the Rhode Island Agricultural Society. 

Mr. Hill has been married three times: first, October 12th, 1825, to 
Betsey Brown, daughter of Sylvanus and Ruth Brown, of Pawtucket, 
who died May 9th, 1859; second, December 9th, 1861, to Olive L. Farn- 
ham, daughter of Stephen and Hannah Farnham, of Canterbury, 
Conn., who died November 16th, 1866; and third, August 9th, 1869, to 
Elizabeth C. Kenyon, daughter of John H. and Ruth Kenyon, of War- 
wick. R. I. By the first marriage there were six children: James 
Brown, Abby Ann, William Wallace, Albert, Amanda Elizabeth and 
Thomas Henry, three of whom died in infancy. There were no chil- 
dren by the other marriages. 

William Henry Hopkins, coal merchant, belongs to one of the 
old and prominent families of New England. His ancestor, Joseph 
Hopkins, married Martha Wnaley, supposed to be a daughter of 
the regicide judge of Charles II. John Hopkins, son of Joseph, 
settled in West Greenwich and died there in 1791. Jonathan Hop- 
kins, son of John, married Mary, daughter of Robert Whitford of 
East Greenwich, in April, 1760. In 1781 he moved to Jamestown, R. I. 
Their sons were: job, Oliver, Fones and John. Oliver Hopkins, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, was a successful farmer, owning 
8d acres of land of what is now Conanicut Park, and where he lived 
from the time he was 17 years old till his death in 1852. He was a 
licensed preacher of the Baptist church, in the town of Jamestown. 

William H. Hopkins, son of Oliver and Rhody (Hathaway) Hop- 
kins, was born at Jamestown, R. I., April 7th, 1817. He received but 








'/// 




HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 711 

a common school education, but by native ability, energy, tact and 
perseverance, he has risen to prominence as a citizen of the state. In 
the fall of 1831 he first came to Providence and set himself to work to 
learn the jewelry trade. He remained in this business from 1835 to 
1840, and was the first to use steam power in the manufacture of this 
line of goods. About this time his father's health greatly declined, and 
he went back to Jamestown to take charge of the farm. Outdoor ex- 
ercise proved healthful to him, and when he returned to the city he 
engaged in the teaming business. In 1849 he formed a partnership 
with Jacob Manchester, under the firm name of Manchester & Hop- 
kins, for the sale of masons' building materials, curbstone and coal, 
with general team work. The business of the new firm increased so 
rapidly they were obliged to seek new quarters, and they accordingly 
purchased 52,000 square feet of land in what at that time seemed to 
be an out-of-the-way place on Eddy street. Their equipments from the 
Dorrance street wharf were now moved into the new yard, where 
their facilities for handling coal, together with their methods of doing 
business, soon secured for them the largest retail trade, in that line, 
then carried on in any of the states of New England. In 1S64 Mr. 
Gorham Park Pomroy and Mr. John H. Hopkins, both clerks in the 
establishment, were admitted as partners, and the firm became Man- 
chester, Hopkins & Co. June 30th, 1871, Mr. Manchester died and 
the firm became Hopkins, Pomroy & Co., Mr. Edgar Arnold Hopkins 
being subsequently admitted as a partner. In 1878 they disposed of 
their brick and lime business to Manchester & Hudson, their former 
clerks, since which time they have confined their own energies to the 
coal trade. 

The company now occupy two extensive wharves, covering an 
area of nearly four acres. They operate nine engines, nearly 100 
horses, carts and wagons, and own blacksmith and wheelwright shops 
for doing their work. Mr. Hopkins possesses an inventive mind, and 
at his suggestion, the best coal tub then in use was improved, manu- 
factured and patented by Focht & Warren of Reading, Pennsylvania, 
and was universally used until recently without an attempt at im- 
provement or change from its original design. He was the first to 
bring into use the four wheeled cart, now seen everywhere, and on 
which he would not, in consideration of our poor beasts of burden, 
take out letters patent. He was the first to build " pockets" for the 
storing of coal, and his plans were copied by persons who came to see 
them from all portions of the East and West. He was the first person, 
when in the jewelry business, to use steam power in the manufacture 
of jewelry, and his generous nature is such, that he has permitted his 
inventions to be used without royalty to himself. 

In 1865 Mr. Hopkins purchased a handsome summer residence and 
about 60 acres of land in Seekonk, Mass. The farm has since that 
time been increased by various purchases until it now embraces 325 



712 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

acres of beautiful meadow lands. It is situated about two miles from 
the city of Providence, and has on it four houses for his farmers, 
together with cattle, horse and carriage barns, and other equipments 
for a first-class, well regulated place. At each barn is a large wind- 
mill for pumping water upon the lawns, and for his stock at the barns. 
He has also a large steam engine for cutting and steaming fodder, and 
a large refrigerator in the creamery for cooling milk. Under his skill 
much of this land, once but dense swamps and worn out pastures, has 
been reclaimed and enriched, till now it is a beautiful and a fertile 
piece of property. Four thousand feet of vitrified pipe, and a large 
amount of tile and stone drain have been laid for underdraining it, 
and it is under a high state of cultivation, producing the best crops of 
all kinds of grain. In 1876 a fire broke out and consumed the barns 
and 65 head of the finest Jersey cattle in the state. The new barn was 
immediately rebuilt, being 60 by 145 feet, covering the foundation 
occupied by the four barns that were burned. Under this large barn 
he has eight silos, each of which holds over 35 tons of provisions for 
his cattle. 

Mr. Hopkins has held numerous offices of trust in the gift of the 
people. From 1856 to 1864 he was councilman from the Fifth ward, 
and chairman of the committee on highways, a position involving a 
great tax upon his time and much prudence in management. From 
1866 to 1871 he was alderman from his ward, and in 1871, 1872 and 
1873 was elected to the general assembly. In the legislature he was 
chairman of the committee on charities and corrections. In May, 
1874, he was appointed by Governor Howard a member of the board 
of state charities and corrections, which has in charge all the state 
eleemosynary and reformatory institutions, and was re-appointed by 
Governor Lippitt in June, 1875, for six years. Acting in this capacity 
without compensation, he has rendered important service to the state 
and humanity. Mr. Hopkins was active in the formation of the board 
of trade of Providence, of which he was vice-president for two years, 
and a member of the committee of council for several years. He was 
a director of the Charitable Fuel Association, and the Providence Aid 
Society, one of the directors of the Union Horse Street Railway Com- 
pany many years, and is a member of the Mechanics' Association, the 
Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Society for the 
Encouragement of Domestic Industry, and the Providence Horticul- 
tural Society, in all of which he has held offices. He is also a director 
of the Bristol County Agricultural Society. In his official life he was 
always on the alert, in search of invention and improvement, and was 
the first to urge the introduction of the fire alarm, and the building of 
Point street bridge. 

In 1836 Mr. Hopkins joined the Six Principle Baptist church of 
Providence, called the Roger Williams church, which has since passed 
out of existence. He now attends the Broad Street Christian church, 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 713 

and for several years was the president of that society. He was one 
of four in Providence to aid in the organization of the Free Soil party, 
and afterward of the republican party. 

He married June 29th, 1836, Susan Arnold Ellis, of Warwick, R. I., 
daughter of Halsey Ellis. They have had seven children: John Henry, 
who married first, Minnie Lawrence, and second, Ella Irons; Rhoda 
Hathaway, who married John Adams; Edgar Arnold, who married 
Anna Millen; Amy Elizabeth, who married Earl H. Potter; Susan 
Adelaide, died young; Ella Arrazine, deceased; Hattie Leverne, who 
married Frank Chaffee, and died December 29th, 1879. 

Hiram Howard was born in Woodstock, Conn., November 26th, 
1834. He was educated in the district schools of his native town, and 
in the academies of Eastford, Ashford and South Woodstock, Conn., 
and Webster, Mass., and when 18 years of age he came to Providence 
and obtained employment with the firm of Moulton & Rodman as 
bookkeeper. His desires being more metropolitan than could be 
gratified in his adopted city, he went to New York and engaged with 
T. B. Bynner, a jobbing jeweler, remaining in his employ until 1858, 
when he was admitted to a partnership, the name of the firm being- 
changed to T. B. Bynner & Co. He remained a member of the con- 
cern until 1861, and then enlisted in the Second Regiment Artillery, 
New York Volunteers, and was honorably discharged after three 
years' service. He again engaged with T. B. Bynner in 1864 as trav- 
eler, was soon admitted into the firm, and remained a partner until 
1874. From March 1st of that year until January, 1875, he was with 
the firm of A. L. Kotzow & Co., selling their product of solid gold 
chains. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Nicoud, under the 
firm name of Nicoud & Howard, importers of watches, which relations 
lasted until 1880. 

But during the meantime, in the year 1878, Mr. Howard com- 
menced at Providence, in a small way, the manufacturing jewelry 
business, under the firm name of H. Howard & Co., making a line of 
sets, which during those days were so popular with the trade. Thus 
when he relinquished his partnership with Mr. Nicoud, he had a busi- 
ness started which required his undivided attention, It had always 
been the desire of Mr. Howard to be at the fountain head, for as long 
ago as he had relations with Mr. Bynner, he worked persistently to 
get the consent of his partner to enter the manufacturing business, 
wishing to offer to their customers goods of their own designs and 
make, rather than depend upon the skill of others to produce the ar- 
ticles they could handle. In 1884 his son, Stephen C. Howard, was 
admitted a partner in the business, and the firm name adopted was 
Howard & Son, remaining the same ever since. Mr. Howard has been 
connected with manufacturing about twelve years, starting small, and 
doing a safe, steady and wonderfully increasing business. 

In the fall of 1885 the firm conceived the idea of adding a separate 



714 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

branch to their line of production, and The Sterling Company was 
formed, which since the start has been a ready means of increasing 
their sales and bringing the concern into the acquaintance of a new- 
line of customers separate entirely from those purchasing the Ameri- 
can lever cuff and collar buttons. 

When Mr. Howard started in the manufacturing business he stated 
that his ambition was to be at the head of an establishment where 150 
hands were employed. This wish has been more than realized, for 
during the last year the firm have had in busy times upon their pay- 
roll, exclusive of their office force and salesmen, 180 operatives. 

Mr. Howard was married April 18th, 18.*)4, to Miss Mary Kenyon, 
a native of Providence, and the daughter of the late Stephen C. Ken- 
yon. His son Stephen is the only child they had. Mr. Howard has 
been connected with the Manufacturing Jewelers' Board of Trade 
since its organization, and has been a member of its board of directors. 
Mr. Howard is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 243, F. & A. M., of 
New York city, also of the Reform Club of the same city. 

Oliver Johnson, son of Elisha and Asee (Albro) Johnson, was 
born at East Greenwich, R. L, June 14th, 1799. His paternal ancestor 
in this country came from Wales and settled on the island of Rhode 
Island, where, in company with his brother, he commenced the busi- 
ness of fulling and dressing cloth, which he had pursued in his native 
country. He subsequently removed to that part of East Greenwich 
now called Frenchtown, where he purchased a tract of land (part of 
which is still owned by the Johnson family) and erected a mill and 
dwelling house. Benjamin Johnson, the grandfather of Oliver, served 
for some time as judge of the common pleas court, and at the time of 
his death was one of the judges of the supreme court of Rhode Island, 
which position he had occupied for several years. Mr. Johnson's ma- 
ternal ancestors w T ere of French descent. He was educated at the 
common school in his native town, and Washington Academy at 
Wickford. At the early age of 15 he began to teach school, and thus 
worked his way through the academy, and was enabled to acquire a 
good education. He continued to teach until he was 23 years of age. 
In 1822 he quit teaching, and, with Whipple A. Arnold, engaged 
in general merchandising at Centreville, R. I. After being thus asso- 
ciated for about two years the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Ar- 
nold continued to carry on the business alone. He next opened a 
variety store in a building owned and occupied by Doctor Sylvester 
Knight, and having a desire to learn the drug business, added drugs 
and medicines to his stock. For some time he was assisted by Doctor 
Knight, and studied with him until he had acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of the drug business. He continued in business at Centreville 
until 1833, and a part of the time while there kept the Centreville 
Hotel, and also engaged in cotton manufacturing with John J. 
Wood. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 715 

In April, 1833, he removed to Providence, where he has since re- 
sided. The year of his removal to Providence he and Doctor Knight 
opened a wholesale drug store on Weybosset street, where they con- 
tinued until the death of Doctor Knight in 1841. The stock and fix- 
tures of this store were then sold to Grosvenor & Chace, of Providence, 
and Mr. Johnson afterward opened a store for the sale of drugs, gro- 
ceries, cotton, cotton goods and manufacturers' supplies, at the present 
site of the Journal office, where he continued in business alone, and 
succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade. In 1846 he re- 
moved his business to 13 Exchange street, and has continued there 
until the present time. In consequence of increased trade, his store 
has been greatly enlarged, and now extends through to Exchange 
place. In 1852 he associated with his son, William S. Johnson, and 
the firm continued as Oliver Johnson & Son until 1859, when Benja- 
min W. Spink, who had for several years been in Mr. Johnson's em- 
ploy, was also admitted as a partner, and the business has since been 
continued under the firm name of Oliver Johnson & Co. They also 
have a large building on the corner of Eddy and Elm streets, where 
they grind white lead and colors. 

Mr. Johnson is at present the oldest wholesale druggist in the state, 
and, though not now an active partner, being over 91 years of age, 
still retains a relish for the activity of business, and may be seen 
almost every day at his desk in the counting room. His uprightness 
of character and business qualifications have won for him the esteem 
of his fellow citizens, and caused him to be called upon to fill various 
public positions. He was justice of the peace and notary public in 
Warwick for some time; in 1841, '52, '53, '54, 'o6 a member of the city 
council of Providence, holding while there the offices of chairman of 
the committee on education, chairman of the committee on highways, 
and was instrumental in locating and purchasing the present site of 
the city hall. He has been for several years a member of the school 
board. He was a representative in the general assembly of Rhode 
Island in 1854, '55 and '57, holding there the office of chairman of the 
committee on corporations, and was a member of the two conventions 
in 1841, called for the purpose of drafting the constitution of the state. 
He has been a director in several insurance companies; was a director 
of the City National Bank from 1834 to 1848, and has been a trustee 
of the Mechanics' Savings Bank since 1864, having been one of the 
incorporators in 1854. He has also been a director of the Westminster 
Bank several years. 

He has been an active and prominent member of the order of 
Freemasons since June 7th, 1823, at which time he was initiated in 
Manchester Lodge, No. 12, at Coventry, R. I. Notwithstanding the 
religious and political persecution to which Freemasons were subjected 
during the anti-Masonic movement, Mr. Johnson remained firm in 
his adherence to the order. He was twice called before the church 



716 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of which he was then a member to answer the charge of being a Free- 
mason; but the charge was withdrawn. He received all the decrees 
in Ancient Masonry, and the orders of Knighthood, and was honored 
with the highest offices in the gift of the fraternity. He was elected 
grand master of Masons by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 
L855-6; (grand commander) eminent commander of St. John's (En- 
campment) Commandery in 1859; and grand high priest of the Grand 
Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island in 1860. He has received in all 
44 degrees and orders, including the degrees of the Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rites. On the 6th of July, 1816, when 17 years of 
age, he joined the First Baptist church in Exeter, R. I., and has since 
been a member and prominent leader in many other churches. 

He has been twice married; first to Hannah S. Davis, daughter of 
Ezra D. and Mahitable (Reynolds) Davis, of Davisville, R. I., Septem- 
ber 5th, 1824. She died May 24th, 1862, aged 57 years. They had 
two sons: William S. and Edwin A. Johnson. He married, second, 
February 23d, 1864, Cordelia M. Stanwood, daughter of Solomon and 
Jane D. (Hamoor) Stanwood, of Ellsworth, Maine. Mr. Johnson was 
for many years a member of the standing committee of the Rhode 
Island Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry, and has 
given considerable attention to agriculture, having for some time 
owned a farm on Coweset bay. in Warwick. 

Benjamin Brayton Knight, manufacturer, senior member of the 
firm of B. B. & R. Knight, was born in Cranston, R. I., October 3d, 
1813. He is the son of Stephen and Welthan (Brayton) Knight, with 
whom he spent his early life, assisting his father on the farm. His 
educational advantages were limited to an attendance of a few terms 
at the district schools, during the intervals of labor, until he was 16 
years of age. From 1831 to 1833 he served as an operative in the 
Sprague Print Works at Cranston, and then resumed farming for two 
years. In 1835 the initiative movement of his business career was 
begun. At this time he purchased a small building near the Sprague 
Print Works and opened a general grocery. In 1838 he removed to 
Providence, and with Olney Winsor and L. E. Bowen, under the firm 
name of Winsor, Knight & Co., engaged in the wholesale and retail 
grocery business. In 1842 Mr. Knight purchased Mr. Bowen's interest 
and continued the business alone until 1847, when his brother, Jere- 
miah Knight, became associated with him, under the style of B. B. 
Knight & Co. Subsequently D. T. Penniman, under the firm name of 
Penniman, Knight & Co., associated with him in the flour and grain 
trade, their stand being in the Amasa Mason Block on Dyer street, 
Providence. ( )ne year afterw r ard Mr. Knight purchased Mr. Penni- 
man's interest and continued alone for about four years, doing a large 
and successful business. In 1840 he sold his interest in the grocery 
business to his brother Jeremiah, and in 1852 he sold one-half of his 
flour and grain interest to' his brother Robert, and at the same time 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 717 

purchased of the latter one-half interest in the Pontiac Mill and 
Bleachery, when the firm name of B. B. & R. Knight was formed. 
They soon afterward retired from the flour and grain business, and 
have since devoted their entire time to the manufacture of cotton 
goods. Of the immense business carried on by B. B. & R. Knight, 
now the largest of its kind in the world, we will presently speak. 
Aside from the manufacturing interests, Mr. B. B. Knight has served 
the public efficiently as a legislator and as a member of the city govern- 
ment of Providence. He has been twice elected to the general assembly. 
He served as alderman in the city government of Providence from the 
Sixth ward in 1865, 1866 and 1867, and was chairman of the finance 
committee while a member of that body. He has been president of 
the Butchers & Drovers Bank ever since its organization, July 2d, 
1853, with the exception of about one year, and is a director in differ- 
ent insurance companies. 

He has been twice married; first, in 1842. to Alice W., daughter of 
Elizur W. Collins, of Johnston, R. I., who died February 8th, 1850; 
and second, in December, 1851, to Phebe A., daughter of Abel Slocum, 
of Pawtuxet, R. I. There were three children by the first marriage: 
Henry, Mary W. and Walter (all deceased); and three children by the 
second marriage: Alice Spring, Henry Eugene (deceased) and Ade- 
laid Maria. 

Robert Knight, manufacturer, and a member of the firm of B. 
B. & R. Knight, was born in Old Warwick, R. I., January 8th, 1826. In 
his childhood his father, Stephen Knight, moved his family to the 
town of Cranston, and the lad was put to work in the Cranston Print 
Works when but eight years of age. He remained here but two years, 
and then became an employee in the cotton mill in Coventry, owned 
and operated by Elisha Harris. He remained here till 17 years of age, 
part of the time working 14 hours a day for $1.25 a week. Early in 
1843 he went to Providence and entered the employment of his brother 
Benjamin, as a clerk in his store. Being desirous of securing an edu- 
cation, he staid at this place but two years, and then, through the aid 
of a friend, spent the 18 months following in the Pawcatuck Academy 
at Westerly, R. I. He next taught a district school in the town of 
Exeter, R. I., for four months, and in 1846 was employed by John H. 
Clark as a clerk in his factory store at Arnold's Bridge, now Pontiac. 
Mr. Clark was subsequently elected to the United States senate, at 
which time the cotton mill and bleachery were leased to Zachariah 
Parker and Mr. Knight for $5,000 a year. October 4th, 1850, Parker 
& Knight purchased the whole property from Mr. Clark for $40,000. 
The next year Mr. Knight bought his partner's interest and gave the 
village its present name of Pontiac. 

Mr. Knight is distinctively a business man, never having held any 
public office, but devoting his time exclusively to his business. Janu - 
ary 1st, 1867, he was elected one of the directors in the National Bank 
of Commerce, of Providence, and held that office to January 8th, 1884, 



718 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

when he was elected its president, which office he now holds. October 
7th, 1874, he became an incorporator in the People's Savings Bank, 
and was elected director at the same time. October 4th, 1876, he was 
elected vice-president of this institution. January 17th, 1876, he was 
elected a member of the standing committee, and January 21st, 1884, 
was elected president, which office he now holds. He has also been 
connected officially with several insurance companies and other bank- 
ing institutions, and is now a director in the N. Y., P. & B. R. R. 
Company. 

Mr. Knight married, March 5th, 1849, Josephine Louisa, daughter 
of Royal A. and Hannah C. (Parker) Webster, of Providence. They 
have had nine children: Josephine E., Robert W. (deceased), Webster, 
Franklin (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Clinton Prescott, Sophia, 
Edith, and Royal (deceased). 

The business organization of this firm and their enormous interest 
is as follows: Benjamin B. and Robert Knight are the presidents and 
treasurers of their several corporations; the firm of B. B. & R. Knight 
are the agents; Edwin Knowles is the financial secretary of the firm 
in charge of the Providence office and the accounts of 17 of the mills; 
Dexter N. Knight, brother of B. B. & R., is in a similar position as 
secretary of the Hebron Company, comprising the Hebron, Dodgeville 
and Grant mills; Fred. B. Burt is the secretary of the Clinton Manufac- 
turing Company; Henry A. Fifield is assistant secretary to the firm, 
in charge of the accounts of the cotton and finished goods; William 
E. Wall is agent of the firm for the sale of the goods at the principal 
store in Worth street, Xew York. 

Hebron Mill, Hebronville. Mass 19,652 spindles. 

Dodgeville Mill, Dodgeville. Mass 21,300 

( rrant Mill, Providence, R.I 9,056 



50,008 
Si i mi \ A. Knight, brother of B. B. & R.. Providence, R. I., general man- 
ager, with resident superintendents at each of the above mills. 

The Natick Mills (2), Natick, R. 1 85,984 spindles. 

Webstep Knight, agent. 

Quern of the Valley Mill, Knight's Station. R. I.... 15,000 

The Royal Mills, River Point. R. 1 50,000 

Prescott C. Knight, agent. 

Pontiac Mills, Pontiac, R. 1 27,926 

Pontiac Bleachery, capacity, 132 tons per week. 

White Rock Mills. Westerly. R. 1 27, 500 

Clinton Manufacturing Company, Woonsocket, R. L 20,581 

Readville Mills. Hyde Park, Mass 19,000 

Fiskville Mill, Fiskville. R. I 4,500 

The Arctic Mill, Arctic. R. I 37,000 

Lippitt Company Mill, Lippitt. R. 1 10,500 

Jackson Mill, Jackson, R. 1 4,912 

Manchaug Company. Manchaug, Mass 52,000 

354,903 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNT V. 719 

D. M. Thompson, Providence, R. I., general manager, with resident superin- 
tendents at each of the above mills. 

The total number of spindles owned and operated by this firm is 4(14,911. 

The total number of looms is 10,956. 

The employees of the firm number nearly 7,000 persons. 

The following contribution of " G. M.," as addendum notes to the 
biographies of the Messrs. Knight, is at the request of the publishers. 
The subject is presented so fully, that the usual history of their opera- 
tions, as we had prepared them, are deemed to be unnecessary, and 
therefore omitted. The article is from the pen of a prominent man, 
who is familiar with the subject. It is of unusual interest, because 
of the character and the principles included in the illustrations. 

To the publishers of the History of Providence County. 

In response to your request, the following is submitted as "adden- 
dum " to your biographies of Benjamin B. and Robert Knight, and your 
brief statement of the organization of the business interests of the firm 
of B. B. & R. Knight, whose unparalleled success, it is suggested to the 
writer, is worthy to be recorded, with such comment thereon as may be 
of interest to the present, and of value to the generations to follow. 

" The people doth delight to honor " 

whomsoever, through meritorious achievement, are entitled to recogni- 
tion for distinguished service. It is a human impulse freely, cheer- 
fully and spontaneously given in recognition of merit, the product of 
genius and acquired ability, as it may be exhibited in the achieve- 
ments of the soldier, statesman, jurist, philosopher or philanthropist; 
it is none the less due in respect to men who have in a preeminent de- 
gree distinguished themselves as leaders in the important fields of 
commercial and manufacturing industry. 

It is not given to all men that they shall be endowed with the spirit 
of genius, or that they shall possess the qualities of mind requisite to 
successful leadership in the important fields of domestic industry. It 
is intended for the best good of society, since the diversified interests 
of a community are best promoted by such subdivisions of labor as 
will secure advancement upon all of the lines of useful work. 

A proper knowledge of the lives of distinguished men, their hab- 
its, methods, struggles, the sacrifice of personal comfort and pleasure, 
the constant and unremitting effort, the indefatigable labor and econ- 
omy necessary to their success, would do much toward the enlighten- 
ment of those persons who profess to believe that wealth is unjustly 
distributed. A just appreciation of the true relation of capital and 
labor is necessary to the security of property, and the perpetuity of 
the free institutions of our country. The inviolability of contract, 
and the recognition of vested rights constitute the bulwark of civilized 
existence. 

Education and a diffusion among the people of important economic 
truths, will do much to avert a serious danger which threatens the 



720 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

quiet, peaceful condition of society through the antagonisms of labor 
and capital, so often produced by the agitations of demagogues. These 
various conditions are significant of momentous results. The conse- 
quences of such a strife no man can measure. 

The civilization of the present day is the grandest spectacle the 
world has yet seen. It is a superstructure of vast and magnificent pro- 
portions, yet beneath its foundations are the quicksands of ignorance, 
intemperance, avarice, prejudice and passion, held thus far in place 
by materials and forces of a diametrically opposite nature; these must 
be strengthened by education upon broad and specific lines, until a 
higher standard of intelligence shall prevail, in which character, in- 
tegrity, temperance and morality shall be universally recognized as 
the safeguards of civilization. A just conception of individual duty 
as a component part in the structure of society, is a factor of safety 
that should be inculcated and maintained with zealous care. This is 
especially true in a nation within which all men are upon terms of 
equality before the law, where the son of the peasant or common la- 
borer, born in obscurity, living in a log cabin in the wilderness, or in 
a thatched cottage upon the borders of civilization, or within the 
crowded walls of the densely populous cities, may justly aspire to 
attain unto the most exalted positions of trust, honor or profit, within 
this, the most glorious country upon the face of the earth. The expe- 
riences of the past, during all of the years in the life of this republic, 
furnish the most abundant testimony in corroboration of the fact that 
honest and intelligent labor is sure of its reward. 

The biography and the history which records the success of emi- 
nent men, if rightlv studied and considered in thelisdit of all of the 
general conditions of life, must be of inestimable value as an incen- 
tive tending to encourage others to greater ambition, while at the 
same time it will serve to reconcile them to the acceptance of what- 
ever conditions may result after faithful and honest effort. A just 
appreciation of the grave responsibilities that are imposed upon the 
possessors of great wealth, who are actively engaged in the important 
industries, would remove very much of the jealousies and discontent 
hereinbefore referred to. Earnest, honest labor, economy, and a con- 
tented mind will produce the very ideal of happiness, and it is within 
the reach of all men, while the possessor of great wealth — though he 
may enjoy all of these —is through his enormous responsibilities, the 
servant of the people. 

The subjects of your biographical sketch, the Messrs. B. B. & R. 
Knight, to whom these "addendum" notes refer, are both of them 
remarkable men. Their lives and wonderful business careers are 
worthy of note, since their labor and skill have contributed so largely 
to the welfare of the state, and to the people in the communities effected 
by their great enterprise. The unparalleled success and the enormous 
possessions of the Messrs. Knight are of especial significance, since 




< ^ --% 





HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 721 

their great achievement has been the result of their own individual 
and mutual effort. It is the product of the labor and genius of two 
men, skillful masters of their professions, thoroughly conversant with 
all of the details of their business, to which they have devoted their 
lives and energies without diversion therefrom during a period of over 
40 years. 

Their success in one of the most important of the domestic indus- 
tries (the manufacture and finish of cotton goods) is remarkable, since 
it is without a parallel in the history of the world. Singular and im- 
pressive as this statement may appear, it is nevertheless a veritable 
fact. It is not an abnormal condition, neither is it a question of 
chance or accident. It is an exhibition of " cause and effect," in which 
superior natural and acquired abilities, an almost boundless ambition, 
steady, systematic yet herculean effort, all blended and united in con- 
sistent action, have produced their legitimate result. 

Your statement of the several manufacturing properties and num- 
bers of spindles, of the Messrs. Knight, convey to those unfamiliar with 
the subject but a slight conception of the vast magnitude of the busi- 
ness interests and operations of this firm. In a comparison of their 
interests with the large manufacturers of Europe, it should be remem- 
bered that the cotton manufacturers of England buy the yarn and 
weave the fabrics, while those who produce the yarn are cotton spin- 
ners, and are seldom engaged in the so-called manufacture. In the 
American system are united all of the operations of the manufacture, 
which include the carding, spinning and weaving. 

The principal and more important interests of the Messrs. Knight, 
briefly summarized, are as follows: They operate and manage, as 
agents for the several corporations of which they are the sole owners 
—except a limited interest in the Hebron and Clinton Companies— 21 
cotton mills, aggregating the enormous capacity of over 400,000 spin- 
dles, with all of the preparatory and finishing machinery, and nearly 
11,000 looms, from 30 inches to 102 inches wide, making sheetings, 
shirtings, print cloths, three, four and rive shade twills and fine cam- 
brics. They are the owners of the renowned " ticket " or trade mark, 
" Fruit of the Loom." The great demand for this grade of goods re- 
quires the operation of 4,500 looms. They are also bleachers and fin- 
ishers of cotton goods. The bleachery at Pontiac has a capacity of 22 
tons of goods per day, which amount is equal to only about 60 per 
cent, of the production of their mills. Preparations are in progress 
for the improvement, reorganization and enlargement of this bleach- 
ery, to double its present capacity, at an early day. Their vast prop- 
erty consists of 15 villages, absolutely separate and independent of 
each other, except in their general management (as shown in the 
statement before named). Of the aforesaid 21 mills, 16 have been ex- 
tensively enlarged, reorganized and thoroughly repaired during the 
past eight years, requiring the expenditure of nearly five million dol- 
46 



722 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

lars. It is believed that they are unsurpassed in respect to the excel- 
lence of their operations and product. 

The annual consumption of cotton is nearly 53,000 bales, from 
which are produced yarns from No. 24 to No. 60. The annual product 
of all the mills in cloth, considered upon the basis of the " Fruit of the 
Loom," would, in lineal length, amount to 77,500,000 yards, which 
would encircle the globe over If times. If this were reduced to the 
basis of yard wide goods, it would be nearly twice around the earth. 
If the yarn required in the production of the cloth, as above cited, 
were extended as a single and continuous thread, it would encircle the 
earth over 12,000 times These figures are strikingly suggestive of 
the wonderful, nay, even marvelous progress of the past hundred 
years, since the period when cotton yarns were the product of the 
hand spinning wheel. The actual product of the mills of the Messrs. 
Knight is considerably more than the aforesaid 77,500,000 yards, since 
(3,500 looms are weaving goods of other varieties, the productions of 
which are from ten per cent, to more than double the aforesaid " Fruit 
of the Loom." 

Three of the villages, viz.: Lippitt, Fiskville and Jackson are upon 
the north branch of the Pawtuxet river; they each have valuable 
water powers. The mills are small, having an aggregate capacity of 
about 20,000 spindles. It is generally understood that it is the inten- 
tion of the Messrs. Knight to improve these properties in the near fu- 
ture, by the erection of new mills, adding from 75,000 to possibly 100,- 
000 spindles, in which event they would reach the enormous capacity 
of 500,000 spindles, and over 14,000 looms. 

All of their mill properties, except in Providence and Woonsocket, 
comprise large tracts of land. The farms are stocked with work cat- 
tle, young stock, and about 300 milch cows. The farm and mill ser- 
vice requires about 120 horses. The farming is a large interest, and it 
is operated mainly for the purpose of giving employment to the heads 
of families who would otherwise be without work, or obliged to seek 
employment elsewhere. The hay crop the past year was about 1,200 
tons. The principal crop is potatoes, with a considerable amount of 
corn, oats and vegetables. About 25,000 tons of ice is gathered annu- 
ally, the larger part of which is sold to dealers in Providence. 

Stores are maintained, where it is intended that the employees can 
secure goods of all description, of the best of their several kinds, at as 
low a cost as can be procured elsewhere, one of the chief objects be- 
ing to secure to the employees every advantage and privilege that 
can be obtained under the most favorable circumstances. In all of 
the villages there are competing stores, and employees exercise their 
free choice as to whom they will give patronage. The influences of 
the stores as conducted by the several corporations of this firm are of 
unquestioned benefit to the communities, since they secure a healthy 
competition, and thereby protect the buyers, who are in large part the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 723 

•employees of this firm. The stores are conducted upon the same care- 
ful system as in the case of the mills. There is one general manager 
of all the stores, Mr. J. S. Paige, with headquarters at the Providence 
office. The very large business in the aggregate sales of these stores 
constitutes the most ample testimony as to their utility. 

The Messrs. Knight own about 1,700 tenements, which are occu- 
pied by their employees. These tenements are principally double 
cottages of seven rooms for each family. They possess every conven- 
ience for comfortable living, and each house has from 8,000 to 10,000 
square feet of land. All of the two story, four family houses, built 
some years since, and according to the custom of former times, with a 
single entrance, and with the stairs and halls for the common use of 
the several families, are being remodelled as rapidly as possible, 
and made to conform to modern ideas of correct living, to wit: that 
the apartments for the use of families shall be in absolutely indepen- 
dent groups, having no communication within the interior, and there- 
fore strictly private. Other important improvements are in progress 
and in preparation, with the purpose of making the villages in the 
highest degree healthful, pleasant and attractive for comfortable resi- 
dence. 

The Messrs. Knight own the controlling interest in the Cranston 
Printing, Dyeing and Bleaching Works at Cranston, R. I., formerly 
the property of the A. & W. Sprague Manufacturing Company, and 
one of the largest in the country. They have also other large inter- 
ests, both as a firm and individually. 

The firm of B. B. & R. Knight are also merchants, independent of 
all other operations and interests hereinbefore cited. Their principal 
store is on Worth street, New York. They also have agencies in Bos- 
ton, Hartford, Philadelphia and Baltimore, the operations of all being 
directed from their central office in Providence. They have no ac- 
counts with commission houses upon which they can draw. They sell 
their own goods, and carry the accounts of all of their customers. In 
this connection, it is worthy to observe the general policy and method 
pursued by this firm in the conduct of its multifarious and enormous 
interests. The principal raw material used is cotton. This is bought 
in the beginning of the season, a full year's stock is put into the store- 
houses of their several mills, involving an outlay of capital of about 
$2,500,000. This also applies in a measure to the general supplies, in- 
volving a large investment in stock. Aside from the foregoing, there 
is the stock in process of manufacture, and the large stock of goods in 
process of finishing, and the goods in the store-house; subject to the 
varying demands of the trade, seldom less than a quarter to a half 
million of dollars, and not infrequently amounting to the value of 
several millions of dollars in times of business depression. The firm 
do not stop their mills or curtail their production, however serious 
.and threatening the financial conditions may be. In times when con- 



724 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

fidence seems almost an abandoned hope, and many important 
interests are suspended or their operations are contracted, the 
Knight Mills are always in operation. It has been their policy upon 
such occasions to make their largest improvements and most exten- 
sive outlays. The savings which they are enabled to make at such 
periods is generally equal to the earning- capacity of the mills under 
prosperous business. It is doubtless true that their example has been 
of much value, tending to support and strengthen confidence so im- 
portant to commercial prosperity. This policy in periods of depres- 
sion has been of exceeding value to many interests dependent upon 
them, and the result is a confirmation of the wise and judicious direc- 
tion which is apparent in all of their vast operations. 

It is impossible to give in this brief sketch any more than a super- 
ficial outline. The nearer one may approach to a definite comprehen- 
sion of the business interests of this firm, the more fully will it be 
realized that they are not only unparalleled in their magnitude, but 
it will also appear as almost incredible that such enormous interests 
can be the product of single lives, and vet — as hereinbefore stated- 
such is the fact, and the men whose genius, ability, economy, thrift 
and business sagacity have produced this almost phenomenal result are 
to-day in the vigor of health, and in the personal management of their 
enormous business operations exhibit no signs of abated energy or 
loss of interest. 

I cannot conclude this sketch without a notice of the interest mani- 
fested by this firm in matters outside of the simple operations of their 
mills. In several of their villages they have built churches, in others 
large halls for the pleasure and benefit of their employees, as also for 
use in religious service. It is to be observed also that they contribute 
liberally to the support of Christian work, irrespective of their denomi- 
nation; their aid has been extended to Protestant and Catholic. At 
Hebron there is a fine church built by them for the Methodists. At 
Natick they are rebuilding in the most thorough, liberal and conven- 
ient manner the Baptist church and vestry. At Pontiac there is an 
Episcopal church which is worthy of especial notice. It is one of the 
finest in the state, a beautiful example of modern church architecture; 
its interior is of elegant design, tastefully decorated and most liberally 
furnished. It has a fine pipe organ, indirect steam heating, and a gas 
plant for lighting. There are beautiful memorial windows which 
adorn both chancel and transept. A large and spacious parish house of 
three stories adjoins the church building. The basement is fitted with 
a large hall, kitchen, and all of the conveniences and appliances for 
cooking tributary t<> the pleasures of social gatherings. It has also a 
full and complete equipment for gymnasium exercises. The second 
floor lias ;i large vestry hall for Sunday school services, with a fine 
organ and two large class rooms. From one of these there is an 
entrance to the rector's studv, and thence into the altar within the 










K 



Aj~- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 725 

chancel. From the other class room there is an entrance on one 
side into the vestry, and upon the other into the beautiful auditorium 
of the church. The third floor has a large hall and two smaller 
rooms, all of them fitted and furnished complete, with a library for 
reading rooms, and also for the use of the society in its various 
circles for charity work. With the completion of the rectory it 
will present as charming a spectacle of liberality and deep interest 
in Christian work and in the welfare of the employees of a corporation 
as can well be conceived. This church, with its several appendages 
and complete equipment, is the munificent gift of the Messrs. B. B. & 
R. Knight, and built in 1888 at a cost of about $25,000. These few 
examples fittingly illustrate the spirit and fore-shadow the purposes 
of this firm in respect to questions of a public interest, so closely inter- 
woven into their business management. The importance and the 
value of such work as this cannot be over-estimated. The interest 
thus exhibited is worthy of the highest commendation. The benefi- 
cent effects to result therefrom will be far reaching, and involve great 
good to both benefactor and the beneficiaries. 

The benefactions of illustrious men throughout the world have by 
their munificent gifts contributed inestimable benefits to the people. 
The aid thus extended has assisted to unlock the treasure house of 
knowledge, to develop the arts and sciences, to bring into subjection 
the forces of nature, and render possible the advancement of the inter- 
est of all classes of the people, as now visible in the present age. 
Benefactors include, also, those who have attained preeminent dis- 
tinction as leaders m the fields of literature, science, the mechanic 
arts and commerce. It is the aggregation of these forces, utilized in 
the direction of the active labor of the people from day to day, assisted 
by capital representing the accumulated savings of labor in the past, 
that is essential to the prosperity of the people. 

Benefactions differ in 'magnitude, and are manifest in a variety of 
forms. The possessor of great wealth is a benefactor, in such degree 
as he may devote his capital and labor in the building up of the great 
industries that give permanent and safe employment to the people 
upon the basis of a just compensation. It is especially in this role 
that we must regard nearly all men during the activities of their busi- 
ness career. It is in this light that the interests and the personal 
character of the subjects of this sketch are to be considered. The 
magnitude of their business operations and their financial success are 
without a parallel in the world, when considered within the lines of 
their field of work. The confidence reposed in them respecting the 
security and permanence of their business operations, and the appre- 
ciation and regard for their experience and judgment in the direction 
of such vast financial interests, as also in the counsels of the boards of 
direction, and in the positions of chief executive management of 



726 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

several of the large banking institutions, constitute a factor of safety- 
even in a community of great wealth, as in the city of Providence,, 
where success has crowned the efforts of other men in an eminent 
degree. 

A history of the lives and business career of these two brothers 
would be one of unusual interest to the present, and the generations 
to follow them. The contributions of their energies and labor have 
been of value to the world. They are men who have come up from 
the ranks, they have seen all sides and phases of life, from poverty to 
the possession of enormous wealth. The route over which they T 
traveled is free and open to all. They have by fair, honest effort, 
attained unto the position which they now occupy. They are of simple 
habits, without ostentation or show. The interest in their employees 
as exhibited in the liberal plans, now in process of execution, respect- 
ing the order of their villages, the comfort and pleasure of the people, 
provision for amusement, education, church work and charities, all of 
which are rendered in a quiet, unassuming manner, but with a just and 
liberal spirit. These are evidences of a desire and purpose on their 
part to advance the interest of the communities where their mills are 
located, that must be of great value in the promotion of order, good 
feeling, and reciprocal interest to all concerned. 

They are men of strong convictions, powerful in the natural re- 
sources of both mind and body; the traits of their character are pre- 
eminently positive. They are possessed of an indomitable spirit, an 
iron will, a courage that never falters. Difficulties, however formid- 
able, do not restrain them; whatever their judgment approves, and 
they believe to be right, they enter upon with a determined spirit, and 
pursue it until the object is accomplished. Beneath the shield of 
these strong forces, which have made their success, there are other 
qualities in their character equally deserving of mention, which have 
been concealed, it may be, from the public view, by the force of the 
circumstances which surround them. They are men of deep sym- 
pathies and tender hearts. x\ll who have had the privilege of intimate 
personal acquaintance, or social relations, must have recognized these 
as strongly marked. There are many who have been the recipients of 
their favor in influence, financial assistance, or charity 7 , who knew not 
from whence it came, or the hand which bestowed it. 

The subjects of this review, who now occupy a position of such 
vast influence and power, were born of poor parents, trained and nur- 
tured by loving hearts, the principles constituting the foundations of 
their lives, inculcated through the teachings of a Christian mother, 
from necessity placed at work when very young, with but limited ed- 
ucational advantages. Benjamin B. upon the farm, then into the print 
works, from thence into the store, where he acquires the experience 
and practical knowledge which laid the foundation of his career as a 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 727 

merchant and financier. Robert in the mills at the age of eight years, 
working fourteen hours a dav for a trifling sum, several years later 
receiving but $1.25 per week, possessed of the same spirit of ambition 
which appears so conspicuously in later life, he is enabled to surmount 
many of the difficulties surrounding his boyhood, and we find him as 
a teacher in a district school, later as a clerk in the office of John H. 
Clark, at Arnold's Mills, subsequently purchased by him and given its 
present name of Pontiac. His labor and training in the mills gave to 
him the necessary practical knowledge as a manufacturer, to which 
must be attributed in a large measure his subsequent success. 
Both of these brothers combine with their technical knowledge 
rare qualities of administrative ability, the result of great native tal- 
ent and training. Adding to these the great energy, the indomitable 
will, the steady industry and consistent labor, the careful attention to 
the most minute details of their business, constitutes the essential ele- 
ments which have secured their unparalleled success, and placed them 
in the preeminently distinguished position which they now occupy. 

The tribute of praise or commendation bestowed upon distinguished 
men in public life is the expression of the heart and judgment of the 
people, prompted by the beating pulse of a reciprocal interest. The 
benefactor becomes the beneficiary of the people's favor and honor. 
This reciprocity of interest strengthens confidence, opens up a wider 
field for usefulness, gives an added zest to human effort, and enables 
all of the forces to be utilized in the highest degree for the public wel- 
fare. It is upon lines parallel to these in principle that a just and 
proper recognition should be awarded to all men, who though in pri- 
vate life, have preeminently distinguished themselves by great or ex- 
traordinary achievement. The biography, or history of men, is of 
real value only when considered in the spirit of a just desire to profit 
by the lesson their example teaches. Its relation to men still in the 
greatest activities of their life, and in the very zenith of their power 
and influence, is especially significant. In the sense of their import- 
ant relation to the great industrial interests which contribute so much 
to the public advantage, they are public men; hence it follows that 
whatever tends to the establishment of a reciprocity of interest and 
good will between the people and such men of the people, who, through 
their genius and great ability, have become possessed of vast wealth 
and power, must inevitably result in the largest measure to the public 
and the best good of the people. 

It is with this feeling and a recognition of the principles herein 
suggested, that I desire to pay a just tribute of respect to Benjamin B. 
and Robert Knight, whose names and power, now so widely known 
and recognized, are henceforth to become a great and controlling in- 
fluence in the industrial and financial interests of the state of Rhode 
Island. G. M. 



728 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Herbert W. Ladd. — Among the younger men of Rhode Island, 
none is more widely or favorably known than the subject of this 
sketch. In the numerous public positions which he has filled, he has 
discharged the duties in a manner highly creditable to himself, and 
to the fullest satisfaction of those who called him to service. 

Herbert Warren Ladd, son of Warren and Lucy (Kingman) Ladd, 
was born in New Bedford, Mass., October 15th, 1843. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of New Bedford, and was graduated from 
the high school of that city in 1860. Shortly after his graduation he 
entered a wholesale dry goods house, where he remained a year, 
when, in 1861, he accepted a position on the New Bedford Mercury. 
His abilities were at once recognized, and he soon became one of the 
most efficient reporters and correspondents of that paper. As a writer 
he was clear, accurate and graphic, and his letters to the Mercury from 
various points in the South and West during the war for the suppres- 
sion of the rebellion were of exceptional merit and interest. The 
first Sunday newspaper published in New England, outside of Boston, 
was an extra Mercury issued by him to announce the battle of Freder- 
icksburg. 

In 1864 he re-entered the dry goods business in Boston, with 
White, Brown & Co., then the largest importers of foreign dress goods 
in the United States. In the spring of 1871 he came to Providence 
and founded the extensive dry goods house now widely known by the 
name of the H. W. Ladd Company, of which he is president, and with 
which he has been prominently identified a score of years. Here his 
ability as an organizer first manifested itself, the business of this 
large retail establishment being conducted with as much system and 
attention to details as that of any railroad or steamship corporation in 
the country. 

Although engrossed with a large and constantly increasing busi- 
ness, he has always taken a lively interest in public affairs. He was 
the founder, and for three years president, of the Providence Com- 
mercial Club, an organization which embraces in its membership the 
representative men of the city and state, and the reputation of which 
is widely extended by reason of the large number of distinguished 
men from all parts of the country who have attended its gatherings 
and spoken on topics which were engaging public attention. He was 
also one of the organizers of the Congregational Club, one of the most 
flourishing institutions of its kind in New England. For two years 
he was vice-president of the Providence Board of Trade. As presi- 
dent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Children, he devised the present systematic and efficient organization 
of that philanthropic association. When he assumed the presidency, 
the institution was literally " without house or home," the children en- 
trusted to its care being provided for as best they could be under the 
circumstances. But, notwithstanding the pressure of his own busi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 729 

ness, he remained at the head of the society until, by his persistency 
of purpose and untiring energy, it was enabled to procure a spacious 
house in a pleasant location, making for the little ones a home of 
which the city and state may well be proud. No worthy charity is 
ever brought to his attention without meeting a quick and generous 
response. 

Numerous other organizations, among which may be mentioned 
the Young Men's Christian Association of Providence, of which he is 
a member, and to which he is a large contributor, the Providence Press 
Club, and the Rhode Island Choral Association, have experienced the 
benefit of his personal enthusiasm and liberal public spirit. He is 
also a prominent member of the Hope Club and other social organi- 
zations, and a director in the Atlantic National Bank of Providence. 
Though frequently invited to the same position in larger financial in- 
stitutions in the city, he has never been able to give to them the time 
which he felt that their importance demanded. In the movement for 
enlarged and better railway terminal facilities for the city of Provi- 
dence he has always taken a deep interest, and the plans adopted are 
very nearly identical with those advocated by him in 1884. 

Although repeatedly urged, it was not until the spring of 1889 
that he consented to become a candidate for any office in the gift of 
the people. His uniform reply was: " I am a business man, and not 
trained in the" school of politics." But that year, in response to the 
earnest solicitations of the republicans of Rhode Island, he allowed 
his name to be used as a candidate for governor, and was unanimously 
nominated in the convention. The republicans had hardly an even 
chance for electing their ticket. There was no choice of governor by 
the people, but he was elected by the general assembly. To the office 
of chief magistrate of the state he brought the same energy and pub- 
lic spirit which had characterized him in his private business. There 
was no portion of the state's affairs with which he did not at once 
make himself intelligently familiar; and without any disparagement 
to his long line of honorable predecessors, it may be truthfully stated 
that Rhode Island has never had a more progressive governor, one 
who better understood its wants and made provision for meeting 
them. He inaugurated public improvements which, when fully com- 
pleted, will reflect great credit upon his sagacity and foresight, and 
entitle him to be forever remembered with gratitude by his fellow- 
citizens. 

In his annual message to the general assembly he called attention 
to the necessity of a new and better state house in Providence. Ap- 
pended to the message were engravings of the modern capitol build- 
ings of twelve different states, thus strikingly illustrating Rhode 
Island's poverty in this respect. A commission, of which Governor 
Ladd was made chairman, was immediately appointed to recommend 
a suitable site and obtain plans and estimates for a new building 



730 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Another matter in which Governor Ladd became deeply interested 
was the establishment of a state home for disabled and indigent vet- 
erans of the war of the rebellion. In Governor Ladd the old soldier 
has always had a firm friend, and as chairman of a commission ap- 
pointed by the general assembly, he was largely instrumental in 
securing for this purpose, as a gift from the town of Bristol, the 
Greene farm comprising upward of one hundred acres. The formal 
transfer of the land by the president of the town council to Governor 
Ladd as the representative of the state, was made a notable event in 
local history. The formality was observed with great ceremony and 
according to ancient custom, a handful of sod, as a token representing 
the metes and bounds, being given and received as emblematic of the 
gift from town to state. 

The state militia also had cause for gratitude to Governor Ladd, 
for to him is due the credit of obtaining the new uniforms which 
were so much needed. Moreover, a visit to Washington was the 
occasion of a personal interview with the secretary of war in the 
interests of the state militia, the result of which was a valuable addi- 
tion to the arms of the Rhode Island troops. 

The condition of the roads in the state also received attention in 
the governor's message, and suggestions were made as to how they 
might be improved. After referring to the great necessity which 
existed for an intelligent reform in road making and road keeping, 
and the advantage to the state of a uniform road law, he remarked: 
' To keep well built roads in good repair, under intelligent super- 
vision and single authority, is not costly; a poor road is costly under 
all circumstances." As the result of calling attention to this subject, 
in many parts of the state an improvement in the management of the 
highways is already perceptible. Manv other matters of a practical 
nature received attention in this message, and that they commended 
themselves to the legislature is evidenced by the fact that, notwith- 
standing the house of representatives was democratic, 2,000 extra 
copies of the message were ordered printed by that body. 

During the summer of 1881) Governor Ladd resided at Newport, 
where he had the honor of entertaining President Harrison and other 
distinguished guests. Later, ex-President Cleveland was a guest at 
" Maycroft." He also entertained Admiral Brown de Colstoun and 
other officers of the French flagship "Arathusa," who, with other naval 
and military officers stationed at Newport, as well as some of its most 
distinguished citizens, visited Providence, where a banquet was served, 
after which they inspected some of the important manufacturing 
establishments in the city. 

As an illustration of the watchfulness of Rhode Island's interests 
which characterized Governor Ladd's administration, it may be men- 
tioned that while at Newport attention was called by him to the fact 
that at Narragansett Pier an opportunity was furnished for making 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 731 

one of the finest ports on the Atlantic coast, enabling European 
steamers to land passengers in New York several hours quicker than 
by the present ocean route. 

Being deeply interested in the location of the World's Fair in 1893, 
he invited the business men and representatives of business associa- 
tions from all parts of the state to a conference in Providence in the 
fall of 1889. An interesting discussion of the subject was had, and 
representatives from New York, Chicago and Washington were pres- 
ent, who advocated the claims of their respective cities. The agricul- 
tural interests of the state received a good deal of attention from 
Governor Ladd, and the Farmers' Institute meetings during his term 
proved a great success. The experiment station at Kingston also had 
reason to appreciate his assistance. During his term Governor Ladd 
assisted in laying the corner-stone of the new building of the Provi- 
dence Young Men's Christian Association. 

The crowning act of Governor Ladd's official life occurred in con- 
nection with the 121st annual commencement of Brown University, 
he being present as the state's representative. At the conclusion of 
the alumni dinner, and before the more formal post-prandial exercises 
began, President Ezekiel G. Robinson announced to the large assembly 
that he was authorized to state that His Excellency had decided to 
present to the university an astronomical observatory and its full 
equipment. This announcement was received with the wildest enthu- 
siasm. Never was there a more gratifying surprise to the students, 
alumni and friends of the university than this munificent gift of 
Governor Ladd, and for which all Rhode Islanders and the sons of 
Brown, wherever located, justly felt a deep sense of gratitude to the 
public spirited donor. Others have followed his noble example of 
generosity, and the university has received a fresh impetus therefrom. 

In the spring of 1890 Governor Ladd's administration of the state's 
affairs received emphatic endorsement by his unanimous re-nomina- 
tion, but, owing to dissensions and disagreements as to party policy, 
for which he was in no way responsible, the republicans suffered 
defeat. 

Governor Ladd married. May 25th, 1870, Emma Frances, daughter 
of Caleb Gerald and Elizabeth Holmes Burrows, of Providence. Of 
six children, only tw r o are living: Elizabeth Burrows and Hope. Mrs. 
Ladd died just as her husband entered upon his duties as governor. 

Henry Lippitt was born in Providence, R. I., October 9th, 1818. 
He is descended from John Lippitt, who came to Rhode Island in 
1638, two years after its settlement by Roger Williams, and was the 
first of the name who arrived in this country. In 1647 he was one of 
the committee appointed to organize the colony under the parliamen- 
tary charter. The ancestors of the subject of this sketch were among 
the pioneer cotton manufacturers of Rhode Island. In November, 
1809, Christopher and Charles Lippitt, Benjamin Aborn, George Jack- 



732 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

son and Amasa and William H. Mason organized the Lippitt Manu- 
facturing Company, with a capital of $40,000. Christopher Lippitt 
was the first agent of the company. Their mill, which was erected 
in 1807, in what is now the village of Centreville, in Warwick, was 
the third in the state. The yarns were first woven by hand looms 
into cloth, but in 1820 power looms were introduced into their fac- 
tory. 

Warren Lippitt, son of Charles and father of Henry, was in early 
life a sea captain, but subsequently entered into business in Provi- 
dence as a cotton merchant, having also a branch house in Savannah, 
Ga. Henry received a good English education at the academy in 
Kingston, R. I. Shortly after leaving the academy he entered into 
mercantile business, and from that time to the present he has been 
actively identified with the commercial and manufacturing interests 
of the state. He is also connected with a number of the leading 
financial institutions in Providence, as well as various corporations 
outside of manufacturing. He is president of the Silver Springs 
Bleachery and Dyeing Company, and his eldest son, Charles Warren 
Lippitt is treasurer and agent; and is also president of the Lippitt 
Woolen Company, and has been since its organization in 1865. 

Mr. Lippitt has always taken a lively interest in public affairs, and 
been intimately connected with every enterprise calculated to en- 
hance the prosperity and general welfare of the people. Some 15 
to 18 years ago, seeing that the city was sadly in need of better 
hotel accommodations and a first-class opera house, he took hold of 
the matter in earnest and with a determination to succeed. After 
several years of active and persistent effort the result was the present 
beautiful opera house and the magnificent Narragansett Hotel, which 
arc indeed an honor to the city. It is but just to say that the accom- 
plishment of these two enterprises is due more to the individual exer- 
tion of Mr. Lippitt than to that of any other citizen. He was treasurer 
and president of the hotel corporation until it was sold to Mr. Charles 
Fletcher, and has been president of the opera house association since 
its formation. 

He was one of the organizers and the first vice-president of the 
Providence Board of Trade, and its second president for three years. 
He was active in reorganizing the Providence Marine Corps of Artil- 
lery in 1840, and in 1842 was elected lieutenant-colonel of the corps, 
after serving in the various subordinate positions, and commanded a 
portion of the company armed and drilled as infantry through the 
" Dorr War " in 1842. In 1861, on the outbreak of the war of the re- 
bellion, he was appointed by the governor of the state enrollment 
commissioner for Rhode Island, and it was in consequence of his ener- 
getic action that the quotas assigned to Rhode Island were so promptly 
filled. He was governor of the state in 1875 and 1876, serving through 
both terms with distinguished ability, and took an active part in 



, 








HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 733 

honoring- Rhode Island at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia 
in 1876. 

His high character for financial ability and integrity is signally 
illustrated by the fact, that at no time during the past fifty years has 
his annual business ever amounted to less than $500,000, and fre- 
quently it has exceeded $4,000,000; and during that long period, not- 
withstanding the many financial disturbances that have occurred, he 
has never failed, nor even been obliged to ask for an extension of 
time on his commercial paper. He is universally esteemed in busi- 
ness circles as an energetic, frank, outspoken man who can be always 
relied upon. 

He married, December 16th, 1845, Mary Ann Balch, daughter of 
Doctor Joseph Balch. They have had eleven children, six of whom, 
three sons and three daughters, are now living. 

Isaac M. Potter, son of John and Mary (Arnold) Potter, was born 
in Scituate, R. I., August 23d, 1833. He is the youngest of eight chil- 
dren, six of whom are now living. His father was a descendant in the 
seventh generation of Robert Potter, who came from England in 1628, 
settling in Salem, Mass., but later removed to Rhode Island, where he 
became one of its distinguished founders. Colonel Potter's maternal 
ancestor in America was William Arnold, who settled in New England 
about the year 1636, and soon afterward removed to Providence, R. I., 
being an associate of Roger Williams, and one of the thirteen original 
grantees of " Pawtuxet Purchase." The ancestry of William Arnold 
may be traced back to the eleventh century, when one of the Arnolds, 
king of the Britons, reigned and built Abergavenny and its castle. 
The descendants of William are very numerous, and we find from the 
" Potter Genealogy " of their making matrimonial alliances with the 
Williamses and Watermans. 

Colonel Potter was educated in the public schools of his native town 
and at Lapham Institute, North Scituate, and also took a business 
course at Scholfield's Commercial College, Providence. When 19 years 
of age he was apprenticed to a manufacturing jeweler in Providence, 
with whom he remained about four years, gaining there the first prac- 
tical knowledge of the business which has been his life occupation. 
Having earned enough to start in business for himself, in 1856, Colonel 
Potter associated with Albert W. Delnah in the manufacture of jew- 
elry. Prosperity attended this enterprise, and they continued together 
until the spring of 1861, when the civil war commenced. Business 
was then stopped, and both partners enlisted in the service of their 
country. Mr. Potter at once enlisted as a private in Company C, First 
Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, with which he proceeded to 
Washington, D. C, and took part in the first battle of Bull Run, serv- 
ing faithfully with his regiment until it was mustered out of service. 
The following winter he received a commission from Governor Sprague 
to raise a company for the Third Regiment of Rhode Island Heavy 



734 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Artillery; but before the company was completed the urgent call for 
troops took him south. While there he was in active service at the 
-capture of Fort Pulaski, Ga. Later he was ordered to join the expedi- 
tion against Charleston. " They landed on James island June 9th, 
1862, and on the 16th of the same month, at the battle of Secession- 
ville, one of the hottest engagements of the war, Lieutenant Potter 
was severely wounded in the right wrist, while leading his men against 
the enemy's works. After the battle he received a sick leave and re- 
turned home." His wound was quite serious and required the best 
of surgical skill to save his hand, only the partial use of which he has 
since regained. He resigned his commission as first lieutenant, and 
having partially recovered from his wound, accepted, November 20th, 
1862, an appointment as captain in the Fifth Regiment, Rhode Island 
Infantry. This regiment was then stationed at Newbern, N. C, but 
■Captain Potter did not join them until February, 1863, having in the 
meantime been engaged in recruiting in the state. Soon after arriv- 
ing at Newbern he was stricken with yellow fever and narrowly es- 
caped death. 

In April, 1863, General John J. Foster,' commanding the department 
■of North Carolina, went to Little Washington to inspect the garrison 
and defenses, and was besieged by the enemy. Colonel Sisson volun- 
teered the services of the Fifth Regiment to go to his relief. They 
•embarked on board the " Escort," a common side-wheel steamer, 
taking a quantity of ammunition which was placed on the lower deck. 
The officers and men not on duty were ordered below so a> to insure 
their safety as far as possible. Captain Potter was placed in command 
-of a picked company of sharpshooters stationed on the main deck. 
The pilot steamed safely through the passage in the blockade, grazing 
only once on the piles. They passed three formidable batteries at 
short range, and arrived in Little Washington without losing a man. 
If a shot or shell had struck the boiler or ammunition undoubtedly 
most of those aboard would have been lost. The " Escort " returned 
to Newbern the next day with General Foster on board. In passing 
the batteries the pilot was shot through the head and killed. Perhaps 
the running of the blockade for the relief of Little Washington ranks 
.as one of the most hazardous and brilliant achievements that occurred 
during the war. The 44th Massachusetts, one of the besieged regi- 
ments, feeling deeply the services rendered, presented the Fifth with 
a beautiful silk flag. Captain Potter, with a few others, received 
special mention by Colonel Sisson in his official report, for the able 
performance of duty; and the general assembly at its May session in 
I 863 passed a resolution of thanks to Colonel Sisson and the officers 
and men of the regiment for the gallantry and heroism displayed in 
the siege for the relief of General Foster. 

Captain Potter remained with his regiment until the close of the war. 
February 27th, 1865, he was appointed major and soon afterward 




■.f.^t&l 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 735 

brevetted lieutenant-colonel. When peace was declared, he again 
took up his former business, associating himself with Fred W. 
Symonds in Providence. They continued successfully in partnership 
for three years, when Mr. Symonds sold his interest to John M. Buf- 
finton, and the firm style has since been Potter & Buffinton. Their 
specialty is solid gold goods and they rank among the best manufac- 
turers of the state. Colonel Potter was chosen a representative to the 
general assembly of Rhode Island in 1875, and reelected in 1876, 
serving the first year on the committee on militia, and the second 
year as chairman of the joint standing committee on executive com- 
munications. He is a member of the G. A. R. of Rhode Island and 
was a delegate to the national encampment held at Dayton, O., in 
1880. He was also a delegate in 1880 to the national republican con- 
vention, and one of the presidential electors from Rhode Island in 
1884. He has been for several years a member of the board of trade, 
also member of the What Cheer Lodge since 1860. Colonel Potter 
married October 28th, 1875, Josephine Elizabeth, daughter of William 
H. and Alphileda (Lyon) Arnold of Providence. They have had one 
child, Gladys A., born December 4th, 1883. 

A strict business man, yet generous of nature, genial in companion- 
ship, and commanding of presence are Colonel Potter's chief charac- 
teristics. He has won the high respect of the citizens of Providence, 
and though he holds an enviable position socially his main enjoyment 
is his home and family. 

Fitz-James Rice was born in Barre, Mass., July 1 4th, 1814, and is 
the son of Micajah and Lucy (Bannister) Rice. During his infancy 
his parents removed to Framingham, Mass., his father's native town. 
The progenitor of the Rice family in America was Edmund Rice, who 
lived in Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, England, and in 1638 came to 
this country with his family and settled in Sudbury, Mass. Phineas 
Rice, the paternal grandfather of Fitz-James, was a lieutenant in the 
continental army during the revolutionary war. When the English 
parliament, previous to the revolution, closed the port of Boston to 
commerce and navigation, he rendered the country a great service in 
transporting, by means of ox teams, valuable merchandise from New 
York to Boston. 

Fitz-James Rice lived in Framingham, Mass., until he was 17 years 
of age, when he went to Medfield, Mass., where he spent four years in 
learning the baking business in the establishment of W. P. Balch. 
After completing his apprenticeship he went to Fall River, Mass., 
where he remained one year. In 1837 he removed to Providence, and 
was employed in the bakery of Benjamin Balch for five years, at the end 
of which time he entered into business for himself. In 1849 he formed 
a partnership with George W. Hayward, formerly an apprentice with 
him at Medfield, and laid the foundation of the extensive and profita- 
ble business now being carried on by the firm of Rice & Hayward, 



736 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

their establishment being one of the largest of the kind in New Eng- 
land. In 1800 William S. Hayward, son-in-law of Mr. Rice, was ad- 
mitted as a member of the firm. In 1863 the partnership was dis- 
solved, and the business transferred to William S. Hayward. In the 
division of the property of the firm, the real estate came to Mr. Rice 
as a part of his share, which he leased to Mr. Hayward, who carried 
on the business alone for two years, at the expiration of which time 
Mr. Rice again became associated with him under the old firm name 
of Rice & Hayward, and this partnership still continues. 

In 1868 Mr. Rice was elected a member of the Providence city 
council and reelected in 1869. He joined the High Street Congrega- 
tional church in 1856, during the pastorate of Reverend Doctor Wol- 
cott. This church afterward united with the Richmond Street church, 
and is now called Union church. In 1877 he became a life member 
of the Young Men's Christian Association of Providence, in which he 
has for many years taken a deep interest, and to which he has liberally 
contributed both of his time and means. He is particularly interested 
in missionary work, and for a number of years has been a member of 
the Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions, and is a member of 
the Pomham Club. He is also a prominent Mason, having been a 
member of the What Cheer Lodge of Freemasons since 1857, and is a 
Knight Templar in Calvary Commandery. 

Mr. Rice has been twice married; first December 25th, 1837, to 
Elizabeth Cook of Fall River, who died in 1872. By this union there 
were five children: Lucy M., George A., Arthur G., Caroline C. and 
Lizzie J., the first two of whom are the only ones now living. In 1874 
he married Mrs. Rebecca R. Cook, widow of William B. Cook, of New 
Bedford, Mass. Mr. Cook was a brother of Mr. Rice's first wife. 
During his long residence in Providence, extending over a period of 
more than 50 years, Mr. Rice has always resided on Christian hill in 
the Sixth ward. He is highly esteemed for his business capacity, 
social qualities and benevolent disposition. 

Gilbert Francis Robbins was the son of Abel and Julia A. Rob- 
bins, and was born in the town of Burrillville, R. I., August 26th, 
L838. His early life was passed in his native town, attending school 
there until the age of 17 years, when he entered the East Greenwich 
Academy, where he obtained a practical business education. He 
afterward returned to Burrillville and engaged in business for a few 
years, leaving there in 1860 and removing to Providence to engage in 
the clothing business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Serrill Mowry, at 
No. 4 Washington Row, which they carried on with success in the 
same location for 23 years. At that time (1884) they admitted Mr. 
Marcus M. Inman, another brother-in-law, to the firm, changing the 
firm name to Mowry, Robbins & Co., and then removed to a more 
commodious store on the corner of Westminster and Dorrance streets. 
Mr. Robbins became the mayor of Providence while carrying on busi- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 737 

ness at that location, and brought his connection with the firm to a 
close practically, at the same time his last mayoralty term ended. 

The most interesting part of the life of ex-Mayor Robbins, by far, 
was political. He was a strong republican, and much interested 
in public matters, and especially in improvements for the benefit of 
public good in the city, during his term of office. In 1879 he was 
elected a member of the common council from the Seventh ward, 
serving until 1882, when he was elected alderman of the same ward, 
and in 1883 w r as reelected and received the honor of president of the 
board, serving in that position until the death of ex-Mayor Doyle, 
in June, 1886, when he became acting mayor of Providence, serving 
as such until the close of the year, when he was elected mayor with all 
power, and was reelected in 1888. The year 1881) drew his public life 
to a close, for he retired from the office of mayor. 

He was a member of several secret societies, and had risen to the 
honor of a Knight Templar in St. John's Lodge of Freemasons. He 
was most prominently connected with the order of Odd Fellows, and 
was honored with the highest offices in its power to bestow, in all of 
which he served with marked ability and fidelity, which won for him 
the same esteem and respect which he received in his political life. 
In religious preference he was a Universalist. 

Ex-Mayor Robbins married Mrs. Susan Olive Whipple, daughter of 
Manning Arnold, of Burrillville, who survives him. They had no chil- 
dren. He was a self-made man and his private life was above reproach. 
He died September 27th, 1889, his removal lamented by the city he 
had so faithfully and loyally served, as well as by a host of friends all 
over the state, who respected him for his honorable career and 
manly character. His mortal remains rest in Swan Point Cemetery, 
Providence. 

Elisha Hutchinson Rockwell, the present managing agent of 
the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company's Providence, 
Norfolk and Baltimore steamers, was born in the town of Lebanon, 
Conn., October 16th, 1829, and is the fifth son of Jabez and Eunice 
(Bailey) Rockwell of that town, who were the parents of ten sons and 
three daughters. He is a descendant of William Rockwell, who came 
from England in 1630 and settled at Dorchester, Mass. His father, 
Jabez Rockwell, was a man of force and character, to whom the subject 
of this sketch is not a little indebted for the vitality of life and the 
spirit of energy which he possesses. At the age of eight and a half 
years he was placed on the farm of Timothy E. Metcalf, of Lebanon, 
Conn., for a term of three years, compensation to be food, clothing and 
four months' schooling each year. At the expiration of this time he 
was placed on the farm of David S. Woodworth, of the same town, for 
two years, the compensation to be the same as received before. 

When 15 years of age he was employed in the woolen mill of 
Henry Gillette, of Bozrahville, Conn., but two years later accepted a 

47 



738 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

better position in the woolen mill of the Rockville Manufacturing- 
Company, of Rockville, Conn. After remaining there two years, he 
apprenticed himself to his brother, John M. Rockwell, Norwich, Conn., 
to learn the trade of lettering monuments and tombstones. At the 
end of two years he purchased the third year and left his trade to 
accept a clerkship on the steamer " Charles Osgood," which was the 
beginning of a career which has since been marked with prosperity 
and success. This steamer was built in 1850 to run in opposition to 
the Norwich and New London Transportation Company's line of 
steamers, but was transferred to the regular line before starting. Mr, 
Rockwell remained here IS months. His service must have been 
very acceptable, for at the end of this time, in 1852, when but 23 years 
of age, he was called upon to take the New York agency of the Nor- 
wich and New London Transportation Company, which operated a 
line of freight steamers plying between Norwich, New London and 
New York, and he filled this position, to the satisfaction of his em- 
ployers, five years. This line was discontinued November 1st, in the 
year of the panic, 1857. January 1st, 1858, the steamers " Charles 
Osgood" and "Osceola" were started as an opposition line between 
Norwich, New London and New York, Mr. Rockwell being appointed 
the New York agent. He held this position 18 months, when he was 
engaged by Mr. William P. Williams, of New York (the originator 
and manager of the Neptune Steamship Company's line to Providence, 
R. I., and outside direct line to Boston), as their agent of the line to 
Providence and Boston, with his office at 15 State street, Boston, for 
the Providence line, and at Central Wharf, Boston, for the outside 
direct line. The civil war broke out before the steamers were placed 
on the route designated, and they were chartered by the United States 
government for transports. 

Mr. Rockwell continued with Mr. Williams to the end of a two 
years' engagement. He then became a partner in the shipping and 
commission house of Bently, Smith & Co., at 72 South street, New 
York, where he remained one year. He was then reengaged by Mr. 
Williams for two years as agent for the Neptune Steamship Company 
for their line to both Boston and Providence direct from New York, 
at first taking the agency at Boston for the outside line direct to New 
York, with his office at Central Wharf, and also for the inside line via 
Providence, with his office at 15 State street. The steamers of the 
outside line were sold to the Metropolitan Steamship Company, and 
the management was therefore changed, and Mr. Rockwell retired 
from the agency, but continued with Mr. Williams until the end of 
the term of two years. In 1867 he received an appointment as agent 
of the Providence and New York Steamship Company at Providence, 
R. I., succeeding Mr. J. B.Gardiner. He filled this position six years, 
four years under the management of the late Benjamin Buffum, and 
two years later under that of William Sprague. 




C^~£_--i^z<2V,^L <^*C </Xi a 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 739 

About the year 1873, the Merchants and Miners Transportation 
Company reestablished their business at this port, and started a line 
from Providence to Norfolk and Baltimore. They secured the services 
of Mr. Rockwell as managing agent at Providence, who is now serving 
his 17th year of engagement. Mr. Rockwell's connection with steam- 
ship lines covers a period of 40 years, while the high and responsible 
positions he has filled speak well for the faithfulness and attention to 
the various interests intrusted to him. His genial nature and gentle- 
manly bearing have made him popular with the shippers, and with 
every one, while his successful management of hundreds of men indi- 
cates that he is possessed of great executive ability. 

Mr. Rockwell is public spirited, and has taken a lively interest in 
the affairs of the city of Providence, serving as a member of the city 
government, also as a member of the Providence Board of Trade, 
where his good offices on committee work have amounted to public 
benefactions. He has long been a member of this body, and is at 
present also a member of the common council, having served two 
years, declining to serve a third term. He is also a member of Swartz 
Lodge, No. 18, of Providence, R. I. 

January 28th, 1852, Mr. Rockwell married Miss Martha A. Geer, 
daughter of Captain Erastus Geer, of Norwich, Conn. Their children 
are: Ella M., born at Norwich, June 10th, 1853, now the wife of Walter 
J. Lewis, of Providence; Frank W., born at Jersey City, N. J., Septem- 
ber 3d, 1860, married Eleanor S. Stone, of Providence, R. L, January 
19th, 1887; and William P., born at Norwich, Conn., August 20th, 1864, 
now in business in Denver, Col. Frank W., for the past 11 years, has 
been in the employ of the same company, in the office of his father at 
Providence, R. I. 

Samuel Stearns Sprague, merchant, was born at South Killingly, 
July 3d, 1819, at the old homestead of his ancestors. His father, 
Elisha Leavens Sprague, was a well-to-do farmer, who inherited the 
estate, and learned the trade of his father, who was a blacksmith. The 
first progenitor of the family in this country was Edward Sprague of 
Upway, county of Dorset, England. His sons, Ralph, Richard and 
William, landed in Salem, Mass., in 1628. The family genealogy 
shows that Ralph was the father of Samuel, 2d, of same place, whose 
son John removed to Killingly, Conn., in 1752. The latter was the 
father of John 2d, who was the father of Daniel, whose son Elisha 
Leavens, was the father of the subject of this sketch. 

Mr. Sprague's mother, Clarissa Day, was the daughter of Reverend 
Israel Day, who was a prominent Congregational minister, at .South 
Killingly. Conn. .She died November 2d, 1831, leaving two sons. 
Elisha Rodolphus, and Samuel Stearns, whose father married again in 
November, 1833, his second wife, being Bathsheba Bliss, of Warren, 
Mass. She died October 23d, 1884, in the 97th year of her age. Elisha 
L. Sprague died in 1834, leaving his sons the farm and other property. 



740 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Samuel S. received his early education in the common schools, and 
at the academy at Brooklyn. Conn. Elisha having already begun to 
prepare for college, Samuel took charge of the farm, being at that 
time 14 years of age. He afterward bought his brother's interest in 
the estate. Other property left them by their father was lost during 
the financial crisis of 1837. On the 8th of November, 1842, Mr. 
Sprague married Esther Pierce Hutchins, daughter of Simon and 
Lydia Hutchins, of Killingly, Conn., who belonged to a large and in- 
fluential family. In the spring of 1852, desiring to change his busi- 
ness and better his prospects, he sold the homestead (which had been 
in the family over 100 years), and removed his family to Danielson- 
ville, Conn. Subseqently Mr. Sprague went to Providence, R. I., and 
on the 1st of September following formed a copartnership there with 
Daniel E. Day in the flour and grain business, locating on Dyer street, 
near the foot of Clifford street. 

In May, 1858, he moved his family to that city. About two years 
thereafter the firm removed to the corner of South Water and Craw- 
ford streets, where they remained about 12 years, building up in the 
meantime a large and profitable business. Until 1866 they had occu- 
pied leased property, but in that year they purchased the large brick 
building and lot on Dyer street, owned and occupied formerly by 
Messrs. Spellman and Metcalf, who were engaged in the same busi- 
ness. To this store they soon after removed, and continued to carry 
on business there until July, 1876, when Mr. Sprague sold his undivided 
one-half interest in the real estate to D. E. Day, the company dividing 
the stock in trade, and dissolving the partnership of Day, Sprague & 
Co. 

Mr. Sprague then formed a copartnership with two of his sons, 
Charles Hutchins and Henry Shepard, the new firm being known as 
S. S. Sprague & Co. This firm temporarily leased a store adjoining 
the one formerly occupied by Day, Sprague & Co., and continued 
here in the same line of business until October, 1877, when they re- 
moved to the "Columbia Elevator and Mills'* built for their use, by 
Alexander Duncan, and leased to them for a number of years. This 
business was more extensive than any in which Mr. Sprague had ever 
been interested. The firm have several grain elevators in Illinois, 
where their agents purchase grain and ship to New England and other 
markets. Owing to the changes in business methods, and to cover a 
larger territory, the firm commenced, in the spring of 1890, the build- 
ing of an elevator and mills with warehouses, in East Deerfield, Mass., 
and on the expiration of their lease from Mr. Duncan in July follow- 
ing, they removed their offices to number 2 Pine street, at the junc- 
tion of Pine and Dyerstreets, abandoning the general jobbing business, 
and devoting their attention to the distribution of grain from their 
several elevators throughout the East. In all his business connections, 
Mr. Sprague has been an active partner in buying and selling, and in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 741 

the general management of the firm's interests. In 1879 he became 
interested in valuable real estate investments in Minneapolis, Minne- 
sota, and in other western places. He is a director of the Rhode 
Island Hospital Trust Company, also one of the directors of the Rhode 
Island National Bank, and for 15 years has been one of the board of 
•commissioners of the state sinking fund. 

Mr. Sprague has been closely devoted to the interests of his busi- 
ness, and although he has consented to fill official positions, he has 
never sought and has often declined them. From 1868 to 1870 he 
served as a member of the common council of Providence, from the 
Sixth ward, and was also one of the board of aldermen from 1871 to 
1873. He is one of the original members of the Union Congregational 
church, from the Richmond street church. He was an active member 
of the building committee, and has been chairman of that society 
committee from the completion of the building to the present time. 
He manifests great interest in public enterprises and benevolent in- 
stitutions of the day, and is a generous supporter of all good works. 
His successful career is attributed to his rare business capacity, in- 
dustry, perseverance and prudence, combined with that uprightness 
•of character upon which all true success is based. 

He has been twice married; his first wife already mentioned, died 
June 29th, 1865, and on the 22dof October, 1866, he married Adeline M., 
daughter of Deacon Lucius F. and Lydia E. Thayer of Westfield, 
Mass. By his first marriage there were four children: Charles Hutch- 
ins, Henry Shepard, Frank Elisha, and Alida Esther. Frank Elisha is 
now in active business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Royal Chap in Taft is the son of Orsmus and Margaret (Smith) 
Taft. He was born in Northbridge, Mass., February 14th, 1823. His 
parents removed to Uxbridge, Mass., when he was less than one year 
of age, where he remained until his removal to Providence, R. I., in 
July, 1844, in which city he has since resided. He is a descendant in 
the seventh generation from Robert Taft, one of the original settlers 
of the town of Mendon, Mass., who moved to that town from Brain- 
tree, Mass., at the close of King Philip's war, in 1689. Robert Taft 
originally came from Seoti«B4, was a householder while in Braintree, 
was chosen one of the selectmen of Mendon in 1680, and he, with his 
five sons and their descendants, had an important influence upon the 
history and affairs of Mendon and Uxbridge. 

The subject of this sketch had the usual common school education 
in the town of Uxbridge, and the benefit of a two years' term in 
Worcester Academy. Upon his removal to Providence he entered as 
clerk in the office of Royal Chapin, who was then engaged in business 
as a woolen manufacturer and dealer in wool. After five years' ser- 
vice he was admitted as a partner with Mr. Chapin. But in 1851 he 
started in the wool business and manufacturing for himself, with S. 
Standish Bradford, of Pawtucket, as a partner, under the firm name of 



742 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Bradford & Taft, which business was continued as Bradford, Taft & 
Co., and Taft, Weeden & Co., until 1885, when he retired for awhile 
from active business life. He is now engaged in manufacturing in 
both cotton and wool. In 1888 he bought the interest of the late 
Henry W. Gardner in the Coventry Company, and is now the general 
manager of its large business. He is also treasurer of the Bernon 
Mills at Georgiaville, R. I., and president of the Quinebaug Company, 
located at Brooklyn, Conn. 

Mr. Taft has been for many years prominently identified with the 
financial affairs of the state, as president, since 1868, of the Merchants 
National Bank in Providence, as a vice-president of the Providence 
Institution for Savings, and one of the directors of the Rhode Island 
Hospital Trust Company. It may be truly remarked in this connec- 
tion that few men have had such great influence upon the financial 
affairs of the state as Mr. Taft. 

Originally a member of the whig party, he has, since the dissolu- 
tion of that party, been a republican. He was, during 1855 and 1856, 
a member of the city council of Providence; a representative to the 
general assembly from that city in 1880, 1881 and 1882, and for six 
years one of the sinking fund commissioners for the state. In April, 
1888, he was elected by the people governor of the state of Rhode Is- 
land upon the republican ticket. He held the office cne year, and de- 
clined arenomination on account of the constantly increasing demands 
of his private business. While governor he administered the affairs 
of the state diligently and carefully, and retired with the esteem and 
respect of his fellow-citizens, irrespective of political affiliations. In 
his annual message to the general assembly his suggestions and re- 
commendations were of a practical nature, and commended themselves 
to favorable consideration. He was a faithful public servant, and his 
administration in the highest degree creditable. He has held many 
positions of trust and honor in the city and state. He is now presi- 
dent of the Rhode Island Hospital, has been a member of the board 
of trustees of Butler Hospital for the Insane since 1865, and is vice- 
president of the Providence Athenaeum. He was associated with the 
late Honorable George H. Corliss as one of the commissioners from 
the state of Rhode Island to the Centennial Exposition of 1870, held 
in Philadelphia. 

Governor Taft is a self-made man in the best sense of that term. 
He is a patron of art, and for a man of business has devoted much 
time to literature. He has been long and honorably identified with 
the business interests of Rhode Island, and distinguished among his 
fellow-citizens for disinterested service to the various charitable and 
beneficent institutions of the city and state. In him the poor and 
needy have always found a helper. 

He married, October Hist, 1850, Mary Frances, daughter of George 
]'.. Armington, M. D.. of Pittsford, Vt., and has a family of two sons 
and two daughters. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 743 

Harvey E. Wellman. — The subject of this sketch was born in the 
town of Attleborough, Mass., February ?th, 1840. He is the son of 
David B. and Betsey (Wood) Wellman. Until the age of 17 years he 
lived on his father's farm and attended the district school, when he 
spent two years at the Middleboro Academy, in Massachusetts. At 
the conclusion of his term at the academy he found a business life 
preferable to that of farming. At the age of 19 he secured a situation 
as clerk with Mr. Samuel True, an old established wholesale lumber 
merchant in the city of Providence. He remained with Mr. True 
three years, when he admitted him to partnership in the business 
under the firm name of Samuel True & Co. At the end of three 
years the copartnership was dissolved by the death of Air. True. The 
whole business was at once assumed by Mr. Wellman in his own name, 
and during the past 25 years the sales of lumber have increased from 
ten million feet to one hundred million feet annually. It is one of the 
most extensive wholesale lumber houses in New England, and is 
ranked among the heaviest of the kind in the country. Its business 
extends to almost every state in the Union, and also to Canada, Europe 
and South America. Mr. Wellman's long experience in the business, 
as well as his command of large financial resources, has placed him in 
the front rank among the lumber merchants of the United States, and 
his enterprising and progressive spirit has yielded him a large measure 
of prosperity. 

Mr. Wellman is the senior member of the well-known firm of 
Wellman, Hall & Co., of Boston, and a partner in the firm of Simpson 
& Co., of Florida, who own nearly 250,000 acres of the very best pine 
lumber lands in the South, and manufacture 25,000,000 feet of lumber 
annually at their own mills. From the beginning of business, Mr. 
Wellman has always made it a point to deal only in first-class lumber, 
and from this fact he has achieved his enviable reputation among 
buyers at home and abroad. 

Notwithstanding his large and rapidly increasing business, Mr. 
Wellman has found some time to devote to public affairs in the city 
and state where he resides. For two years he was a member of the 
general assembly of Rhode Island, and a presidential elector in 1880, 
when James A. Garfield was chosen president and Chester A. Arthur 
vice-president. He was also a member of the commission on improved 
railway terminal facilities appointed by the city council of Providence, 
and to the duties of which he devoted much time and attention. He 
is president of the Rhode Island Lumber Trade Association, president 
of the Narragansett Electric Light Company, and vice-president of 
the National Bank of Commerce, in Providence. 

Wr. Wellman is one of the representative business men of the 
city in which he lives, and has always taken a lively interest in its 
development and prosperity. His superior executive abilities have 
been long recognized, and through his well-directed energy and 



744 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

enterprise he has contributed much to the commercial activity of 
Providence. 

In June, 1868, he married Miss Harriet A. Fiske, of Lincoln, R. I. 

Henry B. Winship. — Among the representative business men of 
the city of Providence whose sturdy characters alone have advanced 
them to prominent positions is Henry Bruce Winship. He was born 
in that city, September 14th, 1843, being the youngest son of the late 
Augustus J. Winship. The public schools of his birthplace furnished 
his educational opportunities. The family resources were not large, 
so at the age of nine years Henry left school to assist his father at 
harness making, and thus his business career began. After five 
years he sought other occupation, and during his youth filled various 
positions, and filled them all well. Even at this early period of his 
life he exhibited the sterling qualities destined some day to enable him 
to achieve success. Conscious of his educational deficiencies, he de- 
termined to supply them to the best of his ability, and to this end he 
obtained a situation, where, by working evenings, he could be released 
days to attend school. He realized that he had no one to rely on but 
himself, and he knew that if he would attain success he must hew his 
own path to it. Nature had endowed him for the struggle of life with 
a sunny, cheerful disposition, with indomitable energy, unfailing en- 
terprise, and unstinted self-reliance. Thus admirably equipped to push 
his own way, he was always ready to avail himself of whatever offered, 
and to grasp any opportunity that came within his reach. In 1860 he 
was clerk at Rocky Point under Captain Winslow, the founder of that 
famous shore resort. Later he was employed in a market, and for 
about three years he was in business in that line for himself. 

In 1868 the What Cheer Bank, in which he was then a clerk, retired 
from business, so he was thrown out of employment. How often seem- 
ing adversity hovers round the threshold of fortune! So it was with 
Mr. Winship. Mr. J. B. Barnaby, the most successful clothier in 
Rhode Island, had then laid the foundation of a growing business, and 
when he found Mr. Winship unemployed he offered him a situation. 
A leading trait in Mr. Barnaby 's character, and a prime element of 
his great success, was his wonderful perception in choosing subor- 
dinates, and the combination of Mr. Barnaby and Mr. Winship was 
fortunate alike for both, and was the means of developing a promis- 
ing beginning into a concern so prosperous that it is unsurpassed in 
its line in Rhode Island; and its fame and its business extend into 
many states, both through its main house in Providence and its 
branches in Boston, Fall River, New Haven and Kansas City. So sat- 
isfactory did Mr. Winship prove to his employer, that, after serving 
as clerk for a year. M r. Barnaby received him as a partner. So cordially 
did the partners co-operate, and so valuable an accession did Mr. Win- 
ship prove to be, that the greatest confidence and the kindliest rela- 
tions existed between them through life; and when advancing disease 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 745 

admonished the senior that he must arrange his worldly affairs for 
leaving them, and the concern was incorporated under the name of 
the J. B. Barnaby Company, Mr. Winship was, as a matter of course, 
elected vice-president and general manager; and upon Mr. Barnaby 's 
death in September, 1889, was advanced to the presidency, a position 
he now holds. Though Mr. Winship excelled both as a buyer and as 
a salesman, yet he possessed in a superlative degree one trait that pre- 
eminently fitted him for his business. He had an absolute genius for 
advertising, and few knew as well as he how to attract public atten- 
tion. Among the other prominent business relations held by Mr. 
Winship, is that of a director in the Industrial Trust Company, one 
of the leading financial institutions of Rhode Island. 

Colonel Winship — for in April, 1878, the subject of this sketch was 
elected colonel of the United Train of Artillery, one of the most fa- 
mous military organizations in the Union — is very fond of the country 
and of out-door sports, and has held official positions in many societies 
relating thereto. Although not politically ambitious, he has filled 
various offices in his native city, having faithfully served upon the 
school committee, and for a number of years as a member of the re- 
publican city committee, and now representing his ward in the city 
government upon the board of aldermen. His natural taste and his 
executive ability have enabled him in this latter capacity to render 
exceptionally good service to his fellow citizens as a member of the 
committee on parks, and upon the recent formation of the park com- 
mission he was elected a member thereof. 

In 1866 Colonel Winship married Emma T., daughter of the late 
Captain Colin C. Baker. 

No sketch of Colonel Winship would be adequate that omitted 
to mention his sympathy for suffering and his warm-hearted gener- 
osity; for many a stricken spirit, less fortunate in life's struggle than 
he, has been cheered by his considerate and unostentatious assistance. 
His success affords a good illustration of what faithful endeavor, 
coupled with push and pluck, can accomplish even in conservative 
New England. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

THE TOWN OF CRANSTON. 



Description. — Organization. — Town Meetings. — Officers, etc. — Settlement and Settlers. — 
Militia. — Industries. — Cranston Print Works. — Knights ville. — Pavvtuxet Village. — 
Oak Lawn. — Fiskeville. — Arlington. — Auburn. — Howard Station. — Corliss Safe Com- 
pany. — Education. — State Farm. — Early Fairs and Cattle Shows. — Biographical 

Sketches. 



THIS town formerly belonged to Providence, and was settled by 
Roger Williams and his associates, many of whose descendants 
are now living in the town. As soon as this territory began to 
be extensively peopled, the inhabitants commenced to experience 
many difficulties in attending courts, town meetings, etc., it being a 
source of annoyance as well as great inconvenience for those living on 
the outskirts of the town to go such great distances. As early as 1660 
petitions began to be circulated for a division of the town, and several 
times afterward the people petitioned for a division, but the project as 
often failed. Those desirous of a division of the town formerly 
wanted the new town called Mashapaug. Others wanted to take part 
of Warwick and name the new town Pawtuxet. For a series of years 
this proposition was discussed earnestly, the idea having a number of 
supporters. Another party wanted the new town called Meshanticut, 
and thus the matter of an appropriate name became the theme for 
earnest discussion for many years. 

In 1732 the friends of a division came very near to success. The 
old difficulty again arose in the way of appropriately naming the town, 
or the project would have been satisfactorily consummated. But the 
names of Meshanticut, Pocasset, Mashapaug and Pawtuxet were too 
much for them, and their wishes were destined to remain unsatisfied. 
Those who opposed the measure could easily thwart the designs of 
the party wishing to divide, upon the question of a name. 

The subject was again renewed in 1752, and the question of a 
division and an appropriate name for the new town was laid by a pe- 
tition before the general assembly. In 1753-4 the idea of adopting 
an Indian name was abandoned, and that of Cranston substituted. 
The name was given in honor of Samuel Cranston, who held the 
office of governor from 1698 to 1727; a fact unparalleled in the history 
of any other of the New England colonies. The Gordian knot being 
severed, the division was made, the new town being bounded as fol- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 747 

lows: on the north by Johnston and the city of Providence, on the 
west by Scituate, on the south by Warwick and the Pawtuxet river, 
and on the east by Providence river. 

The town is largely an agricultural one, the products being chiefly 
hay, corn, rye, oats, some barley, potatoes and some other products. 
Considerable attention is paid to the cultivation of the smaller vege- 
tables, owing to its close proximity to Providence city and the ready 
markets found there for these products. The soil throughout the 
town is generally good. In the western section the surface is rather 
uneven, but in the eastern section it is generally level. The soil in 
the former is a moist loam, and that in the latter is generally of a rich 
and fertile quality. The Pawtuxet river forms part of its southern 
boundary, and is the principal stream in the town. The Pocasset 
river runs through the town and discharges its waters into the Paw- 
tuxet about two miles above the falls. 

The places of historic interest are as follows: Villages. — Cranston- 
Print Works, Auburn, Pawtuxet (Cranston side), Arlington, Belle- 
fonte, Edgewood, Knightsville, Fiskeville (Cranston side), Oak Lawn, 
Franklin, Wayland, Howard (formerly Sockanosset), Pocasset, Ark- 
wright (Cranston side). Hills. — Lawton, Applehouse, Dugway, Rocky.. 
Furnace, Sockanosset, Stafford. Ponds. — Cunliff, Whitmore, Black- 
more, Ralph, Spectacle, Randall, Burlingame, Jordan, Dyers, Print 
Works. Reservoirs. — Sockanosset (Providence Water Works), Pocasset,. 
Franklin, Belief onte, Furnace. Rivers. — Mashapaug, Pocasset, Mish- 
antatuck {i.e. well wooded), Furnace. Brooks. — Herod, Nettlegrace, 
Sockanosset, Silver Hook, Turner, Church, Potter, Baker, Knight, 
Congdon, Lippitt, Tanyard or Warner. Miscellaneous. — The Big Rock, 
Fenner (slate) Ledge, State Farm, Narragansett Driving Park. His- 
toric. — Iron mine opened by Governor Hopkins in 1762, and worked 
till 1780; site of the great pippin orchard. The garrison house or cas- 
tle of Captain Arthur Fenner, who was born in England in 1622, and 
died in this house in 1703, was erected about 1668, and has been used as 
a dwelling within the memory of many persons. The town of Masha- 
paug, which was probably the name of an Indian village. 

In several towns of the state of Rhode Island natural curiosities 
exist in the shape of large boulders weighing several tons each, nicely 
poised on flattened stones, so that a person can easily roll one from 
side to side but cannot displace it. By standing on one of these 
boulders, and throwing the weight on one foot then on the other, the. 
stone can be made to roll, producing a rumbling noise that in some 
instances has been heard for miles. On the road leading to Joytown, 
near its junction with the road leading from Cranston Furnace to- 
Knightsville, is one of these natural curiosities. Once upon a time a 
party attempted to roll the monster down the hill, but after a fruitless 
attempt, abandoned the project. 

The beautiful water works for furnishing the city of Providence. 



748 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

are embraced in part in the town of Cranston, and the reservoir is 
without doubt one of the finest pieces of engineering in the state. 
The city of Providence voted four times adversely upon the question 
of water supplies. First in 1853, again in 1856, again in 1864, and 
lastly on May 9th, 18G6. July 9th, 1866, the city council appointed a 
committee once more to report on the subject. This committee 
selected J. Herbert Shedd, of Boston, to make the preliminary surveys 
and report. An exhaustive and thorough report was made to the 
council in October, 1868. It presented four plans, with the estimated 
cost of each. The city taxpayers voted to introduce water by the 
I'awtuxet plan, the estimated cost being $3,966,932.07. On October 
27th the council elected for three years Moses B. Lockwood, Charles 
E. Carpenter and Joseph Cook, water commissioners. 

Upon this organization surveys were made and lands were pur- 
chased. In 1870 the construction of the Sockanosset reservoir, the 
laying of pipes, and the construction of the temporary pumping works 
were commenced. On November 9th, 1871, water was flowing into 
the city, and the event was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies 
November 3()th. The water for the supply of the city of Providence 
is taken six miles from the center of the city, and is of uncommon 
purity. The pumping engine is located just above the junction of 
the Pocasset and Pawtuxet rivers. The first engine was a " Worth- 
ington Duplex." The engine house is built of brick and stone, with 
a slated roof. 

June 14th, 1754, the town of Cranston was incorporated by an 
act of the general assembly, and Cranston was recognized as a town 
in the state. June 10th, 1868, a portion of the town was annexed to 
Providence, and another portion was annexed on March 28th, 1873. 
William Burton was recognized as the first justice of the peace, and 
was ordered to issue his warrant for the assembling of the freemen. 
At the town meeting for the purpose of electing town officers, August 
7th, 1754, the following councilmen were chosen: John Burton, presi- 
dent; Laureal Waterman, John Gorton, Jonathan Randall, William 
Stone and Benjamin Potter, Jr. In the following April Joseph Harris 
and John Burton were elected to the assembly. 

The first entry in the town records is the inventory of John 
Weaver, amounting to £174, 3d., and bears date August 25th, 1754. 
October 21st, 1754, is recorded the determination of the selectmen to 
look after the dangerous classes and provide for their apprehension 
and punishment. Robert Grey was ordered to appear before the 
■council to answer for some misdemeanor or else to leave the town. 
( )ctober 21st the first letter of administration was granted to Charles 
Atwood on his brother's estate. The first will recorded is that of 
Richard Knight, and bears date November 7th, 1754. Jeremiah Field 
and John Foyle were appointed guardians to Margaret Dunbar Feb- 
ruary 14th, 1756. May 4th, 1756, John Atwood was bound out to 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 749 

Charles Atwood to serve until the expiration of his minority. In Oc- 
tober, 1754, the first tax was assessed against the town, and amounted 
to ;£l,400 old tenor, worth in lawful money about $125. 

In 1767 a company was formed and commenced digging iron ore 
at a place known as the " ore bed." This business proved very suc- 
cessful, and was carried on for a number of years. Large quantities 
of this ore were carted to Hope Furnace, to Ponaganset and other 
places. At Hope Furnace a number of cannon were cast for use in 
the revolutionary war. The mine has been abandoned for a long 
time, owing to its being filled with water. 

On the 22d of August, 1767, the town obtained a bill of sale of a 
negro called Jack from a man by the name of John Lyon. Jack was 
an industrious negro, bearing a good character, and as there was 
every probability of his being able to earn his own living in the fu- 
ture, the town council, to their everlasting credit, gave him his free- 
dom, August 29th, 1767. 

The records of the town show that every means were resorted to 
for the protection of the people during the revolutionary struggle. 
Great demands were made upen the town, and the people were strained 
to the utmost. When money failed they supplied wood to the army 
encamped at Pawtuxet and Providence. During the winter of 1779-80 
the town's quota was 16 cords per week. Opposite John Brown's 
name on the records we find 7c. 4ft. 6in., this being his wood tax for 
that winter, the said Brown being obliged to deliver the wood himself 
at the camp. 

The town clerks of Cranston have been as follows, with dates of 
election: William Burton, June 25th, 1754; Joseph Harris, June 2d, 
1755; William Burton, June 6th, 1763; Nehemiah Knight, June 7th, 
1773; Jeremiah Knight, Jr., 1800; Jesse Howard, June 4th, 1821; James 
Aldrich, June 5th, 1843;*William H. A. Aldrich, June 1st, 1846; Joseph 
G. Johnson, June 7tb, 1847; Willard Barber, June 4th, 1855; Henry A. 
Potter, June 2d, 1856; D. L. Daboll, August 18th, 1862; Jonathan M. 
Wheeler, April 16th, 1866; Daniel D. Waterman, April 16th, 1888. 

The first permanent settlement in the town was probably made by 
William Arnold, who settled on the north side of Pawtuxet river, and 
on the east side of the old road now called Eddy street. It was about 
a half mile from Pawtuxet falls, midway between the road and bay. 
He took up a very extensive tract of land running back several miles 
into the country, including all that portion on which Pawtuxet now 
stands. The settlement was made in 1640 and embraced several thou- 
sand acres. Mr. Arnold was born in Cheselbourne, Dorset county, 
England, June 24th, 1587. He arrived in New England June 24th, 
1635, and was for a short time an inhabitant of Hingham, Mass. In 
1636 he and his two sons, Benedict and Stephen, came to Providence, 
and he was undoubtedly the wealthiest man of the company. His son, 
Benedict, became the first governor of the state under the royal 



750 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

charter. The Arnolds were very popular with the Indians and their 
influence with them was very great. 

Jacob Clarke settled here about the time the Arnolds did. He 
located about a mile south of Cranston Print Works, a short distance 
west of the Pocasset river. This tract was afterward taken up by A. 
& W. Sprague. The old house is still standing, although it has been 
remodelled and enlarged. Mr. Clarke was -buried on the farm and a 
neat memorial marks his last resting place. 

William Harris, born 1610, died 1681, settled on lands a little south 
•of the above and erected a saw mill, probably the first in the town. 
The old homestead is still standing and was bought by A. & W. 
Sprague, for a boarding house. Probably one of the most beautiful 
elm trees in Rhode Island stands in the yard of this house. It was 
planted by Benoni Harris 75 years ago. The mill estate was also 
bought by the Spragues, who turned it into a box factory. It was 
bmrned about the year 1880. Toleration Harris was killed at his mill 
by the Indians during King Philip's war. He was a son of William 
Harris. 

A portion of the Rivulet farm, now owned by the Union Horse 
Railroad Company, was originally taken up by the Potter family, from 
whom sprung the celebrated bishops of that name. Three brothers 
were bishops of the three largest episcopal dioceses in the United 
States, all holding office at the same time. The house upon this farm 
was the family homestead and there the bishops were born. 

Nicholas Sheldon was a large landowner in an early day and took 
up about 3, 000 acres in the north central part of the town. Mr. Knight 
took up a large tract of land in the extreme northwestern part of the 
town. The Knights were a very numerous family and a very im- 
portant one in the history of the town and state. Nehemiah Knight, 
an ancestor of William H. A. Aldrich, now of Knightsville, died in 
L780. He was the father of Nehemiah R. Knight, governor of the 
state and afterward member of congress two terms. The records of 
the town give the name of Nehemiah Knight as town clerk for the 
years 1773 to 1800. Jeremiah Knight, Jr., was town clerk from 1800 
to 1821, and was succeeded in that office by Jesse Howard, who held 
the office 22 years. Jonathan Wheeler also held this office 22 years. 
The Aldrich family have also been numerous in the town. 

The land about the "ore bed" was taken up by John Herod. His 
tract probably joined that of William Harris, for the latter sued Herod 
for trespass. The suit went against Harris, it being proven that he 
himself was the party that trespassed. The Randalls, Spragues, and 
Dyers settled about Cranston Print Works. The southwestern portion 
of the town was settled by numerous families, and became a prosper- 
ous and wealthy settlement. It, however, went into decay during the 
last century. 

Mary Cranston, born 1641, died April 7th, 1711, daughter of Jere- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 751 

miah Clarke and the wife of Governor John Cranston and afterward of 
John Stanton, was a settler here. She was married to the former in 
1658. Her children were: Samuel, Caleb, James, Jeremiah, Mary, Ben-' 
jamin, John, Elizabeth, Peleg and William by the first husband; and 
Benjamin and Henry by the second husband. 

Hope Corp, born November 8th, 1681, died 1765, son of John Corp 
of Bristol, was married to a Miss Rhodes and settled in the town of 
Cranston. Their children were: John, Jeremiah, William, Joseph, 
Daughter and Phebe. Hope Corp was the first English child born in 
Bristol. 

The descendants of Roger Williams settled in all the towns near 
Providence. Roger Williams was the son of James and Alice (Pem- 
berton) Williams. He was born about 1599 and died in 1683. He 
marred Mary Warnard and had six children: Mary, born in Plymouth, 
Mass., in August, 1633; Freeborn, in Salem, Mass., in October, 1635; 
Providence, born in the latter part of September, 1638 (he was the 
first white child born in the town of Providence); Mercy, born in 
Providence about the 15th of July, 1640 (she married first Resolved 
Waterman, second Samuel Winsor, and John Rhodes of Pawtucket 
married his daughter); Daniel, born the 15th of February 1642 (mar- 
ried Rebecca, daughter of Zachary Rhodes of Pawtuxet and widow 
of Nicholas Power, who was killed in the Indian war) and Joseph. 

Joseph, the sixth and last child of Roger Williams, was born 
December 12th, 1643. He was a settler of Cranston and built his 
house opposite Roger W T illiams Park. He married Lydia, daughter 
of Reverend Thomas Olney. His children were: Joseph (died young), 
Thomas, Joseph, Jr., Mary, James and Lydia. James was born in 
1680, and died June 25th, 1757. He married Elizabeth, daughter of 
James and Mary Blackmar. She died in March, 1761, in her 80th 
year. Sarah, daughter of James and Elizabeth Williams, was born 
December 4th, 1707, and died August 4th, 1733. 

Jeremiah, son of Joseph Williams, settled at Auburn. He was 
born in 1685 or 1686, and built the house there used as a hotel during 
the revolutionary war. One of his daughters was married in that 
hotel to a revolutionary soldier. The house was taken down some 
years ago. Jeremiah Williams was married to Abigail Mathewson. 
His children were: Jeremiah, Jr.. Andrew, Huldah, Joseph, Zacha- 
riah, Nathan, Mathewson, Sarah, Benjamin and Freelove. The last 
named was the youngest child, and was born April 10th, 1760. The 
above were settlers in Cranston except Jeremiah, Jr., who moved to 
Johnston. 

Joseph Williams, son of Roger Williams, and several others settled 
about Mashapaug. Joseph Williams' farm comprised in its extent 
the part given by one of his descendants to the city of Providence for 
a park. Joseph Williams was buried upon his farm. An elegant 
monument has been erected on the grounds donated to the city of 



752 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Providence for a park, in commemoration of the illustrious founder of 
the state. 

The Old Fenner House is of historic interest. The older part of 
this house was built, tradition asserts, about 1650 or soon after, and a 
solid edifice of oak and stone it was. In King Philip's terrible war of 
1675-6 it was one of the 13 garrison houses in the colony of Rhode Is- 
land, into which the settlers fled for shelter from the arrows and tom- 
ahawks of the infuriated Indians. The castle was surrounded by a 
heavy log fort, and the garrison quartered with the escaped settlers 
in the building. Arthur Fenner, it is probable, built the fort. The 
windows of the edifice had metal sash and diamond shaped glass, 
which were imported from England, as were also the nails and hinges. 
It is believed that cannon were mounted in the old fort, as cannon 
balls have been plowed up near it. 

Arthur Fenner was born in England in 1622, and appearing in 
Providence as early as 1645, was a compeer of Roger Williams, and 
commanded one of the garrisons in this part of the colony in 1676. 
He had a brother William, who appeared in Providence in 1645. He 
also had a son Thomas, who " staid and went not away " in Philip's 
war. The Fenner stock, directly and indirectly, has furnished five 
governors for the state of Rhode Island, three of them bearing the 
name of Fenner: Arthur, 1790-1805; James, 1807-11; and James, 
1824-31, and 1843-45. Major Thomas Fenner died February 27th, 
1718. Arthur, the builder of the castle, died in 1703. The castle was 
burned down in 1676 and 40 years afterward rebuilt, and torn down 
in 1887. 

The celebrated Indian fighter. Colonel Benjamin Church, baited at 
this castle in his Rhode Island campaign to inspect and instruct the 
garrison, and afterward Major Fenner here entertained with due form 
and ceremony his associate officers; and here also both Washington 
and Lafayette were received and refreshed at sumptuous tables as 
they marched through the state. All the Fenners of Rhode Island 
boast of this castle as their ancestral home, and it was deemed both 
an augury and an honor to be born under its roof. The last occu- 
pants of the castle were Samuel, Benjamin and Polly, all of whom ad- 
hered to the policy of celibacy. Samuel was lame and had a little 
shop near the mansion, where he operated a man power lathe. . Ben- 
jamin was a Quaker, and it is said Polly had no trouble or difficulty 
in caring for and keeping her jewels. She died in 1861, 98 years old. 

The inhabitants of this town were generally attached to the cause 
of the colonies in the revolutionary struggle. In 1774 the general 
assembly granted a charter to a military company to be called the 
Pawtuxet Rangers. This company was sufficient to show their 
patriotism to the cause of liberty, and fully vindicated the people in 
the struggle which afterward ensued. It continued to flourish until 
the decline of the training days, and is yet remembered by the last 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 753 

generation. On May 5th, 1790, another company was chartered under 
the name of the Cranston Blues. It continued like its predecessor 
until after the training days, when both of them threw up their 
charters. 

There has been little successful manufacturing done in the town 
aside from that carried on at the Cranston Print Works. After the 
revolutionary struggle the people began to look about earnestly for 
some paying industry besides farming. From 1812 to the present 
time different parties have tried the manufacture of cotton and woolen 
goods, but these attempts have proved unsuccessful. On May 5th, 
1790, the Elm wood Bank was chartered, with William Daboll president, 
and Charles H. Bassett cashier, and in February, 1818, the Cranston 
Bank was started. Upon the changing of the state to national banks 
in 1865, both of these institutions were closed. 

The ore bed owned by John Herod, previously mentioned, furnished 
employment at one time to various parties. The first company organ- 
ized to dig iron ore was in 1767, and proved very successful. Ore was 
taken from here to Hope Furnace, and to Ponaganset, and proved 
valuable for the manufacture of some of the cannon made and used in 
the war of the revolution. 

In 1849 a company was chartered to work a mine of coal at Socka- 
nosset hill. During the late war another attempt was made, but the 
coal was of an inferior quality and the project was abandoned. Gold 
and silver have been found here in small quantities, and also black 
lead of a very fine quality, the working of which proved a profitable 
industry. 

. It is a singular fact that out of the many attempts to establish 
permanent manufactories in the town, only one succeeded in remain- 
ing a generation under one management and that one brought finan- 
cial ruin to its proprietors. Mashapaug, once the site of a flourishing 
cotton factory, retains to-day nothing of its former appearance. Elm- 
ville presents a scene of ruin so far as its manufacturing interests are 
concerned, the factory having been burned several years ago, and 
even the dwellings are fast going to ruin. Pawtuxet has seen the 
same decadence, so far as its factories and mills are concerned, and 
other places have shared in the same fate. 

James A. Budlong & Son, whose place of business is in Providence, 
cultivate one of the largest vegetable farms in New England. It 
contains 470 acres, most of which is arable land, devoted to raising 
such crops as are put annually upon the market. They also cultivate 
what is known as the Sprague farm in Cranston. The business was 
begun in 1850 on a small scale at first, but now the yield sometimes 
amounts to $100,000 in a single year. The quantities of asparagus, 
beans, ears of green corn, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, green peas, toma- 
toes, peppers, squashes, turnips, cucumbers and melons, taken each 
year from this land are enormous, and the business requires hundreds 

48 



754 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of hands. The winter crops raised under glass are also enormous, 
there being 112,000 square feet of hot beds in use. 

William Sprague built a mill where the Cranston Print Works 
now are in 1807, and commenced the spinning of yarn. The mill 
was burned in 1815. It was immediately rebuilt and considerably en- 
larged. In the meantime Mr. Sprague hired the Union Mills at Olney- 
ville. In 1812 he erected a grist mill and a saw mill. These build- 
ings stood in front of the old store. In 1825 Mr. Sprague commenced 
to print a style of goods called " bird's-eye." These were then blocked 
by hand. James Doran laid the first block machine, and printing- 
was commenced by him in 1837. He began with one machine, and 
had the goods blocked after the first colors, blue and white, they be- 
ing laid on with paste. 

From this simple process, and from that time the business pros- 
pered, and large mills were erected from time to time, until 1,600 
hands were employed. Every convenience that could be obtained by 
skilled labor and money was brought into requisition. Rails were 
.laid so that cars could be taken to any part of the works, and every 
accommodation made for supplying the help with meat, ice, store 
goods, vegetables, etc. Mr. Hunt, the station agent at this place, both 
before and during the time of the prosperity of the Spragues, has re- 
ceived for them whole train loads of turkeys, chickens, etc., at a time. 

The Spragues also erected numerous tenements for those having 
families, and for the single help a large three story boarding house, 
in two sections. The mills when in full operation ran over 30 print- 
ing machines, turning out about 60,000 pieces of 40 yards each weekly. 
The vast manufacturing interests of the Spragues, extending as they 
did all over the New England states, required the very height of ex- 
ecutive ability to manage successfully, but much to the regret of 
everybody, the depression in all branches of business that followed as 
the result of the war, overtook them in 1873, and a few years after- 
ward brought the collapse. Perhaps no concern in the nation shared 
more the respect and confidence of the people than this, and their 
failure was the severest financial shock ever given to the business 
circles of Rhode Island. 

After the failure of the Spragues the works remained idle for a 
long time. In 1888 the property was purchased by B. B. & R. Knight 
and J. P. Campbell, and the Cranston Print Works Company was or- 
ganized, and began the business of bleaching, dyeing and printing- 
cotton goods. They employ about 200 hands. John P. Campbell is 
president, John B. Anthony, treasurer, and Lyman B. Frieze, agent. 

The Cranston Woolen Company owns a plant here also, started in 
L886, Charles II. Rockwell, treasurer. This company manufacture 
woolen yarns, and give employment to 150 hands. A dye house, 
owned by Schonacle & Eastwood, in which a dozen men are employed, 
was started here also at the beginning of the year 1889. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 755 

The Cranston Steam Fire Engine Company was organized in 1887 
at the Cranston Print Works, under the management of Lyman B. 
Frieze, chief engineer, and is connected with the mills, the village hav- 
ing the benefit also of the organization. 

Thomas D. Hunt came to Cranston Print Works about 1840, and 
began work for the Spragues. Thomas D. Hunt, his son, the present 
station agent, became connected with the railroad office at this place 
in 1858 at eight dollars per month, and has been there ever since. 
His memory reaches back to a time when all was an open plain about 
the depot. The last in the old brick store were Hunter & McCarthy. 
They leased the store of the Spragues and operated it till 1886. The 
old Yellow Block was sold by Benoni Sprague to T. O'Dowd about 
1875. He runs it now. P. McLaughlin occupies the old town clerk's 
office, which was also built by the Spragues. Mr. McLaughlin came 
to the place in 1886. The post office is kept by J. H. Barry. He 
erected his place of business in 1888. 

Knightsville is among the older places in the town. There were 
in former times a bank and two hotels in the place. There are now 
three stores, one church and one hotel here. It is also the seat of the 
town house. Nehemiah Knight was tavern keeper in this place at an 
early day. He died in 1780. The old tavern stood on the site now 
occupied by the town house. Following him was Sylvester Rhodes. 
He married Harriet Knight, who kept the house after his death. She 
sold the property to James Aldrich in 1822. It next passed into the 
hands of Horace Prior. He came from Connecticut to the place to 
teach school, and married Orrie Knight. He was followed by Lyman 
Barney, who sold the property in a short time to Job Wilbur, and 
during his proprietorship the house was burned, about the year 1847. 
The tavern that stands there now was built about the year 1844 by 
Henry King. The deed was made by Joseph Harris. It passed from 
King to John R. Burrows, and from him to the Cranston Bank. Job 
Wilbur owned it at the time the old tavern was burned, the bank re- 
serving the right of office room. William Ross, the well-known ex- 
pressman, bought it next, and his son William Ross took it after his 
death. It is now owned by the Ross heirs, but is leased to other 
parties. 

The Cranston Bank was located at Knightsville. It was chartered 
in 1818, and did business till 1865. Joseph Harris was the first presi- 
dent, and Caleb Congdon was the next and last one. Jerre Knight 
was the first cashier. He only lived a year or so afterward, and was 
succeeded by Jesse Howard, and he by W. H. A. Aldrich, who was 
there last. After the railroad was built in 1853, the business of the 
place was largely diverted. 

J. S. Richardson, a prominent vinegar manufacturer, came to 
Knightsville in 1852. At that time Jeremiah Pearce kept store at 
the Four Corners. His brother also traded there and their father 



756 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

kept a tailor shop in the same building. In 1867 N. W. Pearce built 
the first store in Knightsville. He kept here till 1878, and since then 
the business has been carried on by his son, N. H. Pearce. The old 
residence property of William Stan field was purchased by T. W. 
Piatt in 1880, moved back and the store now on that site was erected 
by Mr. Piatt during that year. The store owned by George Hill was 
built by E. S. Remington about the year 1873. He was succeeded at 
the Corners by James Cornwell, the last at that place. In 1880 the 
present owner leased the property of Mr. Remington and in 1888 pur- 
chased it. Mr. Richardson, before mentioned, began manufacturing 
vinegar about 25 years ago, and has gradually increased his business 
till the present time. In some seasons he consumes over 5,000 bushels 
of apples. S. Mathewson does a lively business packing ice at this 
place. He gathers his products from Randall's pond, which is fed 
wholly by springs. He usually puts up about 12,000 tons. He built 
his residence here in 1840 and began the ice business in 1878. 

The church at Knightsville was erected about the year 1804 or 
L805, from the proceeds of a lottery. The amount authorized was 
;£1,300. It was stipulated with the society that the building should 
be used as a town hall. The society continued to use the house till 
1865, when trouble of a serious nature broke out among them, which 
ended in the dismemberment of the society — the old Six Principle 
Baptist church, of which Elder John Tillinghast was the pastor so 
many years in this place. 

June 16th, 1878, the Union Congregationalists formed' a society 
consisting of 13 members, and have occupied the building since. The 
names of the.se first members were: Rhoda B. Briggs, Hannah A. 
Briggs, Nicholas Briggs, Lizzie A. Bellows, Adeline A. Richardson, 
Mary J. Richardson (present clerk), Abbie E. James, Willard R. Snow, 
Alfred H. Briggs, Henry Proctor, Belle Proctor, Angeline F. Greene, 
and Nancy R. Whitehead. The pastors have been Reverends Jere- 
miah Taylor and Thomas Crocker. A good Sabbath school is main- 
tained in the place. 

Pawtuxet village is situated in the southeastern part of the town 
of Cranston, a portion of the village being in the town of Warwick. 
It has two manufacturing establishments, two churches and several 
stores and shops, and is connected by street railway with Providence. 
This place was' the abode of William Carpenter, Benedict Arnold and 
William Arnold, who in 1642 placed themselves and their lands under 
the protection of Massachusetts and became a source of considerable 
vexation to their neighbors. The difficulties were finally settled and 
the people and their lands on the south side of the river united to 
those of Warwick, which was the earliest settled portion of the terri- 
tory within the limits of the town. 

The house at Chappequansett, now occupied by the Country Club, 
in Warwick, was built by the Honorable James Rhodes of Warwick. 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 757 

The Arnolds, Browns and Rhodes owned originally nearly a thousand 
acres of land here. Honorable James Rhodes was engaged in busi- 
ness in this place during a period of 60 years. He was the first who 
embarked in the manufacture of woolens in Rhode Island. He was 
twice elected a member of the state conventions and was once a presi- 
dential elector. He was the brother of General Christopher and 
Colonel William Rhodes of Pawtuxet. He had one sister, the mother 
of Robert Rhodes Stafford. The firm of James Rhodes & Sons was 
long known in this and other places. His daughter and family were 
residing here in 1844, when the farm was sold to Mr. Josiah Chapin. 
Mr. Chapin engaged in farming until 1849, when he sold the property 
to General Charles S. James. It was subsequently sold to Nicholas 
Brown. 

The next estate toward Pawtuxet was that of Colonel Ephraim 
Bowen, where he lived for many years. He was the father-in-law of 
Honorable John H. Clark. He was the last survivor of that heroic 
party connected with the " Gaspee." His place was sold to Joseph 
Butler and was always considered a very beautiful residence. John 
A. Brown owns it now. These houses were homes of true hospitality, 
and many noted men were entertained there. 

James Tucker, father of George L. Tucker, was an early settler. 
He was a sea captain. He built the residence now occupied by George 
L. Tucker in 1804. Rhodes Greene was also an early settler. He was 
born August 21st, 1755. By his wife Phebe, he had two daughters, 
Phebe and Nancy, who together became the mothers of 21 children. 
Phebe married Benoni Lockwood and Nancy married James Tucker. 
The Greene homestead was built about 1802. Abel Slocum, Reming- 
ton Arnold, George C. Arnold and William Utter Arnold, also were 
early and prominent citizens of this place. 

Among the prominent early traders of the village was Remington 
Arnold, Jr., who was born here and died after keeping store for 40 
years. His father. Remington Arnold, Sr., died here 50 years ago, 
his homestead being the house now owned and occupied by H. N. 
Slocum. His children were: Edmund, Mary, Samuel and Remington, 
Jr. Remington, Jr., kept store in a one story building on the site now 
occupied by the building erected by his son, Elisha S. Arnold, the 
latter having been there since 1858. Father and son have kept store 
there since 1818. In 1858 Samuel Slocum was also trading here. His 
store is now used as a tenement house and is owned by William R. 
Barton of Providence. Daniel Harris kept store at the bridge on the 
•Cranston side. Albert Fisher was also an old trader, his store being 
•on the Warwick side. Nelson and Samuel Slocum, John F. Carr, 
George H. Arnold, Sidney Smith, and others also traded considerably 
in the place. 

Honorable James Rhodes was the first who embarked in the man- 
ufacture of woolens in Rhode Island. He carried on business at this 



758 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

place 60 years. The Rhodes Mills were burned May 2d, 1859. They 
were then operated by Stafford & Co., who also made large additions 
to the mills on both sides of the river, and employed 75 hands in the 
manufacture of cotton yarns. The mills on the Cranston side were 
owned by Brown & Ives, of Providence, when they were destroyed by 
fire January 15th, 1875. The city of Providence now owns both priv- 
ileges. 

The most considerable manufacturing now carried on in the place 
is at the jewelry establishments of C. G. Bloomer's Sons and S. K. Mer- 
rill & Co., each company employing a force of help numbering about 50 
hands. This business was established in 1878 by C. G. Bloomer. 
March 13th, 1888, a fire swept away the building, but luckily the prop- 
erty was insured, and soon after the present structure, two stories in 
height, was erected. S. K. Merrill & Co. began business in the place 
in 1888. They occupy the second story of the building erected by 
Bloomer's Sons. 

Pawtuxet Baptist church dates back to colonial times. In April, 
1764, Peleg Arnold donated half of the lot on which the building was 
erected, and the other half was given by Abraham Sheldon October 
24th, 1765. The Pawtuxet Baptist Church wSociety, upon petition of 28 
men to the legislature, was organized May 11th, 1805. On June 1st 15 
more persons were added to the membership, and the number has been 
increased from time to time ever since. The society raised $1,200 and 
built a church with balcony. It is a singular fact that the ladies raised 
this money, with the exception of $93.6(hV cents. The' old house was 
sold July 21st, 1855, for $199.87^ cents. In 1855 the present edifice 
was erected, the lecture room being completed July 81st, 1856, and 
the audience room three years later, and dedicated August 16th, 1859, the 
total cost of the whole structure being $8,300. Within the past five 
years the society has spent $4,000 in making additions to the building. 

( )n November 18th, 1806, the church was formed, consisting of 
seven males and 27 females. The pastors have been as follows: Ferdi- 
nand Ellis, September 12th, 1807, to April, 1810: Bela Jacobs, Novem- 
ber 10th, 1810, to 1818; David Curtis, November 7th, 1818, to 1822; 
Plavel Shurtleff, November 18th, 1822, to 1832; B. Miner, to 1834; Abial 
Fisher, October 3d, 1834, to November 9th, 1836; David Curtis, Octo- 
ber 10th, 1836, to April, 1838; Levi Barney, from September, 1838, to 
1842; Solomon Tobey, May 10th, 1844; George Pierce, 1850 to 1856; 
Foster Henry began before the war and was succeeded by John G. 
Benglass, who staid but a short time and then entered the navy as 
chaplain. He died in japan in 1888, while still officiating as chaplain 
in the navy. Following him came supplies for several years, S. W. 
Field officiating principally. Reverend J. B. Child took charge in 
September, 1871, and in October, 1882, he was succeeded by the present 
pastor, Reverend C. W. Burnham, who came from Manistique, Mich. 
During Mr. Child's pastorate the parsonage was bought. The church 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 759 

numbers over 100 members. The deacons are Newell Lee, Henry C. 
Budlong, who is also clerk of the church and superintendent of the 
Sabbath school, and Thomas A. Bateman. The Sabbath school consists 
of about 240 members and is very flourishing. Elisha S. Arnold is 
president of the society of the church. During the Dorr war a num- 
ber of members withdrew from this church and worshipped during a 
short time in the building now owned and occupied by the Episco- 
palians. 

The Episcopalians established a church at Pawtuxet in 1883, under 
the ministry of Hamilton M. Bartlett. The society worshipped first 
in the police station and subsequently in the town hall, which property 
they purchased in 1885. Mr. Bartlett was followed in the rectorship 
of the church by Reverend Samuel Webb, one of the assistant rectors 
of Grace church, Providence. He is the rector at the present time. 
The society numbers about 40 members, Doctor William J. Burge and 
William B. Rhodes being the wardens. Martin Budlong is Sunday 
school superintendent. 

The Rhode Island Yacht Club was formed in 1886, and has a mem- 
bership of 500 persons. The society is incorporated, having the fol- 
lowing officers: Commodore, William H. Lowe, Jr., of Providence; 
vice-commodore, Fred. P. Sands; rear commodore, Charles F. Handy; 
president, Sayer Hasbrouck; secretary, George H. Slade; treasurer, 
Robert L. Greene; trustees, Charles G. Bloomer, Benjamin Davis and 
George Slade. The elegant club house was recently completed at a 
cost of $7,000. The club has 75 yachts. 

The Continental Steamboat Company are about erecting a wharf 
at Pawtuxet for a place for the boats on the bay to stop, which will be 
an improvement to the place. 

The Society of Knights of Honor in Pawtuxet was formed in 
October, 1888, and although of recent origin is one of the finest in the 
state. It was officered as follows when formed: Past dictator, R. E. 
Budlong; dictator, Zachariah Taylor; vice-dictator, H. H. Franklin; 
assistant dictator, Walter L. Mahoney; reporter, Almon C. Burnham; 
treasurer, George B. Arnold; financial reporter, Charles S. Hawkins. 
The membership at present is about 50. Meetings are held on the 
second and fourth Thursdays of every month. 

Harmony Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., is located here, but belongs to 
the history of Warwick properly. The Lodge was instituted under a 
dispensation of the Grand Lodge May 20th, 1805. The first meeting 
was held at the house of Anthony Aborn April 19th, 1805. Under the 
dispensation Jonathan Nichols was appointed Master Mason. The 
Lodge was properly constituted September 8th, 1808, the first master 
under the charter being William Rhodes. In 1889 William B. Rhodes 
was master; George R. Babbitt, senior warden; Frank D. Livermore, 
junior warden, and Forrest A. Peck secretary. The society held their 



760 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

meetings formerly on the corner of Fair and Main streets. In 1849 
they moved to the Old Arsenal building. 

Oak Lawn is a small village on the New England railroad in the 
southeastern part of the town, having one store, a post office, a church 
and a number of houses. Mr. Francis S. Turner, one of the principal 
men of the place, came here in 1849, and purchased the old Searle 
place, the house of which was probably built soon after the revolu- 
tionary war. This property passed from Richard Searle, an early and 
prominent settler, to his son Ezekiel Searle, and after him the posses- 
sors were Henry Searle, son of Ezekiel; Thomas Budlong, Pardon 
Spencer and F. S. Turner. In 1854 the railroad was built, and after- 
ward, through the efforts of Mr. Turner, a daily mail was established, 
he being postmaster for a number of years. For the past ten years 
it has been kept by H. H. Potter, the station agent, and his successor, 
Mrs. Nellie R. Potter. The first store in the place was built by Joseph 
E. Johnson in 1875. The present store, kept by C. R. Williams, was 
built by Edwin W. Searle in 1884. Mr. Walter Brayton maintains 
two good houses. 

The first meeting house at Oak Lawn was built by the Friends or 
Quakers in 1730. For a good many years before this the society held 
meetings in the vicinity at private houses. After the house was built 
it continued to be occupied by them regularly until about 1856, and 
after this time occasionally until 1866, when it was sold for $400, and 
used by the Baptists, Lodowick Brayton becoming the purchaser, and 
donating it to the village for religious uses. The present church was 
erected about the year 1882, at a cost of $2,000. William Briggs is 
the regular pastor at the present time, and a good Sabbath school is 
maintained. Fox, the founder of the Friends' Society, preached in 
the old church building. 

Fiskeville is in the southwest corner of the town of Cranston, lying 
partly in Scituate and Coventry. The portion in Cranston consists 
principally of residence property, the Fiskeville House, a blacksmith 
shop and carriage shop, and one or two stores, the principal one of 
which is owned by B. B. & R. Knight. " The Tabernacle " is situ- 
ated just over the line, on the Scituate side, but is patronized largely 
by the Cranston people. The society was established wholly through 
the exertions of Reverend Benjamin B. Cottrell in 1872, at which time 
the house was built at a cost of $2,500, John Battey giving the land 
and making a donation of money besides. Reverend Mr. Cottrell 
owns the church and is still its pastor. 

Joseph V. Briggs came to Fiskeville in 1841, and hired out to 
Richard Knight. In 1843 he bought him out and hired the shop he 
now owns of Daniel Baker. He afterward bought the property, and 
has continued the business of blacksmithing ever since. In 1851 he 
erected his residence. His son, J. E. Briggs, now operates the wheel- 
wright shop. J. B. Potter, a harness maker, began his trade here in 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 761 

1866. Paris G. Johnson more recently purchased the estate now- 
owned by him and went into the hotel business. The post office is 
kept in the store of James Brown. The office was kept by Mrs. Dutee 
Colvin from 1860 to 1888, when she resigned. 

Arlington is a modern suburban hamlet, situated near the city 
limits, and comprises numerous beautiful villas, with commodious 
surroundings. The site was originally owned by Mr. Whipple. Wil- 
liam Dyer afterward bought of him, and in 1872 Remington South- 
wick purchased about 50 lots of Mr. Dyer, and since that time the 
place has received its growth. William H. Johnson and William H, 
Dyer each erected houses here, which were the first in the place. 
Mr. Dyer erected the first store about the year 1867. The Union 
Horse Railway Company began running cars through the place in 
1865, and in 1876 they erected their commodious stable with accom- 
modations for a large number of horses, and also a large waiting- 
room, and a storeroom for cars. William S. Viall, the superintendent, 
has been here in that capacity since the stables were built. Cars run 
from this point to the city every ten minutes. 

The Dyer store is an old building that stands opposite the com- 
pany's office. The business w r as first run by James Downey. A num- 
ber of traders have been in that place since then — Mr. Chase, Mr. 
Nevens, C. D. Beeman, A. S. Havens, Albert Spencer, and after him 
came Fred. Oldall, who was the last merchant at that stand. The 
building has remained vacant since 1887. James Crofton and the 
Arlington Hay & Grain Company each have stores in the place, but of 
recent origin. The most important business done in the place in 
earlier years was the quarrying of building stone from a large ledge 
which was "opened in 1820 by the Messrs. Fenner. At the present 
time the Arlington Hay & Grain Company and Mills, under the man- 
agement of Anthony Corcoran, are doing a thriving business. The 
grist mill was erected in 1886, and since then have been built their 
warehouse and brick block and other buildings. They employ about 
20 men constantly. They also operate a wood and coal yard in the 
place. Their mill grinds corn only. It has a capacity of 80 bushels 
per hour. They have a branch store at Olneyville. About the year 
1880, the blacksmith and wheelwright shop was built by Frank Gar- 
diner. After running it himself for a few years he sold to Joseph 
Warren, who transferred the property in 1885 to the present owners, 
W. F. Kenison & Co. 

The Arlington Free-will Baptist church was originally a mission 
chapel of the Roger Williams church, and was started about 1872. At 
that time meetings were held under the ministration of the Reverend 
Mr. Heath, and about two years later the present edifice was erected. 
Reverends Burgess, Given, Dudley and others preached here. About 
the year 1883 it became a regularly organized society, and has since 
had its regular pastors. The present pastor, Reverend George N. 



762 HISTORY OF PROVIDENXE COUNTY. 

Musgroves, successor to Reverend Mr. Neally, took charge of the 
society in 1887. The church has a resident membership of about 70 
persons, and maintains an excellent Sabbath school under the superin- 
tendency of William R. Spaulding. The deacons are William Hanney 
and John S. Tripp. 

Auburn is a thriving village of recent but rapid growth, situated 
on the New England railroad, south of the city of Providence. The 
village is largely made up of residences. The churches and stores 
have principally been built within the past half dozen years. The 
place was originally called Mashapaug, as before mentioned. In 
1838 Caleb Y. Potter moved from the town of Richmond, R. I., to 
Providence and came here about 1840. At that time it was a rough look- 
ing place and without improvements. Mr. Potter took up 00 acres of 
ground, most of which now covers the site of the village. William 
Williams, Thomas Grace, Henry Jenison, George Cunliff, Frederick 
W T illiams and probably a few others then lived here and in this vicinity. 
Mr. Potter sold lots and afterward built a store. Nelson Follett started 
a grocery store soon after, but in a short time it was sold to William 
Potter. In 1884 L. D. Remington, Jr., opened at this stand and has been 
trading here since. The grocery store of White Brothers is of very 
recent date. About the year 1876 John Dudley came to the village and 
began improving property. He erected the drug store now occupied 
by Doctor F. W. Bradbury in 1888. The post office was established in 
Auburn by Caleb Y. Potter. William F. Potter was postmaster from 
1877 to 1883, when he was succeeded by Caleb A. Potter. Joseph L. 
Sanders, the present postmaster, was appointed August 5th, 1889, suc- 
ceeding William Streeter. 

F. W. Bradbury, M. D., druggist at Auburn, and also practicing 
physician, came to the village in 1883. He is a graduate of Brown 
University, class of 1873, and of the New York Homeopathic College, 
New York city, class of 1875. Doctor Bradbury is superintendent of 
health and town physician of Cranston. James A. Budlong, king of 
gardeners, lives in the place. Mr. Budlong employs 200 hands and 
upward and is one Of the most successful men in the town. Daniel 
Potter also has a number of hot houses, but he operates on a much 
smaller scale. George A. Spink, of the firm of Murray, Spink & Co., 
wholesale dry goods merchants, of Providence, Robert T. Thurber, a 
member of the council and jeweler in the city, and also other promi- 
nent men in business in Providence, live in the place. 

There are three churches in the village of Auburn, two of which 
are of recent date. The Episcopal church has a society here, of which 
John Matteson is reader. Services were first begun in the school 
house in 1885. In the summer of 1888 a neat, substantial house of 
worship was erected. The society is prosperous and growing and 
maintains a good Sunday school, under the superintendence of John 
Howland. The church of the Messiah (Advent) was established under 
the ministry of Reverend Mr. Remington about the year 1880. It is 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 763 

an offshoot from the Baptist church of this place. Succeeding pastors 
have been Reverend Mr. Cunningham and Reverend E. A. Chase, the 
present pastor. A small house of worship was erected some five years 
since. 

Howard Station is on the Pawtuxet Valley railroad at the state 
farm. E. R. Tefft is ticket agent. This locality is one of the oldest in 
the town, it having been settled by the Williams and Stafford families. 
John, Stukeley and Edward Stafford owned large tracts of land in 
this vicinity. The descendants of Roger Williams were also land- 
holders in the town. Caleb Williams resided near the Old Red tavern 
in the vicinity of Auburn. He was the father of Pardon Williams, 
who was born December 20th, 1790. He married Mary, daughter of 
John Stafford April 7th, 1813, and settled in the vicinity of Howard, 
where his descendants still live. 

The Corliss Safe Manufacturing Company's works are located at 
Auburn, and though of recent construction the buildings are large 
and an extensive business is carried on. An extended description of 
these works has been given in Chapter XXIV, of this volume. 

This town has always taken a great interest in the cause of educa- 
tion. The town is divided into ten school districts, each containing a 
good school edifice, furnished with modern appliances for the success- 
ful instruction of the young. District No. 7 opened school October 
10th, 1888, in its new building. District No. 6, Auburn, has recently 
had a new house built and will soon require more room. Some of 
the school buildings, as at Arlington, are too small to meet the grow- 
ing demands of the thriving communities. District No. 2 is the only 
one in the town where a music teacher is employed. The total num- 
ber of pupils in public schools for the year 1888 was 970; total town 
appropriation for public schools, 1888, $5,650; school officers: H. B. 
Bam, chairman; Joseph A. Latham, clerk; Aaron S. Havens, superin- 
tendent. 

Home No. 4, at the Sockanosset School for Boys, was begun in 1887 
and has been recently completed at a total cost of $14,528.09. In order 
to remove the smaller boys of the school from the larger ones, so that 
they may eat, work and play, as well as sleep by themselves, Home 
No. 1 has been changed somewhat in its interior plan. A portion of 
the basement, formerly a play room, has been fitted with benches, etc., 
for brush making. On the first floor, the room which was the school 
room is now a dining room, and an adjoining smaller room has been 
made a pantry, with shelves, sink with hot and cold water, and a 
dumb-waiter running to the basement. A new doorway connects 
these two rooms. No cooking is done in the building, the food being 
prepared in and brought from the kitchen in the main building com- 
mon to all. The front dormitory on the second floor has become the 
school room. 



764 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Much indoor work has been clone by the boys. Besides making 
brushes under contract with the Herbert Brush Company, the printing 
office has given employment and industrial instruction, the report of 
the board for 1887 having been set in type and printed by them, the 
value of the work done for the institution being $519.94, also the 
Howard Times is printed fortnightly at the school and some unsolicited 
job work, besides much out-door work has also been accomplished in 
the way of improving the grounds. The number of boys now in the 
school is about 200. 

The Oak Lawn School for Girls was opened July 13th, 1882. The 
average number committed that year for six months was 22. The 
daily average in 1888 was 34. The number remaining in the school 
January 1st, 1889, was 38. The number of commitments in 1888 was 
smaller by two than in 1887. Of those committed in 1888, fourteen 
were from Providence, three from Johnston, one from Pawtucket, one 
from Woonsocket, one from Cumberland, one from East Greenwich 
and one from Westerly (White Rock). Nine were sentenced for va- 
grancy; six for being lewd, etc., persons; five for theft, and two for 
being disorderly persons. The sentences were imposed by the courts 
of the judicial districts as follows: Third Judicial district, one; Fourth, 
one; Sixth, thirteen; Eighth, four; Tenth, one; Eleventh, one; Twelfth, 
one. The ages were: two, 10 years; one, 12; one, 13; five, 14; eight, 
15; one, 16; and four, 17. Expenditure for the year for each girl, 
$117.01; weekly rate, $2.25; total expenses of the school for the year, 
$3,978.41 (including salaries $1,765.33). 

The State Farm is located in the town of Cranston. The general 
assembly, in the May session of 1869, passed an act looking to the ac- 
commodation and confinement of the dangerous classes. By that act 
a board of state charities and corrections was formed, each member to 
hold office for six years. The first board was elected Tuesday, June 
1st, 1869, and consisted of Henry W. Lathrop, of Providence; Thomas 
A. Doyle, of Providence; Jonathan Brayton, of Warwick; James M. 
Pendleton, of Westerly; Samuel W. Church, of Bristol; and Henry H. 
Fay, of Newport. Thomas A. Doyle was elected president and Doc- 
tor vSnow secretary, and at the next meeting, on June 5th, Mr. George 
Whitman was elected superintendent of the farm, at a salary of 
$1,500 per annum. The farm originally consisted of 417.7 acres, and 
was purchased for $32,000. In 1869 and the year following the board 
perfected its plans and carried them into execution. Temporary ac- 
commodations were then erected for the men, there being that year 
(1869) 101 men and 54 women. 

During the year 1870 two pavilions were completed for the insane 
poor. Each building was one story high and built of wood, 163 T ^ by 
29 feet. Since then a building for the female shops of various kinds, 
cottage for the superintendent, a cottage 182 feet long by 40 wide for 
the violent insane, a building 40 by 70 feet for the male inmates of the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 765 

workhouse, a suitable stone building- 22 by 28 feet for the protection 
of the pumping engine, and a carpenter shop, blacksmith shop and 
some other buildings have been erected. In 1871 a reservoir was com- 
pleted capable of holding 1,200,000 gallons, and another reservoir was 
afterward completed at the engine station capable of holding water 
enough for all needful purposes during a season of drought. 

The State Asylum was opened November 7th, 1870, and from that 
date to the close of the year 118 inmates were received. The State 
Work House was opened July 1st, 1869. In 1871 an addition was made 
to the male workhouse, and 16 cells were added. April 6th, 1872, the 
first fire occurred, burning clown the kitchen, bake house, laundry and 
chapel. The insurance paid on this loss amounted to #7,333.47. The 
loss to the state was trifling. The next year a new workhouse was 
completed, and consists of a center building 50 by 60 feet, and two 
wings, one 44 by 92i feet, the other 44 by 105^ feet. The entire build- 
ing is three stories high and is built of stone. In the rear of this build- 
ing was erected a large workshop 118 feet long and 50 wide. A hos- 
pital was afterward built one story high and 64 by 30, also engine and 
boiler rooms, and such other shops and buildings as were needed. In 
the rear of the insane building a lot of seven acres was fenced off 
with a high board fence for the inmates who were capable of working 
in the garden. The chapel or school was fitted up in the upper story 
of the workhouse, capable of holding 350 persons. During the year 
1874 a line of telegraph from the farm to the Providence Police Station 
was erected, at a cost of $1,115. Its length is between seven and eight 
miles. In 1875 a new barn was erected, and other improvements were 
made. 

The State Almshouse was established by law in 1869, but not in fact 
until 1874. The building occupied by the almshouse was, from 1869 
until 1874, the state workhouse and house of correction, and when the 
institution was moved in 1874 to the new stone structure erected for 
it, the old building, after some remodeling, became the state almshouse. 
The new almshouse is located near the old one, on the edge of the hill 
overlooking the railroad and Howard Station. It will accommodate 
300 adults and 60 children; the total number in the institution Janu- 
ary 1st, 1889, was 230. The buildings were constructed with stones taken 
from the farm, and although constructed in the simplest manner pos- 
sible, the elevation of the ground and the shape of the crest of the 
hill forms an agreeable grouping as approached from either direction. 
The central building contains the residence of the keeper and his 
assistants, with an office for the transaction of business; a small room, 
where inmates, who are able, can see their friends, which room is also 
used for the Board to meet in and for the reception of inmates when 
brought to the building before being assigned to their rooms. There 
is an officers' dining room and an officers' sitting room, where both 
male and female officers may sit when off duty. The male attendants 



766 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

occupy one story of the rear projection and the females the other, 
each having- separate bath rooms, and over them a room used as a 
chapel. In the basement is a kitchen for cooking food for the officers' 
and attendants' table and for preparing special food for the sick, and 
also the heating apparatus for the building. 

The wings on each side of the center building, for the adult male 
and female inmates, are connected by covered corridors, with windows 
on either side of the same for thorough ventilation and to cut off in- 
fection from the wings to the center building. The wings are divided 
into congregate dormitories, which contain from twelve to fourteen 
beds; separate sleeping rooms for persons who are sick with loath- 
some or contagious diseases, or who are sick unto death, and in the 
female wing lying-in rooms. There are also day sitting rooms and 
rooms in the basement for noisy and demented patients, and single 
rooms well lighted, but separated from the other rooms, for medita- 
tion and for inmates who make so much noise as to prevent others in 
the dormitory from sleeping. 

In 1887, lack of accommodations made necessary the enlargement 
of the two stone buildings erected and occupied scarcely two years be- 
fore, and an appropriation of $20,000 was made therefor. At first it 
was thought that the additional separate rooms in the new wings, 
heated from the boiler house built in 188."). would supply all urgent 
wants, and, especially, that no plumbing would be required; but it 
was soon learned that this would not be so, and an appropriation of 
$5,000 was made at the November session, 1887, and a further one of 
$1,000 at the May session, 1888, to equip more thoroughly these wings. 
The two appropriations, however, were intended to cover other needed 
expenditures, namely, for drying apparatus for the asylum laundries, 
for fences, etc. " Twenty very heavy and strong oak settees have been 
built for these buildings, as well as for some of the other buildings 
which had been for some time without sufficient seats in the corridors, 
or halls." 

After the visitation of tuberculosis in 1887, the floors in the barn 
where the cattle stood and their stalls were replaced with new ma- 
terial. There are now in the barn stalls and stanchions for 70 head 
of horned stock, a cow box and calf pen, and 22 stalls for horses and 
mules. 

In 1872 the State Asylum for the Insane received 70 men and 78 
women. This number increased to 370 (total) in 1885, in which year 
the law relieving the cities and towns from the burden of supporting 
their insane poor went into effect. The statistics for the year 1888 are 
as follows: number of inmates January 1st, 1888, men, 214; women, 
~2'.>2; total, 446. During the year 161 were received, 2 escaped (1 re- 
turned), 79 were discharged, 51 died, leaving a total remaining Janu- 
ary 1st, 1880, 476 persons. Through the enlargement of the hospital 
of the asylum more will be done than has hitherto been possible for 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 767 

the comfort of the patients who are physically ill or infirm from old 
age. In common with other asylums for the insane, a trial has been 
made without restraints, which so far has proven successful here. 

Larger accommodations for patients physically as well as mentally 
ill having become a necessity through increase of numbers, the gen- 
eral assembly, at the January session, made an appropriation for add- 
ing two wings, one for either sex, to the hospital of the asylum for 
the insane; and an appropriation was at the same time made for a two 
story addition to the cottage for excited patients, the first story to be 
used for dining rooms and store-rooms, and the second as an "assem- 
bly room," or hall, where religious services, as well as readings, lec- 
tures, concerts, etc., are held. 

Additions to hospital. — " The hospital wings measure, each, 72 by 36 
feet, and each contains for patients, one room 19 by 32 feet, with re- 
cess 14 by 16 feet; one room 13 by 22 feet; one room 10 by 14 feet; 
two rooms 10 by 15 feet, each; one room 7 by 10 feet; a bath room 6 
by 14 feet; a clothes room 5 by 10 feet, and a room for the supervisor, 
11 by 17 feet. On the second floor, within the roof, are four well- 
lighted rooms, namely, two 14 by 20 feet each, and two 15 by 22 feet 
each, for patients or attendants as they may be needed; with a bath 
room for attendants, 8 by 10 feet, a store-room 11 by 18 feet, and clothes 
closets, etc." 

The addition to cottage for excited patients contains dining rooms 
and the assembly rooms, and measures 84 by 48 feet. On the first 
floor is a dining room for each sex 29 by 44 feet; two store-rooms, one 
10 by 18 feet, the other 10 by 2.*) feet, and an office for the supervisor, 
10 by 18 feet. The assembly room on the second floor measures 44 
by 80 feet, including the platform, which is 18 feet in depth. Four 
separate stairways lead to the assembly room. 

The state workhouse and house of correction was established in 
L868. In 1873, the fifth year of its existence, 566 persons (the largest 
number ever enrolled) were committed. Of the 521 persons com- 
mitted in 1888, 273 were common drunkards. The number of women 
committed for prostitution in 1888, including under this head com- 
mon prostitutes and night walkers, was 39. Tramps committed under 
the special law for this class, were more numerous in 1888 than 
during at least the two years preceding, their number, 24, having 
been somewhat above the average since the law was passed in 1880. 
Indoor work for both women and men is provided, the skilled in- 
mates doing the repairs of the institutions to a large extent, and the 
women making the clothing, washing, cooking, etc. The men work 
largely out of doors. Men from the workhouse and house of correc- 
tion excavated the cellars for the buildings at the asylum for the in- 
sane, which have been described. 

The state prison was established in 1838. During that year rive 
persons were committed. The following is from the report for 1888: 



768 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

" The labor of the prison and jail has been largely utilized, as before,, 
in making boots and shoes and in working upon wire goods under 
contract. The contract with Mr. George Campbell, who employs 
about a dozen men upon wire goods, has been renewed for another 
year upon the same terms as heretofore. About 40 of the jail men 
have worked without the grounds in cultivating the 30 acres of land 
set apart for this purpose, and in preparing the prison sewage field. 
The warden reports that they raised all the vegetables used at the in- 
stitution during the year, the crops having amounted in value to over 
$4,000. The same men also cleared nearly two acres of land in the 
valley of the brook which runs just north of the prison, improving at 
the same time the slopes by grading, terracing and seeding with 
grass. The repairs upon the buildings have largely been done by the 
inmates. 

" An iron dark cell has been set up in the basement of the prison. 
It is for confining any convict who may require discipline and who is 
at the same time so noisy that, when placed in a dark cell in a wing 
over night, he disturbs his neighbors. The cell measures six feet, 
eight inches in length, four feet in width, and six feet, four inches in 
height. It is made with double walls of sheet iron, the space between 
being filled with sand to deaden sound." 

The statistics for the year 1888 are as follows: number committed 
January 1st, 1888, men, 89; women, 3; total, 92; committed during the 
year, 69; discharged, 38; pardoned, 2; transferred to the insane asy- 
lum, 1; in prison January 1st, 1889, 120. 

" After the war of 1812 there prevailed throughout the country, and 
more particularly in New England, a very strong feeling against im- 
ported articles, more especially woolen goods and cloths. Congress 
was trying to pass acts to assist the agricultural and mechanical indus- 
tries of the nation, and our own state legislature was doing what it 
could to encourage home manufactures. It was this feeling of inde- 
pendence, this growing desire to produce from the land and out of the 
factories all that was required for home consumption, that led the pro- 
gressive thinking men to devise and form plans to create and maintain 
organizations for the purpose of encouraging the farmer and manu- 
facturer. This feeling grew throughout the land until it took tangible 
shape in the form of a National Convention for the Promotion of 
Agricultural rind Mechanical Industry, held in New York, in the 
winter of 1818. This convention received the support of congress, 
and invitations were sent to all of the states to send delegates. At 
this convention plans were laid for the forming of societies to hold 
annual fairs and offer premiums of reward to farmers and manufac- 
turers. New York state took the lead, and in 1820 had thirteen organ- 
izations formed. New England was next to follow. Societies were 
formed at Providence, Hartford, Worcester, Essex and Brighton. The 
Rhode Island Societv for the Encouragement of Domestic Indnstrv 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 769 

was formed February 25th, 1820, at a meeting of citizens held at 
Blake's Hotel, or as it was more generally known, the Old Manufac- 
turers Hotel, and stood where the What Cheer Building— that has 
changed its name to the Providence Washington — now stands, 
and the first Fair and Cattle Show was held in Pawtuxet, in October 
of the same year, which attracted a great deal of attention. 

" It was the custom in those days to send delegates' about the coun- 
try to visit the fairs and learn what they could about conducting them. 
It was considered quite an honor to be a delegate, and when the dele- 
gations arrived they were received with great dignity and were given 
a prominent place in the procession and at the table, and their judg- 
ment was much sought after. The meetings of these men, and the 
friendships formed did very much toward keeping up the interest in 
the Cattle Shows. 

" The annual dinners were deemed of great importance, and the 
invitations ' to walk in the procession and dine with the committee,' 
were highly appreciated. Among the exhibits at these fairs were 
woolen cloths, straw bonnets and hats, twilled Nankin cloth, counter- 
panes, braided carpets, butter, cheese, cider, hogs and cattle. 

" The most prominent feature was the exhibition of cattle, and it 
was from the fact that so many were exhibited that they were called 
Cattle Shows. 

" Ploughing matches excited the most interest, and a pair of cattle 
that won in a well contested match, 'gained as great a reputation as a 
successful trotting horse in a race in after years. At this time there 
were no races and no premiums offered for horses. The ploughing 
matches continued until they almost became a race. One account 
states that one-eighth of an acre was ploughed to the perfect satisfac- 
tion of the judges in 14 minutes and 5 seconds. As many as eight 
teams would enter at a time, and the cheering and applauding of the 
friends of the respective teams would be very enthusiastic. 

" Great encouragement was given to the raising of young stock, 
and cash premiums were given from the meagre treasury for steers 
and calves. Great pains were taken to procure imported stock, and 
committees were formed to petition Congress to remove the duties on 
all importations of stock. A great deal of attention was given to the 
growing of grasses, and seed was in much demand, and premiums 
were offered for any invention or improvement of a farming utensil 
by which the labor of any branch of industry may be economized, the 
utility of said invention to be attested by the signatures of two respect- 
able farmers. The.se early fairs were usually held on two days, Wed- 
nesday and Thursday. The first was given to the receiving of ex- 
hibits, the addresses by prominent men, singing of national and 
patriotic songs, annual dinners, and judging by the committees. An 
auction or public vendue was always held upon the last day of a fair. 
The auctioneer was appointed by the legislature, and no commission 
49 



770 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

was charged to persons entering articles for exhibition. Some of the 
prices paid could not be taken as a standard for their true value, for 
swains purchased the handiwork of their sweethearts at high prices; 
for example, one straw hat made by a handsome lady was run up by 
her admirer to the sum of $30. 

" It was upon the last day that the annual horse trade was made. 
Many were the men who drove miles to be present and take part in 
those trades, and any undesirable animal with tricks, faults or unsound- 
ness, was taken to the cattle shows to be exchanged. It was here that 
the strong men delighted to gather and perform great feats of strength. 
Wrestling was one of the more prominent features, and it is said of 
one who stood 6 feet 8 inches in his stockings, that he threw all comers 
for one whole afternoon — that some tried to tire his strength, but he 
lasted until the sun went down. 

"Pulling sticks was then very much indulged in by heavy men, 
and when two of these giants sat down for a contest the fact was 
heralded all over the grounds, and even women crowded about and 
took sides and encouraged their favorites. Lifting stiff heels was 
practiced by the younger men, and a man who could lift one of his 
own weight was considered very strong. 

" The legislature appointed every member of the committee, a 
constable for the days of the fair with full power to act, and it very 
soon became known that Rhode Island Cattle Shows were among the 
best managed in the country, a reputation that has always been sus- 
tained." 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Hugh B. Bain, born in Kinderhook, N. Y., in 1820, is a son of Bastian 
Bain and is of Scotch descent. He was educated in the public schools of 
Columbia county, N. Y. He came to Providence in 1845 and was en- 
gaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business ten years, then en- 
gaged in the real estate business. He moved his office to Cranston 
in 1880. He is a large real estate owner both in Providence and 
Cranston. He is one of the directors of the Jackson Bank of Provi- 
dence. He has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah A. 
Shaw, of Providence, by whom he had one child, Anna. His second 
wife, Sarah B. Williams, is descended from Roger Williams. They 
have three children: Hugh W., Edward B. and Lewis H. Mr. Bain is 
a democrat. He has been town treasurer of Cranston five years, 
elected the last four times without opposition. He has been chair- 
man of the school committee for six years. 

Squire Baker, born in Cranston in 1812, was a son of Henry Baker 
and grandson of Thomas Baker, all residents of Cranston, and farmers. 
He was married in 1842 to Celia, daughter of Varnum Holden of 
Massachusetts. Her mother was Parmelia A. Warde. Squire Baker 
had two children: Henry V., born in 1843, a Baptist minister in Ver- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 771 

mont, and Amelia W., born in 1846, wife of W. P. Larkin. Squire Baker 
died February 23d, 1886. 

Israel F. Brayton, born in Scituate in 1806, is a son of Israel and 
Lydia (Fiske) Brayton, grandson of Freeborn and great-grandson of 
Francis Brayton. Francis Brayton was born in 1740, settled in 
Coventry and established Washington Village, then called Brayton's 
Mills, building a saw and gristmill there. Freeborn was a blacksmith 
and was a forger in the gun shop located there at that time. Israel 
F. Brayton is a farmer. For 50 years he carried on a freight and ex- 
press business between Hope and Providence. He was married in 
1827 to Marcelia Ralph. They had three children: David, Lyman and 
Andrew. Lyman is living. His wife died in 1840 and he was mar- 
ried again in 1849 to Mary Wilson of Coventry. They have one son, 
Israel W. 

James M. Brayton, born in Scituate in May, 1817, was a son of 
Israel and Lydia (Fiske) Brayton and grandson of Freeborn and Marcy 
Brayton. He was married in January, 1844, to Julia A., daughter of 
Deacon Horace Battey of Scituate. They had four children: Lydia F., 
Charles A., Frederick E. and Lula E. Mr. Brayton died in January, 
1889. 

Walter F. Brayton, born in Cranston August 8th, 1857, is a son of 
Nehemiah and Lydia (Searle) Brayton, and grandson of Lodowickand 
Betsey Brayton. He was educated in the Friends' School of Provi- 
dence, and is a farmer. He was married in 1885 to Harriet F. Briggs 
of Cranston, daughter of W. R. and Hannah G. (Johnson) Briggs. 
They have one son, Robert M. Mr. Brayton was elected member of 
the general assembly from Cranston in 1889 and reelected in 1890. 
He is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton are members of the Baptist 
church of Oak Lawn. The former has been superintendent of the 
Sabbath school and is now deacon of the church. 

James A. Brown, born in Smithfield, R. I., July 24th, 1817, is a son 
of James and grandson of James. Mr. Brown is a farmer. He was 
married in 1852 to Eliza S. Thornton. She died in 1878. They had 
four children: Ella A., William L., Abbie A., and Hattie L., all 
married. 

James M. Cornell, born in Warwick, R. L, March 16th, 1843, is a 
son of Mason Cornell, who is a cousin to Governor Cornell, of New 
York. James M. came to Cranston with his father in 1848. He has 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. He has been as- 
sessor of taxes, and also school trustee for a number of years. He 
married Margretta Fiske, of Cranston. They have one son, Mason E- 
Cornell. 

William J. Cross was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1883. 
He removed his family to Providence in 1879. He has been conduc- 
tor on the N. Y. P. & B. railroad for the past ten years, and has been a 
railroad man all his life. He was formerly a conductor on the Hart- 



772 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ford, Providence & Fishkill railroad, now known as the New England 
railroad, and was in their employ 20 years. He came to Auburn in 
1884. He married Ellen M. Pierce, of Needham, Mass., in 1854, and 
they have three children. His son, William P. Cross, is clerk of the 
United States District court. William J. Cross was elected to the gen- 
eral assembly in 1888, and to the town council of Cranston in 1890. 

James Donahue was born in Ireland in 1830, came to America in 
1850, and settled in Cranston, R. I. He married Winnie Giblin in 
1857. They have six children: John F., Dominick, James H., William 
F., Joseph and Peter. Mr. Donahue engaged in the market garden- 
ing business when he settled in Cranston in 1850. He has about 
twenty-five acres of land under cultivation, with a hot house 20 by 100 
feet and 000 sash. He raises seven acres of tomatoes and about the 
same of early peas. This hot house is used for lettuce in winter and 
for plants in the summer. He employs nine men through the sum- 
mer season. 

John Dudley, born in Danville, Vt., in 1829, is a son of John, and 
grandson of John. He came to Woonsocket, R. I., in 1848. then went 
to Smithfield, afterward came to Providence and engaged in the jew- 
elry business. He came to Cranston in 1875. He represented the 
town of Cranston in the council two years. He was married in 1851 
to Adelia M. Harris, of Smithfield, R. I. They have an adopted daugh- 
ter, Hattie S. She married Henry F. Campbell. Mr. Dudley is a 
member of the Congregational church of Elmwood, and Mrs. Dudley 
is a member of the Free-will Baptist church of Auburn. 

Rodney F. Dyer, born in Cranston, R. I., in 1810, is a son of Reu- 
ben, and grandson of John, whose father, Charles, was a son of William 
and Mary Dyer, who came from England in the " Mayflower." Mary 
was hanged on the Boston Common for preaching the Quaker doc- 
trine. Rodney F. Dyer has held the office of state senator from John- 
ston, and has been in the councils of both Johnston and Cranston. He 
is a republican. His son, John Dyer, who died January 23d, 1889, 
was also state senator from Johnston in 1883. Rodney F. Dyer mar- 
ried, November 10th, 1831, in Cumberland, Barbara Arnold Jillson, 
daughter of Wiley and Lucina Jillson. They have had eight children, 
five of whom are living: Sarah E., Lydia B., Rodney F., Jr., Mary P. 
and Elisha. Mr. Dyer has been a successful man in business, and is 
a large real estate owner. 

Rodney F. Dyer, Jr., born in Cranston in 1841, is a son of Rodney 
F. and Barbara Dyer. He is engaged in the pork packing trade. The 
business was established in 1875. His brother, John, was associated 
with him until his death, January 23d, 1889, since which time he has 
continued alone. He does an annual business of $250,000. He mar- 
ried, in 1879, Mary E., daughter of Fenner and Sally Potter. She was 
born in Johnston, R. I. They have no children. Mr. Dyer is a member 
of Mount Vernon Lodge of Masons of Providence, of the Chapter and 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 773 

Commandery. He has been master of the Lodge, and has held sev- 
eral offices in the Commandery. 

George A. Field, born in Plainfield, Conn., July 29th, 1847, is a son 
of Augustus E. and Barbara S. Field, grandson of Jeremiah, whose 
father, Thomas, was a son of William, who was born at Fields Point. 
George A. Field came to Cranston in 1881. He was educated at the 
common schools. He was elected to the town council of Cranston 
as a republican in June, 1889. He married Harriet A., daughter of 
Henry Fenner, of Cranston. They have four children: Carrie B., 
Georgiana, Henry E. and Minnie F. Mr. and Mrs. Field are members 
of Union Congregational church of Providence. 

Marcellus J. Flanders, born in Maine in 1837, is a son of John and 
vSophia J. Flanders. His great-grandfather was one of the pioneers of 
Maine. Until 15 years of age his life was spent upon his father's farm 
in Maine. The next five years he was employed in a ship yard in 
Maine. At the age of 20 he came to Rhode Island and for several 
years he was employed in the states of Rhode Island, Connecticut and 
Maine. In 1862 he came to Providence and engaged in the grocery 
and market business for himself, where he continued until he closed 
out in 1875. He came to Cranston in 1873 to the farm he now owns 
and occupies. He was married in 1867 to Carrie A. Jones, of Provi- 
dence, daughter of William and Caroline Jones. They have two chil- 
dren: Nellie S., born in 1869, and Willie J., born in 1873. Mr. Flanders 
has held the office of highway commissioner, was three years in the 
town council of Cranston, and has been for nine consecutive years 
trustee of his school district. 

Chester A. Gallup, born in Cranston in 1868, is a son of Denison E. 
and Fidelia Gallup. The first ancestor of the Gallup family came to 
America, from England, in 1630 and settled in Boston. Chester A. 
Gallup was educated in the public schools of Cranston, and is a gradu- 
ate of the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Providence. He was 
the first dealer in coal and wood in Auburn, which business he recently 
sold, and is now engaged in painting. He is a member of the order 
of Odd Fellows. 

Arthur Given is of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in Wales, 
Me., February 27th, 1841, on the farm where his parents and grand- 
parents had lived for many years. He lived and worked on the farm 
until 18 years of age, when he received as his paternal legacy the 
three remaining years of his minority. Up to this time he had attended 
the district school one term each winter and had been to the " Semi- 
nary " two terms. Alternately he worked out and attended school at 
Maine State Seminary, Lewiston, Me., where he was fitted for college 
in 1862, when 21 years of age. He at once enlisted and served nine 
months in the Twenty-third Maine Regiment of Infantry, commanded 
by Colonel William Wirt Virgin. In the fall of 1863 he entered Bates 
College at Lewiston. Me., and graduated first in his class in 1867. 



774 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

After serving- as principal of the Literary Institution at New Hampton,. 
N. H., for one year and as principal of Maine State Seminary at 
Lewiston, Me., for two years, he entered the Cobb Divinity School at 
Lewiston, from which he graduated in 1872. He at once assumed the 
pastorate of the Essex Street Free Baptist church, Bangor, Me. In 
March., 1875, he became pastor of the Free Baptist church at Green- 
ville, R. I. In February, 1881, he assumed pastoral care of the Free 
Baptist church at Auburn, R. I., and at the same time of the Free 
Baptist mission at Arlington. A church was organized at the latter 
place and needed a pastor of its own, so after serving them something 
over two years Mr. Given resigned and gave his whole time to the 
Auburn interest. He served this church until December, 1885, and 
to him they are indebted for the church edifice at the corner of Elm- 
wood and Park avenues, and for their present prosperity. He resigned 
the pastorate of the Auburn church to accept the position since held, 
that of treasurer of the Free Baptist Foreign Mission, Home Mission 
and Education Societies, with his office at x\uburn. He has held 
several positions of trust and responsibility in the religious denomi- 
nation with which he is connected. He has for several years been one 
of the trustees of Bates College, and is one of the thirteen corporators 
of the Free Baptist Printing Establishment in Boston. In April, 1889, 
he was elected by the republicans first representative to the general 
assembly from the town of Cranston. December 22d, 1868, Mr. Given 
was married to Lura Durgin, of Sanbornton, N. H. They have one 
surviving child, Helen Louise Given. 

Amos L. Greene was a son of Benjamin, grandson of Gideon. He 
was born in West Greenwich, R. I., in 1833, came to Providence in 
1857, and died in 1873. He was married in 1855 to Angeline F., daugh- 
ter of Nathan O. Scott, of Coventry, R. I. She survives him. They 
had two children: Frank A. Greene, born in 1803, and Nellie S. Greene, 
born in 1868. Frank A. is in the Merchants' National Bank, Provi- 
dence. 

George N. Greene, born in Stonington, Conn., in 1825, is a son of 
George and Mary (Noyes) Greene, and grandson of Isaiah Greene. 
He came to Providence in 1840 and was in business there until he 
moved to the farm he now owns near Oak Lawn. He has one of the 
best paying farms in Cranston, keeps 75 cows and about 25 head of 
other cattle, and sells hay cut from it, beside 115 acres of improved 
land. He was married in 1855 to the daughter of Levi Wood, of Provi- 
dence. They had 11 children, 10 of whom are living. 

William Henry Hall, real estate broker, was born in the city of 
Providence, R. I., June 12th, 1837. His parents, James S. and Eleanor 
Ryder (Snow) Hall, raised a family of three children, two daughters 
and one son, of whom William was the second child. In early life he 
attended the public schools, and at the age of 14, desiring to learn a 
trade, he entered the employ of a large cigar manufacturer, and in six 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 775 

months' time learned the business, and became as expert a workman 
as any employed* in the house with years of experience. The con- 
finement, incident to the business, impaired his health to such a de- 
gree, that for two years his life was despaired of by his friends. Un- 
daunted by ill health, and ambitious of engaging in business on his 
own account, besides believing that active employment would prove 
the best method of recovering and retaining' good health, at the age 
of 17 years, he borrowed from a friend the small capital of $47, and 
securing credit for the necessary materials, erected a small building, 
11 by 20 feet, on the south side of Broad street, next east of Summer 
street, where he opened a small store for the sale of fruits, confec- 
tionery and periodicals. When he had completed his building, he 
had just seven dollars of his borrowed capital left to purchase his first 
stock with, all of which he placed in the store window to attract cus- 
tom. But being liberally patronized, and his venture proving success- 
ful, before long he was able to pay the debt he had incurred in start- 
ing his new business. 

By constant and strict attention to business, and unremitting econ- 
omy, he soon began in a small way to accumulate money, notwith- 
standing he was assisting in the support of his parents at that time. 
As his health improved, he also became more ambitious, and desiring 
to pursue a mercantile career, entered Scholfield's Commercial Col- 
lege, from which he received a diploma on April 21st, 1859. Having 
obtained a position as bookkeeper with Charles W. At wood, a large 
lumber dealer of Providence, he sold out his business in the store and 
rented the building to the purchaser. He remained with Mr. Atwood 
about four years, and then became bookkeeper for William H. Grat- 
wick & Co., of Albany, N. Y., a large wholesale lumber house at that 
time. The Marietta and Vinton County Coal and Oil Company hav- 
ing offered him the position of secretary and treasurer of that organi- 
zation, he accepted the situation and returned to Providence early in 
1865, and held that position until the business of the company was 
closed up. 

On December 24th, 1866, Mr. Hall was married to Cleora N., 
daughter of William L. Hopkins, one of the chief promoters and or- 
ganizers of the society in Providence, known as the Sons of Temper- 
ance. He was a descendant of Thomas Hopkins, from whom was de- 
scended Governor Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island, a signer of the 
declaration of independence. 

In 1866, Mr. Hall began operations as a real estate broker, and his 
phenomenal success in this line of business is due to his energy, in- 
tegrity and business ability. But had he been less persistent in the 
beginning, he could hardly have succeeded at all, as the business of 
real estate brokerage at that period was completely monopolized by 
the influential and long established house of A. B. Dike and Mayor 
Thomas A. Doyle and associates. By experience obtained in the lum- 



776 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ber trade, and by intuition, he was well qualified for the undertaking, 
and in due time succeeded in establishing for himself an enviable 
reputation, and he is now regarded as one of the leading brokers in 
this line of business. 

Mr. Hall has been very successful also in acquiring much valuable 
property. In 1873 he purchased the Joseph Sweet estate in Cranston, 
now Edgewood, and since then at great expense of time, labor and 
money, has transformed this once unpretentious homestead and its 
grounds into one of the most imposing and elegant residences in the 
town. In 187(3 he erected a business block known as Hall's Building 
on Weybosset street. In December, 1890, he was elected president of 
the Central Real Estate Company incorporated with an authorized 
capital of $2. 000, 000, divided into shares of $100 each, organized for 
the purpose of bringing within the reach of people of moderate 
means a class of investments heretofore monopolized by the wealthy, 
viz., first-class business blocks located on the principal streets in pros- 
perous and growing cities, from which class of investments so much 
wealth has been accumulated in this country and handed down from 
parents to children. Mr. Hall's long experience and great success in 
the management of real estate influenced the prominent gentlemen 
connected with the management of this company in choosing him for 
its first president. 

Mr. Hall has been a candidate for various elective offices thirteen 
times, and was never defeated. He was an active and influential mem- 
ber of the town council of Cranston for six years; was town treasurer 
one year, and declined a reelection. He was the first treasurer of the 
town to inaugurate the system of publishing, in pamphlet form for 
distribution to the tax-payers, an itemized statement of the annual 
expenditures on behalf of the town, which was received with much 
satisfaction. He was a member of the house of representatives of 
Rhode Island from 1880 to 1881 inclusive, and a member of the sen- 
ate for the two succeeding years, and was again renominated, but de- 
clined longer service as senator. He was the first republican senator 
elected from the town of Cranston. While in the assembly, he served 
as chairman of the joint committee on accounts and claims, and as 
second on the senate committee on corporations. While in both houses 
of tlie assembly, he established a reputation as an excellent debater of 
governmental and economic questions. 

Zachariah llevwood, born in Accnngton, Lancashire county, Eng- 
land, in L805, came to America in 1831, and settled in Johnston, R. I., 
working as a calico printer. He removed to Cranston in 1884. He 
was married in 1839 to Alice, daughter of John Waterman of Smith- 
field. They have no children. Mrs. Heywood's mother was a Hoyle. 
Her father came to this country from England. 

( )rlando S. Hill, born in Foster, R. I., August 10th, 1845, is a son 
of Colonel William and Miriam (Place) Hill. He came to Cranston 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 777 

in 1866. He learned the trade of carpenter and millwright. He was 
elected justice of the peace in 1878 and held that office four years. 
He was elected to the council in June, 1889. He was married in 1882 
to Ann M., daughter of George W. and Ann M. Whitehead, of Crans- 
ton. They have no children. Mr. Hill is a democrat, although his 
name for councilman was on both tickets. He is a Mason and an Odd 
Fellow. 

Peleg G. Kenyon, born in Richmond, R. I., in 1832, is a son of 
Thomas E., who is still living in East Greenwich, grandson of Solo- 
mon, and great-grandson of George. Peleg G. Kenyon came to 
Cranston in 1876. Previous to this he was engaged in steamboating 
upon the Western rivers. He was elected a member of the town 
council of Cranston in 1884, and is now one of the three commissioners 
of assessment for laying out roads and streets under the betterment 
act. He has been twice married; first to Sarah A. Spencer of East 
Greenwich in 1857. They had three children: Katie B., Henry G. and 
Thomas G. Mrs. Kenyon died in 1863. He married in 1874 Jane G. 
Davenporte of Louisville, Kentucky. They have no children. 

Jonathan King, son of Henry King, was born in Cranston in 1824, 
and is a successful farmer near Howard, Cranston, He married Abby 
M. Baker of Warwick, and they have two children: Henry W. and 
Gilbert E. 

Lewis S. Knight, born in Warwick, R. I., May 16th, 1822, is a son 
of Layton Knight and Betsey Stafford. He owns one of the finest 
farms in Cranston. He has been twice married; first to Nancy Nicholas 
in 1849. They have three children living: Edward N., Albert T. and 
George O. Mrs. Knight died in 1871 and he married in 1871 Waity 
Ann Brown, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Maguire) Brown. Her 
mother was a Coggswell, daughter of General Coggswell. A sister of 
Mrs. Knight, Miss Susan A. Brown, lives with them. 

Robert Lawton, born in Newport, R. I., February 12th, 1819, is the 
eighth son of Robert and Sarah (Anthony) Lawton, grandson of 
Robert, and great-grandson of Robert, who came to Rhode Island 
from England at an early date, with his two brothers. Mr. Lawton 
came to Cranston from Newport at an early age with'his elder brother, 
the late Honorable Elisha A. Lawton. In 1843 he moved to his 
present farm on the Plainfield pike road. By his patient and untiring 
industry and excellent management, the farm has been improved in 
extent and productiveness. He has been a member of the Rhode Is- 
land Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry for 30 
years. He has a thorough love for farm life and enters into its duties 
with the spirit of an enthusiast, devoting his thought and labors to 
the one purpose of his life. Every improvement in agriculture, or its 
implements, finds in him a willing investigator, and if approved by 
his judgment, it is adopted by him. Mr. Lawton married May 12th, 
1845, Sarah A. Chace. They had one daughter, Mrs. John E. Bowen 



778 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of Olneyville, R. I. Mrs. Sarah A. Law ton died in 1849. He married 
for his second wife Susan A. Jordan. They had no children, and Mrs. 
Lawton died August 1st, 1874. He married April 10th, 1877, Carrie 
E., only daughter of the late Thomas Hazard Watson, of South Kings- 
ton, R. I. They have two daughters: Frances W., born September 
11th, 1881, and Sarah E., born June 20th, 1884. 

Stephen Mathewson, born in Foster, R. L, in 1822, is a son of Wil- 
liam and grandson of William Mathewson. He is a self-made man 
and by his industry has accumulated a fine property. He came to 
Cranston in 1838. He first started the omnibus business between 
Cranston Print Works and Providence when he was 28 years old, and 
followed this business for 20 years, when he sold out to the horse rail- 
road company; then he followed farming until 1877, when he estab- 
lished the ice business. He has ice houses with a capacity for 15,000 
tons and does an annual business of $20,000. 

Walter H. Matteson, born in Coventry, R. I., in 1857, came to Provi- 
dence in 1883. He is the son of Henry and Angeline (Rouse) Matte- 
son, and grandson of Asher Matteson, all of Coventry. R. I. Walter 
H. is the eldest of three children, one of whom is dead. He was em- 
ployed by the New York & New England Railroad Company as station 
agent at Hop River, Conn., from 1870 till 1882, and was then trans- 
ferred by same company to Andover, Conn. He has been in the ser- 
vice of the New York, Providence & Boston Railroad Company since 
188:), first in Providence as clerk for the general freight agent, and 
came to Auburn in 18So as station agent of that place. He was mar- 
ried in 1879 to Eliza J., daughter of James and Elizabeth Hope, of 
Fall River. They have two children: Minnie A., born in 1880, and 
Susie E., born in 1882. 

Sylvester K. Merrill, born in Phenix in 1840. is a son of Sylvester 
K. and Alma R. (Tillinghast) Merrill, of Kent county, R. I. They 
were old and representative families of that county. Sylvester K., Jr., 
came to Providence when he was but 16 years old and engaged in the 
jewelry business with the firm of C. W. B. Bennett, and remained 
with them until he was of age, then he worked at the trade until 1872, 
when he went into the business for himself in Providence, and con- 
tinued until 1SSS, at which time he moved the factory to Pawtuxet. 
The firm consists of Sylvester K. Merrill and Robert E. Budlong. The 
latter entered the firm July 1st, 1884. They are engaged in the manu- 
facture of gents' lockets and charms, etc., and do business amounting 
to $100,000 annually. They use only first quality rolled plate in manu- 
facturing these goods. Sylvester married Harriet G. Codding, of 
Providence, R. I. They have one daughter, Edith, who married Mr. 
Robert E. Budlong. 

Charles W. Patt, born in Providence, November 9th, 1822, is a son 
of David and grandson of Jonathan Patt. His mother was Freelove 
Williams, daughter of John, and granddaughter of John. She was 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 779 

the seventh generation from Roger Williams. Charles W. Patt settled 
in Cranston in 1842, commenced the market gardening business in 
1845 and has made a success of it. He has under cultivation 20 acres, 
and does an annual business of $15,000, employs 12 men in the summer 
and seven in the winter. His hot-house is 30 by 325 feet, and is 
devoted to raising lettuce in the winter and cucumbers in the spring 
and summer. Mr. Patt was married April 22d, 1845, to Cyntha, 
daughter of Robert Grinnell,' of Cranston. They have five children: 
Maria L., William H., Mary A., E. Josephine and Edward B. Mr. 
Patt commenced business for himself when 11 years old. He has held 
the office of town councilman in Cranston 12 years, and has been 
assessor, road commissioner and school trustee. 

John B. Perry, born in South Kingstown in 1824, is a son of Robert 
and Mary Perry. His father was a cousin to Commodore Perry, and 
his grandfather was Niles Perry, of Perryville. John Perry came to 
Providence about 1845, and engaged in the foundry business until 
1863, when he engaged in the fish trade, in which business he is still 
engaged. He married, in 1854, Georgiana, daughter of George McDon- 
ald. They have three children, all grown up: George V., Robert L. 
and Gracie L. 

Henry M. Phetteplace, born in Burrillville, R. I., June 23d, 1812, is 
a son of Asahel, and grandson of Eliakim. His mother was the daugh- 
ter of Captain James vSmith, of Smithfield. Henry M. came to Provi- 
dence in 1837, engaged in the machine business, and was connected 
with the American Screw Company a number of years. He came to 
Cranston in 1880. He was three times married; first to Harriet Smith, 
daughter of Appleby Smith, of Smithfield, R. I. They had one son, 
Henry S. Phetteplace. His second wife was Joanna Sayles, daughter 
of Orin Sayles, Esq., of Franklin, Mass. They had one daughter, 
Clara V. His third wife was Ellen J. Sayles, daughter of Welcome 
Sayles, Esq., of Burrillville, R. I. They have one son, Thurston M., 
born in 1877. 

Caleb Y. Potter, born in Richmond, R. L, in 1806, is a son of Joshua 
and Deborah Potter, and grandson of Smiton Potter. He came to 
Cranston about 1840, and is engaged in farming. He is a large real 
estate owner in Auburn. He came there when it was a wilderness, 
and by his untiring industry has earned a worthy place in the history 
of Auburn. He married Frances J. Dye in 1836. They have three 
children: Daniel N., Caleb A. and William F., all married. Mr. and 
Mrs. Potter are members of the Free-will Baptist church, of Auburn. 

Ferdinand Potter, born in Providence, December 11th, 1812, was a 
son of Captain Anson Potter and Hannah F. Howard, and grandson of 
Captain Mowry Potter. He was a real estate dealer, and owned a 
large amount of real estate in both Providence and Cranston. He 
died October 20th, 1886. He was a man of noble and upright charac- 
ter, and just in his dealings with all men. His widow and her three 



780 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

children continue to live in their home in Cranston. Ferdinand Pot- 
ter was twice married; first in 1843 to Mary Reid, who died in 1859. 
They had three children. He married in 1800 Helen Macmillan, of 
Providence, daughter of Hugh and Marion Macmillan. They had 
four children, three of whom are now living. The children by the 
first marriage were: Ferdinand, Jr. (deceased), Marion and Anson H. 
Those by the second marriage were: M. Helen, Byron T., Charles A. 
and Flora E., who died in 1882. Charles A. Potter is a teacher in 
Brown University, of analytical chemistry. 

William F. Potter, born in Cranston, R. I., December 25th, 1849, is 
the youngest son of Caleb Y. and Frances J. Potter. He married An- 
toinette E., daughter of William F. and Antoinette Chace, of Provi- 
dence, in 1882. They have three children: Clarence L., Earl H. and 
Frances J. William F. Potter was appointed the first postmaster of 
Auburn in 1877, and resigned in 1883, when his brother, C. A. Potter, 
was appointed. Mr. Potter was educated in the common schools of 
Cranston, at the business college of Bryant & Stratton, and at Ladd's 
High School in Providence. He engaged in the grocery business 
when he was 19 years old, and after one year at this he went in com- 
pany with his brother, Caleb A. Potter, farming at Auburn. After 
seven years of farm life he went into the boot and shoe trade in Prov- 
idence, and ran a grocery store at the same time in Auburn. He con- 
tinued this business until 1882. After spending a year in Chicago, he 
commenced the business of painting. He deals in paints, oils, var- 
nishes, window glass, wall paper, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church of Auburn. 

Richard U. Rhodes, son of James Rhodes, was born in Providence 
October 12th, 1812, and came to Pawtuxet in 1879. He married Louisa 
Butty, who died December 10th, 1888. They had six children, only 
three of whom are living: William B., George H. and Elizabeth A. 
Richard U. was inspector of vessels in the government employ a num- 
ber of years. Three of his sons were in the war of the rebellion. One 
son, Robert, was killed in the navy. He was a first lieutenant; Wil- 
liam B. was a major, and George H. was captain. 

Thomas H. Rhodes, born in Pawtuxet in 1835, is a son of Captain 
I 'cleg, and grandson of Benjamin Rhodes. His mother was a Chap- 
man. He married, January 1st, 1862, Carrie A., daughter of Stacy W. 
Remington, of Cranston. They have three children: Edward S., born 
L864; Thomas H., Jr., born 1870, and Arthur A., born 1872. Thomas 
H. Rhodes was the founder, in 1872, of Rhodes, on the Pawtuxet, as a 
pleasure resort. It is well known throughout the state. He has been 
in the town council one term. 

Joseph L. Sanders, born in Providence December 18th, 1849, is a 
son of Olney L. Flis grandfather bore the same name. His mother's 
maiden name was Jane A. Scott. He was educated in the Providence 
public schools. He is a machinist by trade, and served his time with 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 781 

the Providence Machine Company, later had charge of repairs at the 
Rhode Island Locomotive Works for several years, and for 14 years 
prior to 1888 was superintendent of the Corliss Safe Company. At 
that time he gave up business on account of failing health. From 
January, 1889, until the fall of that year, he was traveling agent for 
this company, but owing to poor health was again compelled to retire. 
He is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Auburn. 
He has held various public offices in the town of Cranston, was elected 
assessor of taxes in 1888 for three years, and was elected to the town 
council in 1889 by the unanimous vote of both parties. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster at Auburn August 5th, 1889. He was married in 
1883 to Isabella Baker, of North Providence. They have two children: 
Leon S. and Eleanor M. 

Huldah F. (Chace) Smith is a daughter of Henry and Mary D. 
Chace, and granddaughter of Allen. Her mother was a Briggs. The 
Chace family were formerly from Massachusetts. Her father came to 
Rhode Island when he was a young man, from Swansea, Mass. He 
had two sons and one daughter: Henry A., Guilford W. and Huldah 
F. He was a carpenter and builder, and built the house that is now 
the home of his daughter, Huldah F. Smith. She married James A. 
vSmith. Her brother, Henry A. Chace, died in 1884. He had been in 
the employ of the Boston & Providence railroad for 30 years, and for 
20 years had been assistant superintendent. He was well known in 
Providence. He had been grand master of the Grand Lodge of I. O. 
O. F. of Rhode Island. He was a member of Adelphoi Lodge, F. & 
A. M., of Providence. 

William H. Sweet, born in Foster, R. I., in 1853, is a son of Matthew 
and Amey L. Sweet, and grandson of Augustus, all natives of Foster. 
William H. came to Providence and Cranston in 1872, learned the 
trade of carpenter, became a contractor and builder, and settled in 
Auburn. He built the school house at Pocasset, near the state insti- 
tutions, and many of the fine residences of Auburn, and remodeled 
the Baptist church at Pawtuxet. He married in 1880 Ida M. Tilling- 
hast of Connecticut. They have one child, Harold A., born in 1882. 
The Sweet family is one of the old families of Foster. William H. is 
a member of the I. O. O. F. of Auburn. 

Eleazer Tandy, born in Newport, N. H., July 20th, 1838, is a son 
of James and Betsey (Lewis) Tandy and a grandson of James Tandy. 
His father was the youngest of a family of ten children. The family 
are remarkable for their longevity. In 1867 they met together and 
their combined ages amounted to 785 years. James Tandy, Jr., was 
born December 31st, 1799, and is still living and enjoying good health. 
His elder brother lived to the age of 94 years and 10 months. An 
aunt of these brothers lived to the remarkable age of 105 years and 3 
months. The Tandys are of Welsh descent. Eleazer Tandy has 
been engaged in the wholesale milk business in Boston and Provi- 



782 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

dence for 33 years. He served through the war of the rebellion, en- 
listing- in 1861 in First Massachusetts Infantry of Boston. He was in 
the first and second battles of Bull Run, the siege of Yorktown, the 
battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks and the seven days fight before 
Richmond. He was also in the battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, 
Wilderness and Spotsylvania. He was wounded in the second battle 
of Bull Run. He settled in Cranston in 1871. He was a member of 
the town council two years, and of the general assembly one year. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the F. & A. M., the Order of Red 
Men and the G. A. R. He was twice married; first to Rosella H. Bas- 
sett of Cambridge, Mass. She died February 16th, 1862. He married 
for his second wife Susan M., daughter of Samuel and Abby West- 
cott, of River Point, R. I. They have three children: James E., born 
1872; Erwin W., born 1874, and Howard B., born 1877. 

Henry Greene Tucker, deceased, state senator from the town of 
Cranston at the time of his death, April 25th, 1887, was one of the 
purest, noblest, and most upright of men. He was the son of Captain 
James Tucker, for many years a seaman, and his wife, who was a 
Miss Greene, both of whom were descended from early settlers of the 
town. Mr. Tucker was born in 1821 in Pawtuxet village in the town 
of Cranston, in which village and town he passed his youth, went 
through the struggles of a long, busy and active life, and died at 66 
years of age, a much lamented and greatly respected citizen. He was 
one of the prominent business men of the city, and for some time was 
at the head of the firm of Tucker & Swan, prominent coal merchants 
of Providence city. At the time of his retirement in 1882, he was re- 
garded as having been a most successful business man, and one whose 
life had been of great benefit to his contemporaries. 

Mr. Tucker enjoyed the utmost confidence of his fellow citizens. 
He was a staunch democrat, and his party often called him into posi- 
tions of trust and responsibility, and in his election to these various 
offices, he was materially aided by all parties. He was a liberal man, 
having broad views, and consequently became a leading factor in all 
movements looking to the public good. He was a member of the town 
council, to which position the citizens of Cranston elected him for 
several terms. At the time of his death he was a member of the 
senate, and had been a member of that body in 1867, '68, '71 and '72. 
He was a representative of the town in 1864, '67, and in 1871-2. Mr. 
Tucker was not a partisan in any sense of the word, farther than the 
convictions of his political opinions. He was very unobtrusive in 
life — was quiet, calm and self possessed, easily approached, very benev- 
olent, doing many a generous deed in a way that left the aided party 
ignorant of his benefactor. He was a model husband and father. 
Probably no married life was ever more felicitous than his, and in his 
home he has been missed the most. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 783 

Mr. Tucker left an interesting family, consisting of a widow and 
five children, who greatly revere his memory. Of the children, 
Rhodes G. Tucker lives in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mrs. W. G. Northup, 
Minneapolis, Minn., and Zachariah R. Tucker, Providence. R. I. 
Joseph and Sarah live at home. 

Joseph Watson, born in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1815, is a son of James 
Watson who came from England. Joseph came to Cranston about 
1854. Mr. Watson in his younger days worked in the Print Works, 
but for the past 40 years he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
He married Eleanor K. Peirce, and has five children living-iGeorge F., 
Albert A., John P., Abby J. and Mary E. Mrs. W T atson died in 1857. 

George F. Watson, born in Cranston, R. I., in 1844, is a son of 
Joseph and grandson of James, mentioned in the preceding paragraph. 
He was married in 1866 to Ellen W. Barber. They have had three 
children, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Watson is a farmer. He en- 
listed in the Second R. I. Infantry in 1864 and served one year. 

Jonathan M. Wheeler, born in Warren, R. I., September 8th, 
1817, is a son of Jonathan, and grandson of Russell Wheeler. His 
mother was a daughter of Alexander Mason, who was a judge of the 
common pleas court in Bristol county. Mr. Wheeler came to Crans- 
ton in 1864 from Warwick, where he served as member of the legisla- 
ture two years. In 1861 he enlisted as captain of Company A, in the 
Fifth Rhode Island regiment and served one year. He was in the 
battles of Roanoke, Newbern, Kingston, Whitehall, and at the cap- 
ture of Fort Macon, where was captured a fine rebel flag, and he 
brought it home to Rhode Island, and presented it to Governor 
Sprague. This was the only rebel flag ever brought to Rhode Island. 
In 1866 he was elected town clerk of Cranston, and held that office 
until 1888. He has held the office of judge of probate 20 years, being 
the first and only incumbent of that office in Cranston. He was mar- 
ried April 3d, 1843, to Adaline M., daughter of Walter Lawrence. 
They had three children, all of whom are deceased. Emma L. was 
born June 13th, 1844. Mr. Wheeler was a candidate for lieutenant 
governor in 1885 and led his ticket by a handsome majority in his 
town of Cranston, where he was best known. He was also a candidate 
for the Forty-eighth Congress on the democratic ticket. 

Elisha Whitaker, born in Johnston, R. I., in 1833, is a son of Elisha 
A. and grandson of Amos Whitaker, all of Johnston. He came with 
his parents when he was two years old to Cranston. When he was 
only 21 years old he went to California, where he engaged in the gold 
mines, and after remaining there 13 years returned to Cranston and 
settled on the farm of his father, which he now occupies. He belongs 
to Ashland Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was married in 1870 to Adaline 
A., daughter of William Fenner of Johnston. They have had ten 
children, six of whom are now living: Cora R., Elisha A., Nora D., 



784 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

William A., Emma L. and Fred. His grandfather, Amos Whitaker, 
was a colonel in the war of 1812 and lived to be 83 years old. 

James S. Williams, born in Cranston August 24th, 1810, has lived 
all his life within a half mile of where he now resides. He received 
a common school education and in his younger days taught school. 
He was in the jewelry trade 15 years in Providence, and has been a 
farmer nearly all his life. He was many times offered different 
offices, but refused only such as would not interfere with his business 
interests. He held the offices of town councilman and assessor a number 
of terms. In the spring of 1890, when in his 80th year, he was nomi- 
nated for representative, and also urged to accept a nomination as 
assessor, both of which he declined. He married Julia A. Williams, 
of another branch of the Williams family. He is a direct descendant 
of Roofer Williams in the seventh generation. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE TOWN OF JOHNSTON. 



Description. — Early Manufacturing. — First Town Officers. — Highway Districts. — Schi u ils. 
— Johnston in the Rebellion. — Town Farm. — Horse Detective Society. — Prominent 
Families. — Olneyville. — Merino Village. — Hughesdale. — Manton. — Thornton. — 
Upper Simmonsville. — Graniteville. — Centerdale. 



THLS town was taken from Providence and named in honor of 
Augustus Johnston, March 6th, 1759. Mr. Johnston was attorney 
general from 1758 to 1766. He donated to the town a set of 
record books. The population of the town in 1782 was 096. Its popu- 
lation now is upwards of 7,000. It is bounded north by Smithfield, 
northeast and east by North Providence and Providence, south by 
Cranston and west by Scituate. Olneyville, the largest village, is 
situated in the southeastern portion of the town. 

Following is a list of the names of the most important points of 
interest in Johnston: Villages. — Olneyville (Johnston side), Thornton, 
formerly Simmons Lower; Simmons Upper; Morganville, formerly 
Almyville; Centerdale (Johnston side); Greystone (Johnston side); 
Hughesdale, formerly Dry Brook; Walsh's; Pocasset Bleachery, for- 
merly Waterman's Grist and Saw Mill; Manton, named after Edward 
E. Manton (Johnston side), formerly Tripptown; Merino; Graniteville. 
Hills. — Neutakonkanut, from which may be enjoyed a very delightful 
view; College, Snake Den. Streams — Woonasquatucket; Pocasset; 
Simmons; Dry Brook. Rocks. — Pocasset Falls; Iron; Snake Den Ledge; 
Bear Ledge; Thurber Ledge. Reservoirs. — Simmons; Almy's; Slack 
(Johnston side); Dry Brook; Moswansicut (Johnston side). Historic. — 
Johnston Elm was noted for its size. The tree was ruined by the 
September gale of 1869, and was removed in 1873. In 1858 its measure- 
ment was taken, when its girth one foot from the ground was 40 feet, 
six feet from the ground 2S feet, and the girth of its two branches, 
respectively, 14^ and 14 feet. On the Angell farm, near the site of 
this elm, are several springs, one of which is noted for its mineral 
waters. There are also an Indian burying ground, a soapstone quarry 
and a place where Indian pottery was manufactured. Shells imbedded 
in the earth indicate the site of an Indian village. Bear ledge, before 
named, furnished the columns and facades of the Providence Arcade. 
Snake Den ledge furnished the materials for the First Congregational 
church of Providence. 

50 



786 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

The following interesting sketch, bearing on the early manufac- 
turing of the town of Johnston, is taken from Book of Records No. 
2, page 243, Providence, November 20th, 1788: 

" It must give pleasure to every friend of the arts and manufactures 
of our country to be informed that the Slitting Mill, erecting in the 
neighborhood of this town, upon an improved plan, will be completed 
within a few weeks, that the carding and spinning machines used in 
Great Britain, &c. in manufacturing cotton stuffs, are introducing 
into this town by some public spirited gentlemen — and the domestic 
manufacturing increase daily, as there are few families in town but 
that are making cloth of different kinds. All the weaving looms in 
town (of which there are great numbers) are of consequence fully 
employed. While we with great satisfaction take notice of these mat- 
ters, we cannot help mentioning the spirit of enterprise which appears 
to actuate our merchants, who (under the very great disadvantage of 
not being able to command their property which they have credited 
out i are now (in addition to the ship "General Washington," sailed 
from here in December last for Canton) fitting out two large ships for 
the Indian Ocean, and a number of other vessels to different parts of 
the world." 

An act for dividing the town passed the general assembly March 
15th, 1759. By the authority of this act Colonel Christopher Harris 
called a meeting of the freemen of the town for the election of officers, 
on April 18th, 1759, the meeting being held at the house of Benjamin 
Belknap. Thomas Owens, Esq., was chosen moderator; Mr. Owens 
and Captain John Waterman were chosen to represent the town in the 
general assembly, to be held at Newport; Thomas Owens, town clerk; 
Abraham Belknap, town sergeant; Richard Fenner, Charles Water- 
man, Daniel Eddv, John Waterman, Jr., and Dean Kimball, council- 
men; Josiah Thornton, town treasurer; Charles Waterman, Benjamin 
Belknap and Samuel Smith, overseers of the poor; Charles Waterman, 
Daniel Eddy and Joseph Waterman were elected town auditors, and 
to settle accounts and divide the poor with the town of Providence; 
Charles Waterman and Gideon Brown, assessors of rates and taxes, at 
2d. per pound; William Alverson and William Harris were appointed 
to value the estates for qualification for freemen; Consider Luther, 
Benjamin Belknap and Joshua Remington, fence viewers; William 
Alverson, first constable, and Captain Josiah Thornton, second con- 
stable; William Henry, William Harris, William Alverson, Peleg Wil- 
liams, John Brown and Abraham Belknap, way wardens; Captain 
Daniel Sprague, Lieutenant John Waterman and Amos Westcott were 
appointed a committee to view and find a place to set a pound on. 

Book No. 1, of the town records, begins with the year 1772, the 
first part of the records being lost. At this time the subject of high- 
ways was taken up and discussed in a town meeting held at the house 
of Richard Eddy, July 25th, 1772; present, Edward Fenner, Thomas 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 787 

Angell, Noah Atherton, Andrew Harris, Richard Eddy and Seth 
Tripp. It is found by the records of this meeting, that there were 
then in the town 13 road districts, which we give in full, because of 
the list of names with localities mentioned therein. 

"John Watermans Destrect To Begin at the fork of the Rhode by 
David Browns house and extend westerly on Plainfield Rhode &c. 
The names of those who were to work on this highway were as fol- 
lows: David Brown, Christopher Thornton, Richard Fenner, Arthur 
Fenner, Charles Fenner, Amos Williams, Samuel Dyer, James Dyer, 
James Randall, Josiah Stone, Joseph Waterman, Isaac Waterman, 
Isaac Arnold, Henry Arnold, Noah Thornton, Job Salisbury, Richard 
Fenner, Jr., Joseph Fish, Ephraim Fish, Thomas Fenner, and all other 
persons within this district (No. 1) not named in any other. 

" George Beverlys Destrect to begin at the river by Peleg Rhoads 
house, and to extend westward as far as James Hoyles house, and 
like-wise the rhode that leads to Randalls Saw mill, the rhode that 
goes by John Beverlys and Esquire Williams untill it comes to the 
head of the lane above T. Williams, and the rhode from Henry Stra- 
vens, by Capt. Spragues as far as said Spragues northermost corner. 
And his men to work on sd ways .... are Peleg Rhoads, Edward 
Sheldon, Esq., John Beverly, Stephen Hammon, Joshua Remington,' 
John Remington, Caleb Remington, Iseral Carpenter, Nicholas Car- 
penter, Benjamin Waterman, Peleg Williams, Esq., Zebedee Clemence, 
James Mathewson, John Ruttenburgh, Joseph Randall, Henry Stra- 
vins, Jr., Dan'l Sprague, Esq., Ebenezer Sprague. Esq., Rufus 
Sprague, Jacob Lockwood, John Tripp, Jesse Beverly and all other 
persons within this Destrect not named in any other. 

" Andrew Harris', Esq., Destrect to begin at the fork of the Rhode 
by David Brown's house, and to extend westward to the West End of 
the Bridge by Peleg Rhoads house, and likewise the Rhode that goes 
by Reuben Spragues, as far as the northermost corner of Capt. An- 
gell's land. And his men to work sd ways are Thomas Angell, 
Thomas Harris, Jr., John Thornton, Elihu Thornton, Charles Thorn- 
ton, Reuben Sprague, Christopher Harris, Amos Westcott, Thomas 
Harris, Thomas Clemence, Samuel Kilton, and all other persons, &c. 

'• William Latham's Destrect, To begin at the fork of the Rhode 
by David Brown's house, and to extend eastwardly to Providence line, 
and also the rhode over Rocky Hill to Cranston line, and his men to 
work on sd ways are Reuben Lake, Solomon Thornton, Edward Fen- 
ner, Stephen Thornton, William Borden, Gideon Brown, Nehemiah 
Sheldon, Joseph Borden, Jr., Abner Borden, and all others, &c. 

" ( )badiah Browns Destrect, to begin at Smithfield line and to extend 
down Killingly Rhode to a grate Rock by Belknap's dam-bars, and 
his men to work on sd way are Rufus Hawkins, Reuben Brown, Job 
Waterman, Benjamin Waterman (son of Job), William Hawkins, John- 
athan Arnold, Jr., Barah McDonald, Thomas Arnold, John Brown, 



788 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

William Paine, Jeremiah Waterman, Charles Waterman, Reuben 
King, Emor Olney, Nathaniel Day, and all others, &c. 

" Richard Thornton, the 3d Destrect, to begin at Plainfield road 
by Nehemiah Sheldon, and to extend northward as far as Hope 
Hawkins gate and his men to work on sd way are Richard Borden, 
Benjamin Waterman, Joshua Greene, Joseph Thornton, and all other 
persons, &c. 

" Daniel Thorntons Destrect, To begin at Killingly Rhode by 
Esquire Eddys pot ash, and to extend westward on the new highway 
to Esquire Sprague's way so call'd, and his men to work on sd way 
are John Waterman, Esq., Job Waterman, William Waterman, and all 
others, &c. 

" William Harris Destrect To begin at James Hoyles house, and to 
extend westward to Scituate line, and Taking in Robert Williams 
Rhode, and his men to work on sd way are Samuel Smith, Wm. 
Whitiker, Joshua Kimball, Jonathan Fisk, Zebedee Mitchell, Esaih 
King, Sr., Dan'l King, Jeremiah Sheldon, William Mathewson, Richard 
Mathewson, and all others, &c. 

" Joseph Bordens Destrect To begin at Con. Angell northermost 
his land and to extend by Esq Harris Gate to Killingly Rhode and 
his men to work on sd way are Henry Harris (son of Josiah Harris), 
Josiah King, William Borden King, and the heirs of Henry Harris 
deceased and all other persons, &c. 

" Isaac Winsors Destrect, To begin at Rhode by Rufus Hawkins, 
and to extend westward on the new highway to the head thereof, and 
his men to work on sd way are John Mathewson, Daniel Mathewson, 
Noah Mathewson. Iseral Mathewson, jr., William Mathewson, Elder 
Samuel Winsor, Rufus Hawkins, Jr., and all other persons, &c. 

" Capt. Seth Tripps Destrect to begin at Grate Rock opposite Bel- 
knap's Dam bars, and to extend down sd way to a chesnot stump, near 
the lower end of Richard Clemence wall, and also to take the new 
highway that goes from meeting house to Daniel Thorntons and his 
men to work on sd way are Daniel Waterman, Jeremiah Hopkins. 
Abraham Belknap, Jacob Belknap, Phillip Potter, Andrew Aldrich, 
John Sweet, Jeriah Hawkins, Jonathan Thornton, William Antrum, 
and all others, &c. 

" Daniel Mortons Destrect, To begin at a chesnot stump, near the 
lower end of Richard Clemence 'wall and to extend to the river at 
Tripps Town, takemg in one half of the Bridge at sd river, and his 
men to work on sd way are Caleb Vensent, Nicholas Vensent, Job 
Potter, William Warnor, Richard Eddy, Ephraim Pearce, John Cary, 
and the heirs of Anthony Olney Deceast, and all persons, &c. 

" Consider Luther's Destrect To begin at Ebenezer Spragues, Esq., 
and to extend to Plainfield Rhode, and the Cross Rhode from Joseph 
Fisk to Scituate line, and his men to work on sd ways are Josiah Pot- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 789 

ter, Capt. Iseral Angell, Daniel Williams, William and Oliver Wil- 
liams, and all other persons, &c." 

Highway appropriations for 1888 were $6,000. 

The first meeting of any school committee of which any record can 
be found was on the 2d of June, 1828, and was holden at the inn of 
Resolved Waterman, at which 12 members were present. The Hon. 
James F. Simmons was elected chairman and Lyndon Knight secre- 
tary. On the second Saturday in August the town was divided into 
ten school districts, and on the first Saturday in September, 1828, the 
school houses were located and with few exceptions they remain as 
then located. The highest appropriation made at this time to anyone 
district was $42, and the lowest $88, and by the records it is found a 
committee of three members was appointed to visit each school. In 
1831 two schools were established in District No. 4, on account of the 
distance the pupils had to walk to attend the one which was situated 
at the extreme south side of the district, a house being hired for the 
use of the second school at 25 cents per week while in actual use. 

June 9th, 1832, a new district was formed from parts of districts 2, 
3 and 5, and was called No. 11. A school house was located and the 
proper machinery put in motion for the accommodation of the inhabit- 
ants of that locality. About this time the wages were cut down, as 
ladies were receiving $1.25, while male teachers received $2.50 per 
week. In 1837 the town's appropriation had increased to $350, and the 
state appropriation to $274.84. 

February 8th, 1841, Districts 12 and 13, one at Graniteville and the 
other at Dry Brook (now Hughesdale), were formed. In January, 1844, 
District No. 14 was established in the western part of the town and 
was composed of Districts 4 and 6. At this time the appropriation 
w r as over $1,100 from all sources. Under the new school act of 1846 
the number of committee men was cut down to three. September 3d, 
L850, at a special meeting of the committee, an application from Dis- 
trict No. 7 (Manton) was received and approved for a district tax of 
$1 .2<>0, for the purpose of building a new school house. In November, 
L852, District No. 3 (Simmons Upper Village) voted to follow the lead 
■of No. 7 and build a house. About the year 1866 the village of Merino 
had established a school, which relieved that of No. 1, and in 1867 
District No. 15 was formed and a four-story school house erected. 
District No. 13 in 1868 erected a commodious structure at an expense 
of over $4,000, and in 1869 District No. 16 was formed, consisting of 
Merino village and a small territory surrounding the same. 

March 4th, 1871, an attempt was made to have district lines abol- 
ished, which attempt proved abortive and the old system prevails. 
July 1st, 1871, under the new law a superintendent was elected. In 
the spring of 1872 the commissioner held the first teachers' institute 
ever held in the town, which proved successful, stimulating the friends 
of education to renewed exertion. June 21st, 1873, Districts 6 and 14 



790 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

were consolidated and were to be known as District No. (5. During 
the summer of 1878 the school house in No. 1 was raised and a story 
put underneath, making a four-room building. In the spring of 1875 
the boundaries of several districts were changed. Appropriations for 
1888 were $7,000. 

The town of Johnston took a conspicuous part in the great rebel- 
lion of 1861-5. From the reports we find the following record: In the 
1st Regiment of the state there were 6; 2d Regiment, 40; 3d Regiment, 
35; 4th Regiment, 22; 5th Regiment, 33; 7th Regiment. 16; 9th Regi- 
ment, 10; 11th Regiment, 4; 12th Regiment, 19; 1st Cavalry, 24: 2d 
Cavalry, 6; 3d Cavalry, 9; Battery A, 6; Battery B, 4; Battery C, 4; 
Battery E, 3; Battery F, 5; Battery G, 7; 14th Colored Regiment, 1. 
Only one or two were drafted, as the town was ready to fill its quota 
of men at all times. 

Land was bought for the town farm, of A. W. Winsor and wife, in 
1862, at a cost of $3,800, consisting of two lots, in all 45 acres and over. 
At the present time the home for the poor is in a fair condition and 
with the many improvements that have been made the paupers of the 
town are comfortable. The average number of paupers kept at the 
farm during the year 1887-8 was five. The total cost of running the 
farm and care of the paupers from June 1st, 1887, to May 28th. 1888, 
was $3,190.80. The total receipts from the farm, etc., were $2,103.87. 
Of this last amount $1,603.18 was received for milk sold; $848.14 for 
produce, etc.; $157.50 for cows sold. 

The Fruit Hill Horse Detective Society was organized July 3d, 
1830, and although not in this town, the territory embraces Johnston, 
which has always taken a lively interest in the enterprise. Since its 
organization 750 names have been enrolled as members, and so effect- 
ive has been this institution that but one or two horse thieves have 
escaped from their vigilance. The treasurers of this society have 
been: Jeremiah Angell, William Westcott, Joseph Westcott, Robert 
Dcvereux, 1843 to 1867, since which time Robert W. Devereux has 
filled the office. The other officers are: George F. A. Beane, president; 
William Phillips, secretary: George W. White, collector. Mr. White 
has been collector over 40 years. 

Captain Arthur Fenner, a lieutenant in Cromwell's army, was born 
oi a highly respectable family in 1622, and appeared m Providence about 
1645. February 27th, 1649, he was included among the six men for 
the trial of causes. On October 3d, 1649, Robert Williams and Thomas 
Harris gave him a receipt in full for his purchase money, 30 shillings, 
he having full and equal right in the plantation. He was among the 
early settlers of the town of Providence. About 1654 he bought of 
William Barrows meadow land at Neutaconkanut. He afterward 
increased this farm to 218 acres, his land lying to the south and west 
of the hill, and he later increased his possessions in the towns of 
Johnston, Providence and Cranston to 500 acres and over. " His 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 791 

castle," says Reverend J. P. Root, " was built immediately after the 
war of 1675-6, probably on the site of his burned house, nearly oppo- 
site to the locality where the Red Mill in Simmonsville now stands, and 
on the Cranston side of the road, close by the burial place where the 
tombstone of his son Thomas and others of his descendants may still 
be found. It has for generations been known as the Fenner Castle." 

Many of the descendants of Captain Arthur Fenner, who was 
buried in the old cemetery near the site of Fenner Castle, settled 
in the towns of Johnston and Cranston. The children of Arthur and 
Mehitable Fenner were: Thomas, born 1652; Arthur, Freelove, 
Bethiah, Phebe, and Sarah, buried November, 1676. Thomas married 
first Alice Ralph, second Dinah Borden. He was a major during the 
Indian war of 1676 and proved a brave soldier. He was a valuable 
citizen and exerted a wide influence in the Providence plantations. 
He was deputy in 1683, '91, '95, '97, '99, 1704 and 1705. He held the 
office of governor's assistant from 1707 to 1717, except in 1714. He 
died February 27th, 1718. Thomas and Alice Fenner had one child, 
William. The children of Thomas and Dinah (Borden) Fenner were: 
Mehitable, Freelove, Thomas. Mary, Joseph, Richard, Sarah, Arthur, 
Eleazer and John. 

Of the children of Captain Arthur Fenner, Freelove married Gideon 
Crawford April 13th, 1687; Bethiah married Robert Kilton; Phebe 
married Joseph Latham; Arthur married Mary Smith, daughter of 
John Smith the miller. He died April 24th, 1725. Many of the 
descendants of the above settled in this town and vicinity. 

Chad Brown came to Providence with his wife Elizabeth in 1638. 
His son John, who was about eight years of age at the time, accom- 
panied him. He was the elder of the Baptist church on North 
Main street. He had five sons: John, James, Jeremiah, Judah or 
Chad, and Daniel. John resided at the north end of Providence, and 
married Mary, daughter of Obadiah Holmes, second pastor of the First 
Baptist church at Newport. 

James, the second son of John, lived on the homestead and married 
Mary, daughter of Andrew and granddaughter of William Harris, one 
of the original six who came to Providence in 1636. He was born in 
1666, and died October 28th, 1732. His wife Mary died August 18th, 
1736. Joseph, the third son of James, born May 15th, 1701, married 
Martha Field, lived in North Providence, and died May 8th, 1778. 
He had a son, Gideon, who settled in Johnston, on Plainfield road, 
two miles from Olneyville. Mr. Charles Brown, his great-grandson, 
now occupies the place. Gideon married Ruth, and had a son Nathan, 
who occupied the homestead. He was born in the year 1772, and died 
in 1848. He married Susan Thornton, daughter of Daniel. His 
second wife was Susan Smith, daughter of Job. Their children were: 
William, who married Sallie Fenner; Abby, who married Edmond Fisk; 
Daniel, who died May 1st, 1879, married Abby Fenner; Ruth, Nathan, 



792 HISTORY OF PROVIDE1SXE COUNTY. 

Jr., Susan, Sarah, Gideon, Phebe, Isaac. All the children settled in 
the town of Johnston. 

Jeremiah Williams, Jr., was born July 7th, 1736, and died about 
the year 1810. He was the ancestor of the Williamses who settled in 
the town of Johnston. In a previous chapter his lineage back to 
Roger Williams is given. Jeremiah, 2d, married Bethiah Williams 
August 9th, 17.56. Their children were: Andrew, Huldah who married 
Pardon Fenner; Othoniel, married a Field and was drowned in Ver- 
mont; Jeremiah, 3d, married Amy Knight; Stephen, born July 15th, 
1763. married Annie Knight; Catharine, born 1765, married Uriah 
Eddy: Waterman, married Delaney Potter; Mary, married first a Wil- 
liams, second William Eddy; Anthony, married and settled in Chester, 
Mass; and George, went to the state of New York. 

Huldah Williams, daughter of Jeremiah Williams, Jr., married 
Pardon Fenner. Their children were: Asahel, born in 1781, married 
Abigail Alverson; Phebe, settled in Pawtucket, was the wife of Doctor 
Niles Manchester, died January 23d, 1860, in the 73d year of her age; 
Arthur, born in 1792, died in 1825; and Abby, born January 17th, 
L800, married Daniel Brown, son of Nathan, died May 1st, 1879. The 
children of Daniel Brown and Abby Fenner were: Adelia, Albert, 
Eliza, Pardon Fenner, who married Helen Angell, daughter of Elisha 
O. Angell, and Florinda. The children of Pardon F. Brown are: 
Arthur, Caroline and William Niles. 

Olneyville is the largest village in the town, of Johnston. It is 
situated in the extreme southeast corner of the town, the greater 
section of the business part of the place being over the line in the 
city of Providence. The place was named in honor of Colonel Chris- 
topher Olney, who owned a tract of land in this vicinity and was a 
noted officer in the revolutionary war. He was born in 1745, the vil- 
lage was named for him in 1785 and he died in 1S09. He built mills 
and established himself in business here about the time the place was 
named. He was a descendant of Thomas Olney and his wife, Mary 
Small, who came from England in 1635. Mary, the daughter of his 
son Epenetus, married Nathaniel Waterman in 1692, and their son 
John Waterman (born 1709) and his son John Waterman, Jr., became 
conspicuous in the history of the town. 

The Waterman family above mentioned are descendants of Richard 
Waterman, who came from England in 1629 and was one of the 
twelve persons to whom Roger Williams deeded land obtained from 
Canonicus and Miantinomi. Richard Waterman was also one of the 
Gortonites arrested by the authorities of Massachusetts and arraigned 
in Boston. His son, Nathaniel Waterman, married Susanna Carder 
in 1663. His son Nathaniel married Mary Olney May 9th, 1692. 
Their children were: Bethiah, Nathaniel, Joseph, Zuriel, Sarah, Mary 
and John. Resolved Waterman, a son of Richard the settler, married 
Mercy, daughter of Roger Williams in 1659. Richard Waterman, a 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 703 

descendant of the first Richard, established a paper mill in Olneyville 
in an early day. 

Colonel Nathaniel Proctor settled on Valley street on a site now 
owned by the Snow family in an early day. His sons, John and 
Nathaniel, worked in an old paper mill. John engaged in the grocery 
business. His brother. Captain Russell Proctor, father of Walter 
Proctor, owned a large property in the place and was an old man when 
he died in 1838. 

James Kelley was another distinguished man in the place, but of a 
later date. He was a very careful man and was bookkeeper for a long 
time in the' mills. He was in the war of 1812 and was wounded at 
the battle when Washington city was burned by the British. He and 
Henry Snow became associated in business, Mr. Snow succeeding him 
in the drug trade. 

Harrison Gray came to the village in April, 1838. from Fruit Hill. 
He was a blacksmith and had learned his trade at Worcester, Mass., 
in 1826. After coming to this village he carried on the business till 
the latter part of 1873. He was married in the fall of 1840 to Polly, 
daughter of William Smith, well known to many people of this vicin- 
itv. At the time he came here John Waterman kept a large store, 
owned the mill property here and manufactured cotton goods. The 
Waterman property consisted of two mills (on the city side) called the 
Eagle Mills. Thev were afterward called the Harrison Mills. In 
1851 the Atlantic Mills were erected on this site. 

John Pettev, great-grandfather of James L. Pettis, was born in Hel- 
burn Woods, near Dartmouth, Mass., November 11th, 1732 (old style), 
and was married to Rachel, daughter of Judge Benjamin Miller, cf 
Warren. R. I., in 1755. He was a shoemaker. In 1705 he bought a 
house lot on the corner of Snow and Broad streets, and after framing 
his house in Warren, R. I., moved it there by boat and put it together. 
He died in 1815 in Providence. James M. Pettis, his grandson, so 
well known to the people of Johnston and vicinity, was born January 
22d, 1783. on High street, in a house a little west of Stewart street. 
He was the son of Daniel Pettev (the name was so spelled till that 
time), who was a revolutionary soldier, and was captured and confined 
in the old Jersey ship at New York. 

Mr. Pettev was a cooper by trade, and was constantly kept at work 
on the ship. One day he and another workman decided they would 
attempt to escape, knowing that death from the yard-arm of the ship 
for the adventure would not be much more certain than that from 
vellow fever and other diseases which were daily carrying off the 
men by the score. Having decided what they would do, they got 
into a rowboat by night and put to sea, getting well out into the har- 
bor before their flight was discovered and pursuit made. Their ef- 
forts were now redoubled, but the boat of the enemy, with three 
.armed soldiers, was soon upon them. The British boat was pushed 



794 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

alongside, when Pettey pushed it away. In the struggle which en- 
sued, the boat of the British was capsized, when the crew attempted to 
climb in that of the fugitives, but as fast as they swam to and laid 
hands upon it for that purpose, contrary to warning, Mr. Pettey chop- 
ped off their fingers with his axe, and in the confusion verv easily 
escaped. 

His son, James M. Pettis, was a carpenter by trade, and built many 
houses now standing in Olneyville. When a boy he would tramp 
over this region hunting and setting his traps for game. In 1803 he 
came to the place and began clerking for his uncle, Samuel Harring- 
ton, who kept a store where J. O. San Souci's store is now. Not liking 
the business, he left the store and went back to his trade. In 1807 he 
built the house now owned and occupied by David Andrews, out of 
old Oliver Williams' barn. In 1812 he built the house beside it, the 
one now occupied by Mrs. Albert Waterman, who has just raised it 
one story higher, and made a store room of the first floor. In 1826 
James M. Pettis built the house now owned and occupied by his 
daughter, Mrs. Ednah H. Bradford. Mr. Pettis died Februarv 16th, 
1871. 

Among other old houses now standing, erected by Mr. Pettis and 
others, should be mentioned the two just opposite Harrison Gray's, 
near the railroad station. The second one from the station is very an- 
cient, being at one time the property of the Williamses. Alfred An- 
thony's house was built about 1840 by John, son of Harvey Kelley. 
Governor Samuel Ward King built his house here in 1842. He was 
then governor of the state, and his house is a fit monument to com- 
memorate the Dorr war. Mr. King was town clerk many years. His 
sun, Charles King, is living in the city, and the heirs of Arthur Kim- 
ball own the property here. Nathan B. Harris owns the house Wil- 
liam Smith erected in 1839 or 1840. It passed into the hands of Lake 
& Harris, and at the time of their division of the property in 188o. it 
fell to the lot of the latter, who moved it back and erected the present 
house on its site in 188n. Harrison Gray built his house in 1845. 
Samuel A. Irons built the store now occupied by Thompson & Co. 
soon after the war. The Odd Fellows' Building, on Plamfield street, 
was erected in 1887. 

The American Multiple Fabric Company's mill, in Olneyville, was 
formerly used as a batting mill. The present company was originally 
organized by Seth W. Baker, the inventor of the process by which 
goods are manufactured, and upon being chartered under the state 
laws in 1873, the corporation was called the S. W. Baker Manufactur- 
ing Company, under which title the business was carried on until 
1884, when the present corporate name was assumed. Charles A. 
Fletcher is president of the corporation, and William A. Wilkinson, 
agent and treasurer. One branch of the work done at this mill is the 
production of textile hose for the use of fire companies. They also 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 795 

manufacture the Baker patent evaporating- horse blankets and other 
similar goods. 

Trading was begun in the village of Olneyville very soon after 
settlement was made here, and from that time business has steadily 
increased. The old paper mill, owned and controlled by Richard 
Waterman, the old forge and foundry, and some other minor industries 
created a center here evidently as early as the revolutionary war, 
though the first stores of note were carrying on business after this 
time. Samuel Huntington, John Waterman, John Proctor and his 
half-brother, Captain Russell Proctor, were all doing business in the 
place early in the present century. Samuel Huntington was here in 
1803, and probably years before and after. John Waterman made a 
purchase of land here in 1796. He started his mills in 1812, and he 
had a large store and was doing a thriving business in 1838, when 
Harrison Gray came to the place. Waterman was among the most 
prominent traders at that time. He kept where Nathan B. Harris 
now carries a line of goods, and the latter, too, has been a trader for 
many years in the place. Mr. Waterman lived to be very old, dying 
at the age of 93. He was buried at the foot of Broadway. Eli Messen- 
ger, a Mr. Tillinghast and Nathan B. Harris all traded at this stand. 
Mr. Harris has been in business in the village for a third of a century. 
He was of the firm of Lake, Harris & Co., then of Lake & Harris. In 
1880 he moved to his present quarters, and Mr. A Lake started up in 
the building owned by the Kimballs, where he is now. He came to 
the place in 1866, and has been a prominent merchant ever since. 

The Union store was kept by Charles Franklin. This property is 
now owned by the Atlantic Mills, but no store has been kept in that 
place since Mr. Franklin's day. John Proctor, and after him his half- 
brother, Captain Russell Proctor, kept store on the site or near where 
Russell Proctor now has a place. Captain Russell Proctor died in 1838 
and was followed by Walter R. Proctor and he by Henry Proctor. 
Benjamin Anthony and his brother Jerome B. Anthony succeeded, 
and after them Henry Anthony, a brother of Alfred Anthony, kept 
store where Fred. San Souci keeps a shoe store now. A Mr. Holloway 
traded here at one time and also made clothing while running his 
business. Robert K. Atwood came to the village in 1856 and began 
clerking for William Harris in a grocery and provision store. Mr. 
Harris was succeeded in this store by Charles Abbott, whose success- 
ors have been Albert Burgess, E. J. Beane, S. C. Jamison and San 
Souci. Mr. Atwood began the meat market and grocery business in 
1867 and continued trading on the Johnston side till 1884, when he 
moved across the line where he is now. When he came to the place 
34 years ago Benoni Mathewson had the hotel, Francis Cummingshad 
a grocery store on Plainfield street, the Proctors, Anthony, and others 
also before mentioned were doing business. 

Dry goods w T ere carried as part of the stock, in the earlier stores,. 



796 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

with hardware, groceries, etc. Mrs. H. McKinley was among the 
earliest traders in this specialty of goods, and is trading still. About 
ten years ago she crossed the line and is now in the city. She has 
been a very successful business woman, and is now the oldest trader 
in Olneyville. Mrs. Clarke began in 1852, and carried on a successful 
business until recently in the millinery line. George E. Boyden car- 
ried on the most extensive store in the place for many years and was 
a very successful merchant. He sold to Mr. Allen. Robert Melvin 
keeps the store now, and has been there a number of years. He traded 
formerly in the Irons Block, where Thompson & Co. are now doing 
business. 

The drug trade was begun here in the old fashioned way by James 
Kelley about the year 1846 or 1847. The stock was limited to a few 
general articles, which in the strictest sense of the term would not 
now require much of a pharmacist to compound. Mr. Kelley occu- 
pied the building now used by B. A. Smith, one of the oldest structures 
apparently in the place. He was succeeded by Mr. Snow, and he by 
Jacob Mott, Jr., who carried on business about 15 years. In 1885 he 
was followed by John Knowlton, and he gave up possession to the 
present proprietor in February, 1889. 

E. T. Luther was virtually the first druggist in Olneyville. He 
came to the place in 1865 and on January 26th started up at the stand 
where he has since carried on a successful business. When Mr. 
Luther came to the place 25 years ago, Nathan Harris was grocer, 
Stephen Whipple and Robert Macmillan had a meat market, Benjamin 
Mathewson the hotel, Abel Reynolds a fish market, John Hart a livery 
stable and Mrs. Clarke a millinery store. At that time John Wade, 
blacksmith, Harris Brown, wheelwright, John Gaddin, segar manufac- 
turer, Harris & Gray, old blacksmiths, and Samuel Anthony, coal 
merchant, were all doing business in the place on the Johnston side. 

Jacob Mott was the next druggist after Luther, and remained in 
trade at the Kelley stand. There are now three drug stores in the 
village (Johnston side), G. R. Parker, who started up in the Odd Fel- 
lows building in 1886, being the third one. 

The Olneyville Times was established in J 887, and with the exception 
of the Rhode Island Citizen, is the only paper ever published in the 
place. The Citizen was established a few years ago by Benjamin 
Evans, and was continued but a short time. The Times is a local 
paper, and is published by Sibley & Johnson, both men of experience 
and ability, the former having been previously connected with the 
Star and the Press of Providence, and the latter being a practical 
printer by trade. They also publish the East Providence Record, which 
was established by Mr. Sibley in 1885, Mr. Johnson coming into the 
firm upon the starting of the Times in 1887. The firm have a well 
equipped job office, and print and publish other papers, giving em- 
ployment to five hands constantly. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 797 

The Olneyville Free Library and Reading Room was started as a 
reading room, principally through the efforts of Reverend William 
Davis about the year 1877. Mr. Davis, it will be remembered, was 
the subject of Boston's municipal vengeance a year or two ago for 
preaching on the street one Sunday. For this act he was confined in 
jail for some time. The library has been mainly supported and kept 
by ladies. A few years ago the Library Association was formed and 
incorporated, with the following officers: George C. Calef, president; 
Thomas B. Stockwell, vice-president; Mrs. L. Leavens, secretary; 
Walter Brownell, treasurer, and H. H. Richardson, librarian. There 
are now in the alcoves of the library 2,200 volumes. Applicants for 
books have the privilege of visiting the alcoves for themselves, an un- 
usual but by far the best method in vogue. The amount required 
each year for its support is about $500. An appropriation of $200 was 
made by the town May 28th, 1888, for this purpose. 

There are three secret societies in the village of Olneyville, one of 
which, the Knight of Pythias, has recently been instituted. 

Manufacturers' Lodge, No. 15, I. O. O. F.. was first instituted in 
Hopkinton, February 19th, 1851. In February, 1859, the charter 
was returned to the Grand Lodge, and on April 26th, 1870, the charter 
was revived and returned to Olneyville with 23 members, who were 
drawn from Eagle, Canonicus and Hope Lodges. The first officers 
were: N. G., Sheldon P. Sprague; V. G., W. A. Phillips; R. S., Thomas 
Ball; P. S., Edgar D. Stearns; treasurer, James Davis. 

Woonasquatucket Encampment, No. 10, was instituted and char- 
tered June 28th, 1873, with seven charter members. The first officers 
were: C. P., Thomas Ball; H. P., Edgar E. Stearns; S. W., Matthew 
Tennent; J. W., Dennison Harden; R. S., Edward J. Collins; F. S., 
Seth Mitchell; treasurer, Cyril S. Carpenter. 

The following account of the Olneyville Baptist church is taken 
principally from a history of the society prepared and published in 
1878. The conversion of the first pastor of this church occurred in 
1820, and in 1827, on the erection of the meeting house, Mr. Cheney 
accepted an invitation to occupy its pulpit regularly. The attendance 
and interest increased, and November 7th, 1828, a covenant was pre- 
pared and accepted by five brothers and six sisters: Martin Cheney, 
Peter Place, Cyrus Williams, William Chaffee, John Peyton, Ruhama 
Angell, Prudence Baxter, Anna Buffington, Sarah Ann Williams, Can- 
dace Irons and Wealthy Latham. Martin Cheney was at this meeting 
chosen pastor, clerk and treasurer. April 3d, L830, Stephen Barton 
succeeded as clerk, and Peter Place as treasurer. At the same time 
Peter Place and Cyrus Williams were chosen to act as deacons, serv- 
ing until March, 1832, when they were succeeded by Horace Read and 
Samuel Thompson. In February, 1832, Mr. Cheney was again chosen 
clerk, and Mr. Bucklin was chosen treasurer. In November of the 



798 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

same year Jordan Taylor was chosen clerk, and in May following he 
succeeded Mr. Thompson as deacon. 

In 1886 the society purchased a dwelling house for the pastor on 
Atlantic street, where he resided until his death. In 1837 and 1838 
seasons of extensive revivals were enjoyed, which added much strength 
to the church. At a special church meeting, October 14th, 1837, Daniel 
P. Dyer and Ralph P. Devereux were elected deacons, and were in- 
stalled in January following. In the spring of 1843 a protracted meet- 
ing was held for a number of weeks, during which a large number of 
persons made a profession of religion. At a church meeting held in 
March, 1847, a resolution was passed giving its approval to Brother 
George T. Day as a minister of the gospel, he having, a short time 
previously, commenced his labors in that capacity. In January, 1851, 
Cornelius S. Sweetland was chosen clerk, and in March, 1854, he was 
succeeded by Andrew H. Waterman, and one year later William H. 
Bowen became clerk. 

January 4th, 1852, Reverend Martin Cheney, the beloved pastor of 
the church, died, and in the same month the church and society called 
to the pulpit Reverend George T. Day, who was installed as pastor in 
July following. Under his care the church continued to prosper until 
his resignation in March, 1857. In 1857, the original covenant, pre- 
pared by Mr. Cheney, under which the church was organized, was 
carefully revised. 

A call was extended in May, 1857, to Reverend D. J. B. Sargent to 
become pastor, which was accepted. He came to his labors with im- 
paired health, which after a few months gave way completely. In 
September leave of absence for six months was granted him in the 
hope that rest and a warmer climate might restore him to health, but 
the time fixed for his return proved to be the time appointed for his 
departure to the skies. His brief ministry was long enough to endear 
him to his people, and to teach them the value of his life. 

In March, 1858, Reverend M. J. Steere was called to the pastorate, 
but soon afterward resigned, and subsequently joined the Second Uni- 
versalist church of Providence. About this time the house of worship 
was extensively repaired and rededicated. In August of this year A. 
A. Harrington became clerk of the society. The church remained 
without a settled pastor for six months, during which time the pulpit 
was supplied by Reverend A. J. Davis, of Lowell, Mass. In the spring 
of 1851) Mr. B. F. Hayes of New Hampton, N. H., was invited to preach 
and was subsequently requested to become the permanent minister. 
He was ordained July 27th, 1859, and was installed in April of the 
next year. Mr. Hayes resigned his office after a profitable pastorate 
of four years. In March, 1864, Reverend J. A. Howe commenced his 
services as pastor and continued to serve until August, 1872, when he 
resigned to accept the chair of Systematic Theology in Bates College. 
The death of Deacon R. P. Devereux occurred June 13th, 1866. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 790 

For 29 years he had filled the office of deacon, endearing himself to 
the people. In July, 1866, A. A. Harrington was elected deacon and 
J. D. Hubbard treasurer and trustee. Brother Harrington declined 
to serve permanently, but consented to fill the position until another 
should be chosen. The church created about this time the office of 
assistant deacon, and chose J. D. Hubbard and Stephen Stone to serve 
in that capacity. This office was discontinued when these brethren, 
together with Thomas Sawyer, who had been chosen to the place, 
were set apart to the office of deacon April 2d, 1873. 

In September, 1872, Brother William F. Davis was invited to be- 
come pastor. He began his labors October 1st and was ordained 
November 20th. He remained pastor until May, 1875. During this 
period a mission was established in Johnston about one mile west of 
the church, which resulted in the building of what is now known 
as Pettis Avenue chapel, at an expense of about $3,000. The chapel 
was dedicated January 12th, 1876, Mr. Davis conducting the dedica- 
tory services. Deacon D. P. Dyer died June 10th, 1875, aged 82 years. 

Reverend A. L. Gerish, of Pittsfield, Maine, was called to the 
pastorate in December, 1875, and assumed the pastoral relation Feb- 
ruary 1st, 1876. The present pastor is Reverend J. W. Parsons. A 
new house of worship was erected in 1884. The present membership 
of the society is about 300. 

The Merino Mills are located at Merino village. The manufactur- 
ing interest was started there by John Waterman, who built the orig- 
inal mill in 1812. This property was burned in 1841, and the present 
structures were erected in 1851. Mr. Waterman manufactured woolen 
goods at first, but after a year or so changed to cotton. In 1847 the 
property was bought by the Franklin Manufacturing Company, con- 
sisting of Henry P. Franklin, Charles A. Franklin and Amos D. 
Smith. The present company, of which Peleg J. Congdon is presi- 
dent and treasurer, came into possession in 1884. They manufacture 
cotton goods, operating 30,000 spindles, and giving employment to 325 
hands. The capital stock of the company is $200,000. They manu- 
facture annually goods to the amount of about $270,000. 

The village of Hughesdale takes its name from Thomas Hughes, 
who came there in 1849, and during the next year established what is 
now somewhat extensively known as the Hughesdale Chemical 
Works. Mr. Hughes came from Manchester, England, to this countrv 
in 1839. He was a specialist in the printing and dyeing of cotton and 
silk goods, and located in Pawtucket, R. I. In 1846 he married Mary 
A., daughter of Nathan Smith, one of the first block printers who 
came to this country. He began the manufacture of dye stuffs soon 
after he located in Hughesdale and continued the business till his 
death in 1883. His children were: Theodore S., William H., Thomas 
F., Oscar L., Harold E., and Alfred E. In 1871 Thomas Hughes or- 
ganized a stock company, the style being the Hughesdale Manufactur- 



800 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

ing Company, to manufacture chemicals. In 1886 Theodore S. Hughes 
and his brother, William H. Hughes, succeeded to the business. In 
May, 1868, a great flood swept the village out of existence, and the 
mills were then rebuilt by Thomas Hughes on agrander scale than 
before. 

The post office was established here in 1876 by Theodore S. Hughes 
and kept in his store. 

The Hughesdale Congregational church was established in 187? 
under the charge of the Reverend Doctor Taylor. 

The village of Manton lies principally in North Providence. ( )f 
those who settled early on the Johnston side of the stream may be 
mentioned John Tripp, who came from Cranston as early as 1700 and 
took up a tract of land bordering on the village, and the Waterman^, 
who occupied lands, part of which covers the site of W. H. Carpenter's 
store and vicinity. The Watermans owned a little carding mill, after- 
ward converted into a button factory, and probably T)0 years ago moved 
back and used as a tenement house. Mrs. Jeremiah King occupied it 
first as a dwelling. It now stands on the hill and is owned and occu- 
pied by Mrs. Catherine Dolan. It formerly stood near the river below 
the store, and was in all probability erected during the revolutionary 
war or soon afterward. 

Robert Devereux came to the place as early as 1824, and was for 
many years overseer of the Manton & Kelley Mill on the other side. 
He purchased property of Cyrus Stone in 1828, and in that house John 
Tripp, Jr., married his wife, as early as 1800. Mr. Tripp died in 1861, 
over 8<> years of age. Colonel Peter Briggs was a large landholder in 
this part of the town, and was a blacksmith by trade. His son, Peter 
J. Briggs, ran the hotel at one time. Henry M. Sessions, father of 
Henry M. Sessions, Jr., came here in 1830; both of them have been 
prosperous farmers. Mr. Sessions settled on the farm of Andrew 
Angell, known originally as the Whipple place. The Mantons were 
old settlers also. Edward and Jeremiah Manton owned considerable 
property in this vicinity, and the place after the establishment of a 
post office was changed from Tripp-town to Manton, in honor of that 
family. The name was changed just before the late war. 

There is but one store in the village on the Johnston side. It was 
erected by E. A. Whipple during the late war. It was occupied by 
various parties till 1880, when W. H. Carpenter, the present occupant, 
took possession, since which time he has controlled a good trade. 

St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Society erected a church building 
in the place in 184."). It was a wooden building, and gave way to the 
present stone structure erected in 1857, Reverend W. H. Mills being 
the rector at that time, to whose efforts the parishioners are indebted 
for the house of worship. The building is of the Gothic order, after 
designs by Mr. Frank Mills. It stands on land originally owned 
by the Harris family. This land was given the church by Susan, 



.HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 801 

daughter of Nathan Brown. The first wedding in this church was 
that of Pardon F. Brown, a grandson of Nathan Brown, to Miss Helen 
Angell, November 14th, 1850. 

The rectors of this society have been as follows: Reverends Daniel 
Henshaw, Andrew Croswell, Doctor W. F. Childs, David Lumsden, 
W. H. Mills, Thomas L. Randolph, Benjamin F. Chase, Samuel H. 
Webb, W. I. Magill and Thomas H. Cocroft, the present rector. E. 
O. Angell has been senior warden and treasurer of this society for 
many years. A. T. Mansfield is the junior warden. W. S. Steere 
is Sunday school superintendent. The society is very prosperous 
and has lately made improvements on the building at the expense 
of $700. 

There was formerly a Free-will Baptist society in the village of 
Manton. This society worshipped in the old depot building, but the 
church was always weak, and it eventually became extinct. The Cal- 
vinist Baptists have just erected a building, and under the leadership 
of John Perrington are making some progress. They formerly wor- 
shipped in Lee's Hall, and later in the depot building, which they sold 
to the railroad company in 1874 for $800. Their new chapel cost 
$4,000. They have no regular pastor yet. John Perrington is the 
Sabbath school superintendent. 

There has been a hotel in Manton since about the year 1830. The 
tavern was probably erected at that time by Harry Hoyle, who stayed 
long enough in the business to make for himself a name as an old- 
fashioned tavern keeper. He was followed by Peter Briggs, son of 
Colonel Peter Briggs, who also entertained the traveling public with 
good dinners and lodging for the night. Mr. Briggs also kept store, 
the principal article for sale and barter being West India goods, the 
other name for rum. Following Mr. Briggs came Charles Dewey, 
about the year 1854-5. He formerly worked for Pardon F. Brown in 
the sash and blind factory. After him came Henry C. Peckham, 
Charles Hall, James Phillips and Henry Mowry, the present occu- 
pant. 

The Greek Hotel, or the old Elm House, a noted old tavern stand, 
is on the Hartford Pike, about one mile from the village of Manton. 
It is on the stage route from Providence to Danielsonville. Eminent 
horsemen made this house their headquarters in days gone by, and it 
has been a favorite resort of politicians. It is said that a number of 
Rhode Island governors have been nominated in this hotel. One of 
the first landlords was a Mr. Williams, succeeded by Harry Smith, 
Colonel Knight, George Crump, Thomas Kilton, Ben Brownell, James 
Eddy, George Cook, a Mr. Shattuck, Levi Phillips, J. Farnum and 
Daniel Greene. May 1st, 1889, O. F. Knowlton became the landlord. 
Mr. Knowlton was born in Vermont in 1835. 

In this vicinity of the town Benjamin Hawkins, who was a connec- 
tion of Harry Hoyle, Albert C. Greene and Mary Tourtellot, children 
51 



802 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

of Ray Greene, and the house of Phebe Brown, once the headquarters 
of General Nathaniel Greene, are all names of note. 

Thornton was originally called Simmonsville, in honor of James 
F. Simmons, who built a mill here as early as 1835, and established 
a store at the same time. The mill stood on grounds now occupied 
by the British Hosiery Company. The property was sold first 
to John Whipple, and passed next into the hands of his brother 
Charles H., who sold it to Charles Fletcher. About the year 1839 
Daniel Brown erected a wooden mill used for grinding grain. About 
1847 it was destroyed by fire. In 1849 it was rebuilt with stone. 
Daniel Brown died in 1827, and his estate was sold by Pardon F. 
Brown, in 1882, to M. P. Simmons. In 1884 Charles Fletcher erected 
the present mills, now owned and operated by the British Hosiery 
Company. A wooden mill was built here in 1827 by Daniel Brown 
for a machine shop. Brown & Fisk operated the shop for some time 
after, when it passed into various hands, and was used for different 
purposes. It is now owned by Charles Fletcher, and is used for a 
shoddy mill. 

Robert Wright Cooper, well known as the president of the 
British Hosiery Company, is a native of Manchester, England, having 
been born in that city September 2d, 1844. His parents were Francis 
A. and Maria (Wright) Cooper, both of whom were of old English 
families. Owing to the illness of his father, Mr. Cooper was com- 
pelled to leave school at an early age, and seek his fortune unaided. 
At the age of 14 years he obtained a position as apprentice in a large 
wholesale warehouse, and being industrious as well as quick to learn, 
was, at the age of 17, commissioned to travel as salesman. In 1863 he 
made his first voyage to America, and shortly afterward connected 
himself with a large hosiery manufacturing house of Nottingham, 
England, and for 20 years following, made many trips to this country, 
traveling on an average over 25,000 miles a year. 

As a salesman few, if any, have been more successful than Mr. 
Cooper. He was the first to represent, in this country, English hos- 
iery direct from the manufacturer, this class of goods having pre- 
viously been sold through commission houses. The large houses in 
the principal American cities, with which he has had dealings, will re- 
member Mr. Cooper as one of the most genial, agreeable and accom- 
modating of salesmen, yet at the same time one of the strictest busi- 
ness men. Early in his connection with the Nottingham house, Mr. 
Cooper was made a member of the firm, and for several years shared 
the prosperity he had so largely helped to produce. In the year 1879, 
an opening presenting itself, he withdrew from this concern, and es- 
tablished a business of his own under the name of R. W. Cooper & 
Co. Owing, however, to the severe competition of Germany, with its 
cheap labor, the business was not a financial success, and American 
friends invited Mr. Cooper to leave England and locate his business 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 803 

in the United States. This invitation Mr. Cooper considered favor- 
ably, and on his succeeding- in securing the necessary financial back- 
ing from New York capitalists, he made arrangements to remove to 
this country. Mr. Cooper arrived at Simmonsville, R. I. (now named 
Thornton), December 24th, 1884, with a valuable plant of English 
hosiery machinery, and a force of 120 skilled English work people, 
many of whom had been in his employment in England. Business 
was at once commenced under the name of British Hosiery Company, 
and in 1885 an act of the state legislature was obtained, incorporating 
the company. The mill buildings and cottages for the workers had 
been erected by Mr. Charles Fletcher from plans suggested by Mr. 
Cooper, and were leased to the corporation for a term of years with 
the option of purchase. On January 1st, 1891, taking advantage of 
this option, the company purchased from Mr. Fletcher the mill prop- 
erty, cottages and about seven acres of land, and very soon intend 
making extensive alterations and additions to meet the growing re- 
quirements of their trade. 

The industry of making full-fashioned cashmere and cotton hosiery 
was entirely new to this country, and very great difficulty was experi- 
enced in getting the proper materials and help to carry on the busi- 
ness successfully. For upward of four years, Mr. Cooper contended 
against almost insurmountable difficulties, devoting on an average 15 
hours a day to the business, and with indomitable perseverance and 
tenacity of purpose overcoming obstacles that would have discouraged 
a man of less sanguine temperament. Finding at last it was useless 
to hope for an adequate return for the outlay and labor necessary to 
carry on a successful business, unless the company could make their 
own yarns, in 1888 an additional mill was erected, in which the spin- 
ning of cashmere and worsted yarns is carried on, so that now the 
manufacture of cashmere hosiery, from the wool in the grease to the 
finished product, is all done on the premises under the personal 
superintendence of Mr. Cooper. Until the passing of the present 
tariff laws, it was found impossible to manufacture cotton hosiery with 
any degree of success, but now under the fostering care of the pro- 
tection granted to manufacturers of this class of goods, the British 
Hosiery Company have begun making cotton hose, and are now put- 
ting in new machinery, and expect very soon to double their present 
production. At the present time the company has in its employment 
nearly 400 hands, with a pay roll of about $12,000 per month, an aver- 
age per capita that will compare favorably with the wages paid by any 
other corporation in Rhode Island. 

Mr. Cooper is one of the most generous of employers, and has done 
everything in his power to make comfortable the surroundings of the 
work people, most of whom are English, as the industry being new 
to this country, the necessary skilled labor could not be procured here. 
They have a resident pastor for their church, an institute and library 



804 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

which are well patronized, and cottages are ready furnished for the 
help. Athletic sports are encouraged and developed. The British 
Hosiery Company's cricket and football teams, each of which has Mr. 
Cooper for its honorary president, are too well known to require any 
description here. Through Mr. Cooper's help and encouragement, a 
full brass band has also been formed among the employees, which is 
a source of great help and pleasure to the villagers in their social en- 
tertainments. Mr. Cooper was the first to introduce the Saturday 
half-holiday in this state, the mill, from the commencement, having 
closed down for the week every Saturday at 1 p.m. This, combined 
with the weekly payment of wages, affords time and opportunity to 
the help to do their shopping in reasonable hours, and also to en- 
gage in the various sports and pastimes suited to their individual 
tastes. It may safely be assumed that the British Hosiery Company, 
under the skillful management and guidance of Mr. Cooper, is going 
to make itself felt for good in this community, and at present it 
stands unrivaled in America in its own particular line of business. 

In 1863, Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Louisa Card, of Dorset- 
shire, England. Their union has been blessed with 12 children, of 
whom six daughters and three sons are living. The eldest son, 
Oliver, is now learning his father's business. Mr. Cooper is a man of 
temperate habits, a total abstainer from all kinds of intoxicants and 
tobacco, and to this he probably owes much of his robust health, and 
the ability to transact personally the many business affairs that call 
for his attention. 

The Thornton Worsted Mills are now owned by a stock company 
of which William A. Shaw is president and Walter C. Eames treasurer. 
They purchased the mill in 1887. The capital stock of the company 
is $200,000. They manufacture worsted yarns and do an annual 
business of $300,000, employing 200 hands. They own 24 tenement 
houses and three-eighths interest in the Thornton Reservoir. Mr. 
William A. Shaw married Frances Fawcett, and they have five 
children. 

Dexter F. Phetteplace came from Connecticut about the year 1842 
and began the manufacture of sash and blinds. He sold out to Tripp 
& Lewis, who employed a dozen hands or more. Mr. Abel Tripp 
built the original wooden church of St. Peter at Manton. Pardon F. 
Brown succeeded to the business in 1848. His first job was the mak- 
ing of the sash, doors, and window frames for the Merino Mills and 
the next job was for the Delaine Mill, employing from 12 to 15 
hands. He removed to Manton in 1851, where he continued till 1869. 
The shop was not occupied afterward as a sash and blind factory. 

Upper Simmonsville was formerly a thriving manufacturing vil- 
lage principally laid out and built up by James F. Simmons, a son-in- 
law of Samuel Randall. Mr. Simmons was a man of political promi- 
nence, having been United States senator two terms. The manufac- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 805 

ture of cotton goods was carried on till the great freshet of April 13th, 
1840, swept everything away, since which time there has been nothing 
there. The following is quoted from a newspaper account of the 
flood: 

" Perhaps the worst catastrophe of the flood kind that ever afflicted 
this state was the great Simmonsville flood, which happened on the 
morning of April 13th, 1840. Simmonsville was then one of the most 
flourishing factory communities in the state and several hundred 
people found occupation in its mills. The owner of the mill property 
was James F. Simmons. He it was who started the first factory in 
this part of the state, and by improvements and enlargements had 
succeeded in making it a very valuable property. The water power 
was derived from two dams, the upper and the lower, as they were 
called, and situated in the upper village. The combined areas of the 
two dams was about two hundred acres, but they were badly built, 
and probably still worse looked after considering the amount of 
water they contained. They were not fed by any regular running 
stream, but by springs and small rills, the water from which was stored 
in these reservoirs. The upper dam was the reservoir proper while 
the lower, the one near the mills, was the storage place for water in 
immediate use. 

" The eleventh and twelfth days of April, 1840, were remarkable 
for the vast amount of rain that fell. Continuously, for more than 24 
hours, rain came down in torrents. It seemed as though the heavens 
had opened and solid sheets of rain allowed to fall. The consequence 
of this was, the surface drainage running into the upper dam was more 
than the structure could withstand, and in the early morning on the 
thirteenth the whole of the earthen embankment gave way and the 
waters rushed down to the lower dam in a column upwards of ten 
feet high, carrying everything with it. The lower dam being a much 
weaker structure could no more withstand the force of the rush than 
a reed can stand before the wind without bending. What happened 
then is best told by Major William A. Pirce, whose father had charge 
of the mill in the lower village at that time, now Thornton. Major 
Pirce says: 

"Our family lived on the Plainfield road, over the store, near the 
mill in the lower village. The Saturday night and Sunday previous 
it had been raining in torrents, and on Monday morning, between 5 
and 6 o'clock, about the time for the people to get ready for their 
work, the alarm was given. I was awakened from sleep by hearing 
shouts of ' The dam's burst ! the dam's burst !' and I at once jumped 
up and looked through the window looking out into the road, and 
there I saw a man called Steve Baker, on a white horse, driving up 
the road at a fearful rate shouting the warning cry. Instinctively I 
then ran to the other window which overlooked the stream, and I was 
just in time to see the first of the flood. It looked like a great solid, 



806 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

but movable wall. I was just in time to see the column strike the 
first of the buildings after its destructive course in the upper village. 
This was a slaughter house on the opposite side of the stream from 
our house. It caught the building so pat that it went over as grace- 
fully as any one could wish to see, and sailed down the stream. Every- 
body quitted their houses, not realizing what was coming, but fortu- 
nately no further harm was down in the lower village, except the 
carrying away the underpinning of what was then known as the 
' Cidar House.' The upper dam was first to give way, and then the 
lower one. Two houses which stood in the plat between Mr. Sim- 
mons's house and the mill were found to have disappeared, they hav- 
ing been taken clear off their foundations. On the opposite side of 
the stream there stood only a short time before a large .store, a block 
printing shop, a shoemaker's shop, a storehouse and several houses, 
all of which were carried clear away. In the houses several families 
lived, many of the members of which perished. The lower mill of 
the upper village was known as the 'Sucker Head,' and that mill was 
almost entirely destroyed. Immense rocks and trees and vast quan- 
tities of gravel were carried down by the impetuous torrent, and de- 
posited from a mile to two miles down the course of the stream. 

" Among the families who suffered through this awful affair was 
one named Whittemore, who had removed into the house but 13 days 
previous. Eight out of this family were drowned. Six out of an- 
other family named Angell were also among the dead; a Scotchman, 
whose name I do not at this moment remember, and John Hoel and 
his wife were among the drowned, and one more, making 18 in all. 
The body of one of the victims of the flood was not found until about 
the middle of the following June. A woman named Mrs. Addy was 
carried down the stream in one-half of her house. She was in bed an 
invalid and could not help herself. Her bed caught against an ob- 
struction, and she was saved and lived to tell the story of her narrow 
escape for more than a third of a century afterward. The dead were 
taken to the school house in Simmonsville. Mr. Simmons had a fine 
horse in the barn when it was carried away, and strange to say, that 
horse succeeded in getting out of the flood alive, after being carried 
about a mile, and although it was covered with bruises, it recovered 
and lived to die of old age. This event was the death blow to the 
manufacturing business in the upper village. Mr. Simmons's losses 
were very great when measured by the standard of those days, and he 
could get no insurance on his property. He tried hard to fight against 
the loss, but he had to succumb to it." 

( rraniteville is a small village in the northeastern portion of the 
town, lying partly in North Providence. Daniel Angell settled here 
in colonial times and built the gambrel roof house still standing. 
His son, Olney Angell, who was 84 years of age when he died in 
1856, was born in that house. EmorJ. Angell, his grandson, built the 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 807 

house where he now resides in 1846 or 1847. Another house was 
built by Mr. Angell, about the time the Angell homestead was 
erected. It was occupied by Daniel Mowry and is now the residence 
of Larned Dean, his son-in-law. Nelson Barnes erected his homestead 
in this place, where John W. Barnes now resides, in 1844. The house 
now occupied by Doctor Charles A. Barnard was erected by Doctor 
Isaac W. Sawin, who lived there and practiced medicine 15 years in 
the place. It was next occupied by Doctor John Budlong, who prac- 
ticed medicine 17 years in the place, and finally by Doctor Barnard, 
who moved into it in 1878. Samuel Sweet, the founder of the Baptist 
church here, was of an old family and a prominent settler in the 
place. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Burrows, occupied the old homestead. 
Elisha iVngell and Daniel Sweet built the house now occupied by Ed- 
win H. Farnham. 

The principal business in the place is carried on in the mills on 
the opposite side of the stream. They were erected by James An- 
thony, Joseph Westcott and Mr. Whipple, and burned in 1875. They 
were rebuilt and are now owned by the Campbells. There is one 
small store in the place, the business being carried on by Reuben 
Wyans. Paris Whitman had a store there in 1843. The building 
was burned a number of years ago. 

The Baptist church in this place was erected in 1849 by Daniel Sweet 
and others. Daniel Sweet preached here a number of years. Follow- 
ing various other supplies, Reverend S. S. Barney supplied the pul- 
pit six or seven years, but no settled pastor was engaged till Reverend 
N. H. Farr took charge in 1884. He remained till 18S8, when he was 
succeeded by the present pastor, Reverend C. W. Griffin. The deacons 
are Philip Sweet and Daniel O. Mathewson. George E. Olney is church 
clerk. Deacon Daniel O. Mathewson is Sabbath school superinten- 
dent. The church has a membership of about 60. 

Centredale lies on both sides of the river, principally in North 
Providence, where most of the business is done. A station was erected 
there in 1874, and in 1876 a company of men consisting of Philip Aid- 
rich, Frederick Aldrich and Henry Arnold, erected the store build- 
ing which Arthur A. Lee has occupied since 1883 for the Centredale 
Mineral Water Company's place of business. The building was used 
for a store by Philip Aldrich. The Centredale Mineral Water Com- 
pany manufacture all kinds of summer drinks, such as ginger ale, etc., 
and give employment to six hands. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Emor Jackson Angell, a representative citizen of Johnston, R. I., 
was born in that town, March 9th, 1821. Daniel Angell, his grand- 
father, lived on lands now owned in part by him, and built his 
house there, which is still standing, years before the revolution. The 
farm, consisting in all of about 200 acres, was divided between two 



808 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

sons, Olney and Daniel Angell. Olney Angell, the father of Emor J., 
built an addition to the house before the year 1800, and used it for a 
time as a hotel. He died in 1856, at the advanced age of 84 years. A 
few years after his decease, his wife died at the age of about 80 years. 
Her name was Abby Cozens. She was the«daughter of John Cozens. 
Mr. Emor J. Angell attended the common district school until 13 
years of age, when he went into the store of Paris Whitman as clerk 
at $30 a year, with the privilege of going to school three months each 
year. He remained here and in a store in Providence till 17 years 
old, his wages increasing in the meanwhile to $108 a year. He next 
became employed on the farm as a common hand for his half-brother, 
Philip Angell, and subsequently for his two half-brothers, Philip and 
Olney Angell, beginning at $11 a month, but finally receiving $1(3. 
In 1843, having decided to learn the trade of a stone cutter, he became 
apprenticed to his half-brother, Elijah Angell, at one dollar a day, 
continuing in his employ for one year. He continued as a stone 
cutter for different parties, working for Nathaniel Sweet two years 
and for Daniel Sweet seven years, the latter of whom he bought out and 
continued the business himself from 1854 to 1875. During those years 
of apprenticeship and of labor as a common hand, he would work in the 
quarry in the summer season and spend the more inclement portions 
of the year cutting timber in the woods. Mr. Angell carried on an 
extensive trade for 20 years, employing most of the time 20 hands and 
more. He supplied many cities with stone for various purposes, 
shipping as far as New York and Baltimore. He began operations 
in Bear Rock Ledge in 1861, and during the winter of 1867 and 1868 
quarried 6,000 feet of curbstone, from that locality alone. The 
columns in the Arcade at Providence were quarried from this ledge. 

Mr. Angell is a democrat. He w T as elected in 1862 as a member of 
town council, and served in that capacity for about ten years. In 
1864 he was elected representative to the general assembly of Rhode 
Island, and filled that office in all, five years, being elected five differ- 
ent times. He is a popular citizen of his town, and was never de- 
feated while running for office. 

June 30th, 1842, he was married to Prucia Ann Mowry. She was 
a daughter of Abial and Lydia Mowry of Smithfield. Their children 
are: Emor H., the successor of his father; Lyvonia A., Amos J. and 
Lydia F. Emor H. married Almira Briggs, and has seven children 
living. Lyvonia married Alexander W. Harrington, who resides on 
the old homestead, but is doing business in New York. They have 
six children living. Amos J. married a Ballard and has three chil- 
dren living. He is a stone cutter in the town of Smithfield. Lydia F. 
is dead. 

Mr. Angell is a remarkable man physically. During his whole 
life, he has never been sick, requiring the services of a physician. He 
is a prohibition democrat, and has never drank anything but water 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 809 

during the past five years, and now at 70 years of age, is able to com- 
pete with the most agile and supple among youthful men in running, 
jumping or leaping, or in other healthful sports. 

Ethan B. Arnold was born in Johnston in 1823, and was a son of 
James, and grandson of Philip Arnold, all born in Johnston. He 
married in 1849 Laura M., daughter of Asahel Paine. She survives 
him. 

Mrs. Clarissa Atwood, widow of Hiram Atwood, was born in Prov- 
idence in 1832. Hiram Atwood was born in Johnston in 1819, and 
was twice married, his first wife being Mercy A. Mann, by whom he 
had five children. She died in 1857. He was married in 1863 to Clar- 
issa, daughter of John M. Cargill. They had three children: John C, 
Edmond C. and William W. Hiram Atwood died in 1870. He was 
at one time state senator from Johnston. 

Robert K. Atwood was born in Boston, Mass., January 9th, 1837, 
and came to Johnston in 184.") with his uncle, William L. Latham. He 
first started in business in the firm of Davis & Atwood, in the meat 
and vegetable trade in Johnston. This firm continued business until 
1881, when Mr. Atwood sold out, and in 1882 became a member of the 
firm of R. S. Rouse & Co. After two years trade, then he again sold 
out and engaged in business by himself in June, 1884, in the meat 
and vegetable trade. He was married in 1860 to Frances Knight, of 
Providence. Mr. Atwood was one of the first policemen under the 
new system. He served as representative from Johnston in 1879. 

George F. A. Beane, a prominent business man of Johnston, was 
born in Scituate, R. I., October 24th, 1849. He received the bringing 
up of a farmer lad, attending school in the winter, and in summer as- 
sisting his father with the many duties connected with the sowing 
and the reaping of harvests. In 1862 he entered the Lapham Institute, 
and occupied his spare time assisting the local farmers with their 
work. In 1865 he came to Johnston, and was for a time in the grocery 
store and counting room in the village of Merino, then in the employ 
of Taft & Aldrich, in a store now occupied by Nathan B. Harris on 
Olneyville Square. In 1872 he entered the real estate business in con- 
nection with Mr. Pierce, but in the year following obtained employ- 
ment in a wholesale grocery on Broad street. In 1877 he engaged in 
the coal, wood and livery business on Plainfield street. In 1887 his 
business had so increased that he was under the necessity of enlarg- 
ing his facilities, when he erected a large building 200 feet long, 
which extends from street to street, and where an annual business of 
$50,000 is now carried on. 

Mr. Beane's public life has been one of constant activity. He is a 
republican, and has been chairman of the republican town committee 
for 12 years, and is a member of the state central committee, for some 
years highway commissioner for district No. 1, and he is now serving 
the second year as a member of the town council. He belongs to the 



810 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

I. O. O. F.. is grand high priest of the Grand Encampment of the 
state, and a member of the Patriarch Militant; past chancellor com- 
mander of Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 19, K. P.; member of Nestill Lodge, 
No. 37, A. F. & A. M.; president of the Fruit Hill Detective Society; 
treasurer of the Olneyville Business Men's Association; foreman of 
the Rough and Ready Volunteer Fire Company; one of the building 
committee of the Odd Fellows Hall in Olneyville, and chairman of the 
building committee of the first engine house now in process of erec- 
tion in the town of Johnston. 

Mr. Beane is a son of Constant and Olive L. (Aldrich) Beane. She 
is a descendant of Thomas Angell, who came to this country in the 
" Mayflower," and is a cousin of Doctor Thomas Angell, president of 
Ann Arbor University. June 14th, 1873, Mr. Beane was married to 
Miss i\bby L. Angell, daughter of the late Stephen and Phebe L. 
( Winsor) Angell. She died August 14th, 1888. Their children are: 
Louisa A., Josephine A., William H. and G. Fred. January 1st, 1891, 
Mr. Beane was married to his second wife, Mrs. Ida L. McAlister, 
daughter of Captain W. F. Marshall of Bear River, Nova Scotia. 

Job Belknap, born January 20th, 1837, is a son of Emor, born in 
1793, and grandson of Abraham. Job married Anna Waterman in 
L863. They have three children: Frederick W., Abby E. and Emery 
P. Mr. Belknap has been a surveyor of the highways 22 years. He 
commenced farming when he was 15 years of age. His son Frederick 
runs a milk cart, and for the past eight years has not missed a trip. 

Daniel Bishop, born in Johnston in 1820, is a son of Zepheniah and 
Mary Bishop. Zepheniah was a son of William. Daniel Bishop 
married Laura A. Phillips, of Smithfield. They had five children and 
thirteen grandchildren. Mr. Bishop has lived on the farm he now 
occupies in Johnston 42 years. 

John A. Brayton, son of Boylston and Freelove Brayton, was born 
in Smithfield in 1836. He commenced the manufacture of shoddy 
in Smithfield, and worked at it five years, then ran the mill for wool 
scouring and picking waste wool up to 1887, when he retired from, 
business. He married Ella G., daughter of Ira Winsor, of Johnston, 
in 1878, and has two children: Mary A. and Florence A. 

Charles A. Brown, born in Johnston, R. I., in 1821, is a son of 
Nathan Brown, Jr., whose father, Nathan, was a son of Gideon. 
Charles A. has been a successful business man, was a millwright 30 
years, and then a farmer. He now holds the office of councilman in 
Johnston. He is unmarried. His sister, Ann F. Brown, keeps house 
for him. 

Elisha W. Brown, born in Johnston October 23d, 1819, is a son of 
Augustus and Mary W. Brown. The father of Augustus was Elisha 
Williams, of the fifth o-eneration from Roger Williams. Elisha W. 
Brown was married in J 842 to Marv A. Davis. She died in 188o. 





£/#zi£ 



RTOTYPE, E. BIERSTADT, N. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 811' 

Gideon Brown, born April 9th, 1833, is a son of Cyrus and Sarah 
Brown, the former born in 1791. They had seven sons and four daugh- 
ters. Cyrus was a son of Gideon, Sr. They were all born in Johnston, 
R. I. Cyrus Brown, soon after the war of 1812 was colonel of state 
militia, and in 1843 was state senator. Gideon, Jr., was married in 1862 
to Ada E., daughter of Benedict Aldrich. They have one daughter, 
vSarah A., born in 1867. The father of Mrs. Brown, Benedict Aldrich, 
is living with his son-in-law, Gideon Brown. He is 97 years old, and 
the oldest Mason in New England. He was made a Mason in 1814, 
in Friendship Lodge, No. 7, of Chepachet, and has taken the past mas- 
ter degree. 

Phebe Brown, born in 1809 in Johnston, is a daughter of Nathan 
and Susan Brown, who had ten children. Phebe was the youngest 
daughter. Nathan Brown died in 1831, and Phebe has since lived on 
the farm she now occupies. 

William M. V. B. Brown, born in 1834, is a son of Cyrus and Sarah 
Brown. He was married to Ellen M. Davol in 1877, and they have 
four children. 

Walter S. Brownell, born in Little Compton, R. I., in 1820, was a 
son of Jonathan and grandson of Sylvester, he a son of Jonathan, he 
a son of George, he a son of Thomas, who came over with his father, 
Thomas, from Derbyshire, England, to this country not far from 1660. 
Thomas, Jr., was a deputy to the general assembly under the royal 
charter in 1664. The mother of Walter S. was Elizabeth Hall Sim- 
mons, sister of the Honorable James F. Simmons, of Johnston, R. I. 
The grandmother of Walter S. was Mercy Church, who was great- 
granddaughter of Captain Benjamin Church. Walter S. Brownell 
married Delana A. Pirce in 1846. They had ten children, seven of 
whom are living: Walter S., Jr., Willie P., Samuel F. M., Delia, Abbie 
E., Hattie L., and Harry. Walter S. came to Johnston in 1837. He 
was appointed the first postmaster of Johnston, at Simmonsville, in 
1847, and held the office two years; was elected town clerk in 1861, 
served two months, and then went to Washington and was clerk in 
the Interior Department two years, and in the War Department a 
part of a year, under Quartermaster General Meigs, then returned to 
Johnston and was appointed assistant assessor in the internal revenue 
of the 2d District, R. I., and served ten years. He was appointed 
postmaster at Olneyville by President Arthur and served four years.. 
He was elected town clerk about .six years, and was elected president 
of the town council for about 13 or 14 years, and also was elected an 
assessor of taxes for many years in the town of Johnston, and held 
many other offices, such as justice of the peace, notary public, trustee 
of school district No. 15, and treasurer for many years of the First 
Free Baptist Society of Olneyville. He is now deputy sheriff of Prov- 
idence county, and assessor of town taxes for Johnston. 



812 HISTORY OF TROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

George Clinton Calef, senior member of the firm of Calef 
Brothers, is a native of Vermont, and was born in Washington, that 
state, June 19th, 1837. He was the son of Cutting S. and Martha 
Paine Calef, and was brought up on a farm. His father wasale a ding 
business man, but died at the age of 47, when George C. was seven 
years old. His wife, Martha H., belonged to one of the first families 
of Barre, Vt. She was born in 1801. and died in 188."). Their children 
were: Ezra P., Warren H., Alden D., Ira C, Ouincy O., Miraette A., 
Elmer Norton, Cutting S., George C, Martha, Lucy A. and John F. 
Ezra went to Illinois, Alden to Boston, Ira to Providence, Elmer N. 
to Oregon, Cutting S. and George C. to Providence. Martha died 
when young. The others settled in Washington. Elmer N. died in 
Oregon, in December, 1890, leaving a wife and 12 children. Cutting 
vS. died in Washington, Vt., but had always resided in Providence. 

George C. Calef remained on the farm until he was 21 years old, 
receiving in the meantime a common school education, with a few 
terms at an academy. In 1858 he came to Providence and began 
working for Abner Gay, Jr., in the market business on the corner of 
'North Main and Thomas streets, and in 1859 Ira G, Cutting S. and 
George C. Calef became successors to Gay, and the business has con- 
tinued at the old stand, and under the same name (Calef Brothers) 
ever since. In connection with this enterprise in Providence, which 
is the largest family market now in the city, the house has also done 
much western business with Chicago. They also have a branch store 
at Lonsdale, and employ in all from 20 to 25 hands, in a business 
which amounts to $200,000 annually. Mr. Ira Calef in time retired from 
the firm, and was succeeded by Charles H. Jefferds. After the death 
of Cutting S. Calef and the retirement of Charles H. Jefferds, Clarence 
Kingsbury and Louis A. Gladding were admitted into the firm. Mr. 
Calef also owns a large livery stable on Battey street, Providence, in 
which over 50 horses are kept. 

Mr. Calef has taken great interest in educational work, and has 
been trustee of the Manton school district for ten years, and still 
holds that office. Through his efforts, largely, the first high school 
was established in Johnston. He has been a member of the town 
council, is a member of the executive committee of the Butchers and 
Marketmen's Association, an active member, and one of the executive 
committee of the Sons of Vermont, president of the Manton Building 
and Improvement Association, president of the Olneyville Free Li- 
brary Association, and chairman of the building committee, and has 
taken great interest in securing the elegant and costly building now 
in process of erection, to be devoted to library and other uses. The 
improvements at Manton are largely due to his influence and enter- 
prise in securing Pawtuxet water, street lights, telephone communica- 
tion, curbed and graded streets and horse cars. Air. Calef has always 
had a good opinion of real estate, and has invested largely in that 





f^C^^r 



~r <h^€ 






HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. S13 

kind of property. He built his commodious residence in 1874. Mr. 
Calef is a keen observer, and with his wife has traveled considerably, 
they having visited 45 of the 58 cities in the United States, having a 
population of 50,000 and over. 

In September, 1855, he was married to Emma Sanders, daughter of 
Richard and Almira Sanders, of Providence, and sister of Cutting S. 
Calef's wife, and is the father of seven children, six now living, viz.: 
Irene L., Herbert C, Mabel S., Frank T., Edith and Helen B. Richard 
Sanders was a successful business man, highly respected by the citi- 
zens of Providence, and was a member of the legislature at the time 
of his death in 1868. Mr. Calef and his family attend the First Uni- 
versalis! church of Providence, and he is a man who finds his chief 
pleasure in his home and family and in extending hospitality. 

William A. Carroll was born in Vermont in 1837, and came to 
Johnston in 1853. He is a son of Thomas and Mary Carroll of Ver- 
mont. He was married to Mary J. Chamberlin, and has one son and 
one daughter. Mr. Carroll was elected chief of police in 1886. He 
had been patrolman since 1805. He belongs to the order of Knights 
of Pythias. 

Stephen H. Clemence, born in Glocester, January 13th, 1834, is a 
son of Richard R. and Mary Clemence. Richard R. was born in 1791 
and had ten children. Stephen H., the youngest son, came to John- 
ston in 1864. He married Elsie A., daughter of Mathewson W. and 
Fidelia Paine. They have four children: Mary A., born 1862; Ida M.. 
born 1864; Stephen H., Jr., born 1867, and Richard R., born 1870. 

Harley Colwell, born in Glocester in 1818, is a son of Uriah and 
Deborah Colwell. Uriah was a son of Stephen, he a son of Joseph, 
all born in Glocester, R. I. Uriah had ten children. Harley, the 
eldest son, married Eliza Brown for his first wife. They had ten chil- 
dren. She died in 1869. In 1872 Mr. Colwell married Catharine H. 
Bickford, of Maine. They have one son, Leon S., born in 1873. Harley 
Colwell came to Johnston in 1845. He has held several town offices 
and was a member of school committee 16 years. 

William B. Colwell, born January 4th, 1857, in Johnston, is a son 
of Harley and Eliza Colwell. He married in 1879 Betsey A., daughter 
of George W. Bliss of Massachusetts. They have one son, Elmer W., 
born October 24th, 1882. Mr. Colwell is a farmer, has been in the town 
council three terms, is a democrat and takes an active part in the 
councils of his party. 

John A. Cram, son of Abner A. Cram, was born in New Hampshire 
in 1829, and came to Johnston in 1849. He is a veterinary surgeon 
(Homeopathic). He commenced study and practice in 1859 and has 
followed it since. He is very successful and has a large practice in the 
towns of Johnston, Smithfield and Cranston. He married Lydia W. 
Thornton in 1849. She was the daughter of Benjamin Thornton. 
They have seven children. 



814 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Mrs. Caroline A. Danforth is a daughter of John Hopkins. She 
married Andrew J. Danforth in 1850. He was a son of Walter R. 
Danforth, and grandson of Job. Walter R. was mayor of the city of 
Providence in 1855-0. Andrew died November 17th, 1806. He served 
as a sergeant in the Fourth Iowa Regiment, was transferred to the 
Sixth Missouri and served until the end of the war. John Hopkins, 
father of Mrs. Danforth, was a son of John Hopkins, who married 
Sarah G. Knowles, daughter of James Knowles, who was a soldier in 
the revolution and was taken a prisoner to England and returned to 
this country at the conclusion of the war. 

Larned Dean, born in 1810 in Burrillville, R. I., is a son of Robert 
and Sabra, (Fairfield ) Dean, who had three sons and five daughters. 
Larned was the eldest. He came to Johnston in 1838. He married 
in 1837 Mary, daughter of Daniel Mowry. They had one son who 
• died in California. For his second wife he married Susan G., daugh- 
ter of George W. Mowry. She was born in 1832. Her first husband 
was Lewis Brown. She has one daughter who married Perry Sherman 
and has two children. Mr. Larned Dean has been representative one 
term and one term in the town council. 

John Entwistle was born in Lancashire, England, in 1838, and came 
to this country in 1850. He married in 1857 Ellen Walch. They had 
two children, William and John. Mrs. Entwistle died in 1875, and he 
married for his second wife Sarah Loomis, daughter of; William Loomis 
of Providence. 

Edward M. Evans was born in 1824, and married Phebe A. Randall 
in 1855. vShe was born October 11th, 1833, and survives her liusband, 
who died January Gth, 1887. She is a daughter of Isaac and Ruth 
Greene Randall. Edward M. and Phebe' A. Evans had four children: 
Walter E., born in 1801; Frank H., born in 1803; Hannah B., born in 
1868, and Charles F., born in 1870. Walter E. married Grace L. B. 
Sweet in 1886. They have two children: Charles E., born in 1887, 
and Caroline S., born in 1890. Hannah B. married David H. Steere in 
1889. 

Welcome Fenner, born in Johnston in 1811, is a son of James and 
Betsey Fenner, who had nine children who grew up. Welcome mar- 
ried in 1830 Phebe W., daughter of Christopher Harris of Johnston. 
They have no children. Air. Fenner in his younger days followed the 
trade of millwright and helped build many mills in Lonsdale and 
Morgan. He built the first water wheel in Lonsdale. He has held 
several town offices and is a republican. He had a brother in the war 
of 1812. who was in the battle of Greenbush, and lived many years 
after. 

William Fenner was born in Cranston in 1811, and died in 1874. 
He was married in 1841 to Sarah A. Wilbur, of Scituate, who survives 
him. They had three children: Byron, Eliza F. and Adaline. Byron 
and his mother live on the homestead. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 815 

Benjamin A. Harris, born in Johnston in 1819, was a son of Chris- 
topher. He married Maria, daughter of William Harris, of Johnston. 
They had five children: Albert A., Annie M., Charles B., Roderick D. 
and William. Benjamin A. Harris died in 1886. 

Nathan B. Harris, born in Johnston in 1828, is a son of William 
and Sarah Bowen Harris, grandson of Harding Harris, and great- 
grandson of Harding Harris, all natives of Johnston. He has an old 
deed in his possession, dated 1706, acknowledged before his great- 
uncle, Nathan B. Harris, who was a justice of the peace at that time; 
also a map made by his great-grandfather, Harding Harris, of Rhode 
Island, in 1776. Nathan B. Harris has been engaged in the retail 
grocery trade since 1863 in Olneyville. He married Harriet, daughter 
of Nicholas and Haley Waterman, of Johnston. They have three 
children. 

Lewis Hopkins, son of Melvin and Harriet Hopkins, born in Glo- 
cester September 30th, 1831. came to Johnston in 1849, and married 
Mary [. Bennett, of Foster. Lewis Hopkins was a twin brother to Al- 
len, who was killed at the battle of Antietam. Melvin and Harriet 
Hopkins had four pairs of twins, six boys and two girls. Melvin was 
born in Foster in 1808. 

W T alter G. Kent, born in 1854 in Warwick, R. I., is a son of Nelson 
and Abbie Kent, and grandson of Samuel Kent. Walter G. married 
in 188() Abbie A. Brown, of Cranston, daughter of James A. Brown. 
They have two sons, Walter G., Jr., and Earle B. Mr. Walter G. Kent 
has been engaged in the milk trade for 21 years. 

James E. Killey. born in Johnston in 1824, is a son of Jonathan S. 
and Eleanor B. Killey, and grandson of Ezekiel. His father and 
grandfather were born in Glocester, R. I., and his mother was born in 
Schenectady, N. Y. James E. was married to Cifuentas Greene. She 
was born in West Greenwich, R. I., and is a daughter of Joseph 
Greene. They have had four children, two of whom are living, Lydia 
A. and Nellie. Mrs. Killey belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church 
at Allenville. 

John M. King, born in 1822 in Johnston, is a son of William B., 
Jr., grandson of William B., and great-grandson of Josiah. William 
I;., Jr., had three children: James S., Amey J. and John M. He was 
a brother to Governor King. John M. King was married, in 1849 to 
Emeline F. Angell. They had one son, William F. The farm Mr. 
J. M. King owns and occupies has been in the King family for many 
generations. 

Edwin Lee, born in 1824 in North Providence, is a son of John Lee. 
His mother was a Paulding. He was in 1852 married to Nancy J., 
daughter of Edmund Potter. They have one son, Alfred P., born in 
1859. Edwin Lee followed the sea in his youthful days, and sailed 
around Cape Horn four times, and the Cape of Good Hope once. 



816 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

Emery P. Littlefield, born in Maine in 1822, is a son of James and 
Hannah Littlefield. He came to Johnston in 1842 and settled on a 
farm on Hartford street. He has been twice married. His first wife 
was Mary B. Waterman. They had one son, Frederick, born in 1862. 
His second wife was Caroline E. Lapham, of Johnston. Mr. Littlefield 
commenced life without a dollar and now owns a fine estate. 

Edwin T. Luther was born in Providence December 24th, 1840, and 
is one of the six children of William H. and Rachel (Town) Luther. 
His father, a native of Swansea, Mass., went to Providence while quite 
young, and there learned the trade of decorator of furniture. Mr. 
Luther received a good education in the Providence public schools, 
and early developed a desire to master the art of compounding drugs. 
When about 17 years of age his first experience in that business was 
obtained in the drug store of E. P. Sumner. He remained with Mr. 
Sumner during a period of about four years, and later with his brother, 
O. Sumner, for a short time. He afterward became associated with 
Peckham Brothers, and remained with them until January 16th, 1865, 
when he was enabled to start in business for himself on a small scale. 
Through perseverance and strict attention to business, Mr. Luther has 
placed himself in independent circumstances. Lately, a new store on 
the corner of Atwell's avenue and Valley street, Providence, was 
opened by him. June 1st, 1868, in Central Falls, R. I., Mr. Luther 
was married to Matilda Mecuin, daughter of James Mecuin. Their 
union has been blessed by five children, three of whom died in in- 
fancy. Those living are Emma F., wife of John Glasier, and Jennie 
M., who is at present attending school. 

Martin Mann, born in Smithfield April 4th, 1837, is a son of Daniel 
and Anna Colwell Mann, natives of Smithfield. Mr. Mann came to 
Johnston in 1888, and was elected chief of police and town sergeant 
June 10th, 1881). He'was educated at the Powers Institute. Bernard- 
ston, Mass. He held several offices in Smithfield, including president 
of town council and court of probate one year, chief of police three 
years, judge of civil and criminal court four years. He was married 
in 18(H) to Mary C. Maguire, of Newport. They had one son, Edward 
M. Mrs. Mann died July 23d, 1873. He married Mary F. Remington 
in 1878. She was the daughter of Honorable George W. and Olive 
Remington, of Exeter, R. I. 

James (). Mathewson, born in Johnston in 1824. is a son of Parris 
and Phebe Mathewson, who had ten children. James O. married Ruth 
A., daughter of William Sweet, in L850. They have three children: 
Ann !•>.. born L852; Byron, L853, and Phebe (>.. 18(50. all married. 

Philip L. Mathewson, son of Isaac and Patience (Olney) Mathew- 
son, was born in Providence in 1824. Isaac and Patience had three 
children. Patience died in 1824. Isaac married for his second wife 
Eliza Arnold, by whom he had two children. Philip L. married Sarah 
B., daughter of Jeremiah Thornton, of Johnston. They have no chil- 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 817 

dren. Mr. Mathewson has been in the town council, and a member 
of the general assembly one term. He lives on the Deacon Olney 
farm in Johnston. 

William H. Mathewson, born in 1867, is a son of William H.. Sr. 
(who died in 1887), and Mary F. Westcott, daughter of Joseph West- 
cott. William H., Jr., the only son, married Nellie V. Burchard, 
daughter of Horace E. Burchard, of Johnston. William H., Jr., car- 
ries on a large vinegar manufactory and a farm. He owns the old 
Mathewson store. 

Alvin M. Mowry, born in Smithfield in 1855, is a son of Simon and 
Nancy Mowry. He came to Johnston in 1887 and is a wholesale and 
retail milk dealer. He married in 1879 Ida E., daughter of Edward E. 
Hale. They have two children: Alice M., born 1881, and M. Ethelyn, 
born 1884. Mr. Mowry is a member of the Baptist church of Georgia- 
ville. Mrs. Mowry is a member of the Episcopal church of Olney- 
ville. 

Harlan A. Page, born in Glocester in 1842, is a son of William 
Page of the same town. He enlisted in 1862 and served through the 
rebellion. He came to Johnston in 1866 and engaged in building and 
contracting. He has built nearly 100 houses in the vicinity of Olney- 
ville. He was married in 1867 to Emma R. Randall, who died in 1868, 
leaving a son. He next married Sarah R. Mathewson, who died in 
1873, leaving a daughter. He married Malvina S. Mathewson in 1874. 
She died in 1882, leaving a son and daughter. In 1883 he married 
Sarah A. Garnett. They have had three children, one of whom died 
in 1888. Mr. Page is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was a member 
of the town council in 1884 and 1885 and assessor of taxes previously 
in Johnston. He was on the committee to build the Free-will Baptist 
church, Plainfield street, and is one of the committee of house at the 
present time. 

Simon S. Page, born in Glocester, R. I., in 1S34, is a son of William 
and Mary (Steere) Page. He came to Johnston in 1877. He learned 
the carpenter trade in his younger days and after coming to Johnston 
became a real estate dealer. He has held several offices. In 1880 he 
took the United States census for the town of Johnston; in 1885 he 
took the town census. He has been justice of the peace, assistant 
trial justice, special constable, deputy coroner, and on committees of 
the town, two years water and light commissioner and assessor of 
taxes six years, trustee of school district No. 15 five years, and also 
a member of the school committee, and is now notary public. Mr. 
Page has been twice married, his first wife being Mary E. Hudson, 
granddaughter of Doctor Samuel Hudson of Cranston. They had two 
children, a daughter and son, the daughter is now living. Mrs. Page 
died in 1868 and he married in 1870 Corlista A. Bachelder. They 
have four ckildren. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Free-will 
Baptist church of Olneyville. He was superintendent of the Sunday 
52 



818 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

school five years, and has been superintendent of four other Sunday- 
schools. He is now teacher of a Bible class. 

Leander W. Peckham, born in Westerly, R. I., April 21st, 1846, is 
son of Daniel and and Betsey M. (Clark) Peckham. He came to John- 
ston in 1871 and engaged in the manufacturing business, first in the 
Brown Mill at Thornton. In 1885 he leased the mill from Mr. Fletcher, 
known as the Bag Mill. He employs 30 hands. He does an annual 
business of from thirty to forty thousand dollars. Mr. Peckham mar- 
ried Josephine A. Bennett of Johnston, in 1879. 

Alva O. Pike, born in Johnston in 1852, is a son of Thomas and 
Phebe (Harris) Pike, and grandson of Isaac Pike. Thomas was born 
in Connecticut in 1822, married in 1850, and had two sons and two 
daughters. Alva O. married in 1883 Adaline E., daughter of George 
G. and Sarah Pierce of Providence. 

Waldo M. Place is a son of William H., who was a son of H. N. F. 
Place and he a son of Dutee Place, who was born in Glocester, R. I., 
November 25th, 1783, and lived to be nearly 103 years old. William 
H. Place married Adelaide J. Steere, daughter of Smith Steere of Glo- 
cester, and Waldo M. is their only child. 

Welcome A. Potter born January 17th, 1810, in Cranston, is a son 
of Benjamin, born August 11th, 1774, died 1853. He was a cotton 
manufacturer. He had ten children, of whom only two are living- 
Asa K. and Welcome A. Welcome A. married Maria M. Pettis August 
18th, 1839. She was a daughter of James M. Pettis of Johnston. 
They have one son, Benjamin J., engaged in the furniture trade in 
Providence. Mrs. Potter died in January, 1890. 

James B. Randall is a son of James B. and Amanda Randall, grand- 
son of Samuel Randall and great-grandson of Captain James Randall. 
His grandfather, Samuel Randall, was known as Judge Randall. 
James B. Randall Jr., lives on the old homestead in Johnston where he 
and his father were born, and which has been in the Randall family 
over 150 years. He married Sarah E. Mead, of Elmira, N. Y., and 
they have three children: William M., Sadie F. and Harry T. Mr. 
Randall belongs to the Independent Order of Good Fellows of Olney- 
ville. 

Ethan T. Sheldon, born in Johnston in 1847, is a son of Angell, Jr., 
and grandson of Angell, all natives of Johnston. Mr. Sheldon is a 
milk and ice dealer. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the 
Rough and Ready Fire Company. He married in 1871 Esther, 
daughter of William and Ellen Walch. They have four children 
living: Newell 15., Rowena, Dora and Mary B. 

Benjamin F. Smith, born in Glocester in 1830, is a son of Benja- 
min. He was married to Almira R. Olney in 1851. They have four 
children: George A., born 1852; Ella F., 1858; Ann A., 1861, and 
Frank E.. 1869. Almira R. Smith was born in 1827. Benjamin and 
Almira have ten grandchildren. 



HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 819 

Nicholas S. Smith, son of James W. and Sarah A. Smith, was born 
in Johnston in 1834. His father, James, was born in 1804, and his 
mother in 1804. Nicholas S. married Sophia, daughter of Olney 
Angell. They have two children: Clarence A., born 1868, and Eva 
M., born 1867. 

Stanton J. Smith is a son of James W., whose father, Nicholas, was 
a son of Benjamin, all born in Johnston. James W. had two sons: 
Stanton J., born 1831, and Nicholas S. Stanton J. married for his 
first wife, Susan J. Corbin. They had four children. Mrs. Smith 
died in 1868. In 1870 he married Sarah E., daughter of Henry Daven- 
port, of New Jersey. They have one son, Henry D., born in 1880. 
Mr. Smith has served eight terms in the town council, and one as 
member of the general assembly. He is a member of Roger Williams 
Lodge, No. 32, F. & A. M., of Centredale. 

William M. Smith, born in Johnston in 1808, is a son of Harry 
Smith, who was born in 1783. Harry was a son of Benjamin. Wil- 
liam M. Smith's mother died when he was three years old. Her name 
was Lydia Manchester. William M. Smith was married in 1846 to 
Eveline G. Marble, who died in 1869. He married in 1871 Amey A., 
daughter of William Eddy. 

Mrs. Charlotte Steere is the widow of Benedict Steere, and lives 
with her brother, William Sheldon. He was born in Johnston in 
1817, and is a son of Angell and Eunia Sheldon. They had 14 chil- 
dren. William Sheldon married Julia A., daughter of Harry Smith, 
in 1842. They have four children, all married and settled in Rhode 
Island. 

Byron O. Sweet, son of Joseph Sweet, was born in North Provi- 
dence in 1864, and came to Johnston in 1888. He is a milk dealer. 
He married Maggie T. Walsh in 1884. They have two children: Fan- 
nie L. and Madeline M. 

Daniel Thornton was born in 1798 in Johnston, and had seven 
children. Eliza S. and Sylvania (Mrs. Carrie E. Brown), sisters, live 
on the Thornton homestead. Their brother, Albert O. Thornton, 
lives in Johnston. Daniel Thornton was born, married and died in 
the same house now occupied by his daughters. 

Elijah W. Thornton, born in 1828, is a son of Jeremiah, born 1786, 
he a son of Solomon, he a son of Daniel. Elijah W. married in 
1859 Zilpha E., daughter of Olney and Almira Angell. They have 
four children: Sarah J., Fenner A., Emory C. and Alfred M. There 
have been seven generations of the Thorntons born in the house 
Elijah W. now occupies. On his farm stands the largest and oldest 
apple tree in the state, nearly five feet through and 250 years old. 

Miss Ann E. Thurber, born in Johnston in 1836, is a daughter of 
Ira and Amey Thurber, both born in Rhode Island, the former in 
1806, and the latter in 1808. They had three daughters and three 
sons. The sons are in California. Miss Ann E. owns the old home- 



820 HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY. 

stead. The father of Ira was Esquare Thurber. The mother of Ann 
E. is living-. She married Ira Thurber in 1831. She lives with her 
daughter, Eleanor B., who married Ephraim A. Winsor in 1861. They 
have two children. Esquare and his brother Samuel both served in 
the revolutionary war. 

Frank W. Tillinghast, born in Richmond, Washington countv, R. 
I., in 1859, is a son of William B. Tillinghast. He graduated at Bos- 
ton University Law School in 1883, came to Johnston in 1886, and en- 
gaged in the manufacturing business at Thornton, purchasing the 
Brown Mill. He was married to Grace G., daughter of Thomas C. 
Peckham. They have one son, Carl K. Mr. Tillinghast is a member 
of the Providence Bar. He was elected member of the legislature 
from Johnston in 1889. 

Charles E. Tourtellot, born in Scituate in 1849, is a son of Asa, who 
was born in the same town in 1805, and married Eliza L., daughter of 
Elder Joseph Manchester. They both died in 1887. Eliza was born 
in 1811. They had three sons — Asa M., Charles E. and Edwin A. — and 
six daughters. Charles E., Mary M. and Abbie F. live together on the 
homestead where the father died. The other daughters are: Phebe 
R.. wife of Nehemiah R. Angell; Sanondess A., wife of Ethan A. 
Jenks; Angeline E., wife of John S. Paine, and Elizabeth W., wife of 
William R. Wilder, all living. 

Henry S. Turner, only son of Henry B. and Mary J. Turner, was 
born May 1st, 1858, in Johnston. He married Sadie F. Eaton, of 
Connecticut, in 1887. He has held the office of town councilman, 
and was elected member of the general assembly in 1889. He is a 
republican. 

Alba Wade, born in 1819, is a son of Jonathan, and grandson of 
Willard, all born in Glocester, R. I. Jonathan had eight children. 
Alba came to Johnston in 1861. He married Maria Mann. They 
have six children. 

James H. Walch, born in Cranston in 1851, is a son of James and 
Elizabeth Walch. He came to Johnston in 1854 with his parents. He 
engaged in the ice trade in Olneyville in 1876 and does a wholesale 
and retail business. He married Louise E. Stokes in 1876. They have 
two children. Mr. Walch is a republican. He held the office of town 
councilman in 1884, 1885 and 1886. He was elected member of as- 
sembly in 1887 and 1888, and served in the committee on printing and 
military. 

Abraham A. Waterman, born in Johnston, is a son of Christopher 
and grandson of Resolved Waterman. He was married in 1869 to 
Sarah A. Rogers of Johnston, daughter of Abner B. Rogers. They 
have six children. 

Calvin T. Waterman, born in Johnston in 1816, is a son of John, 
2d, whose father William, was a son of John. John, 2d, married Mercy 
Randall. They had five children. Calvin T. married Amey, a daugh- 



HISTORY OF TROVIDENCE COUNTY. 821 

ter of Stephen and Marcy (Sweet) Belknap. They have two children: 
Anna M., born 1843, and Stephen B., born 1850. 

Edward H. Waterman, brother of Calvin T., was born September 
28th, 1820, and was the youngest son of John, 2d. He has had four 
wives. His first wife was Marcy Belknap. They had one son, James 
H. (deceased). She died in 1847. His second wife was Laura J. 
Trowbridge; his third wife was Esther Belknap,' by whom he had one 
son, John E. (deceased); and his fourth wife was Sarah Belknap, 
daughter of Benjamin Belknap. They were married in 1863 and have 
one daughter, Mary F., born in I860. Mr. Waterman has two grand- 
children who live on the farm with him, James E. and William M. 
Waterman. 

George W. White, born in Xew Hampshire in 1826, is a son of 
Williams White of New Hampshire. He came to Johnston in 1846, 
and married in 1848 Eunice L., daughter of Ephraim Winsor of Johns- 
ton. Thev have five sons and one daughter. George W. has been a 
member of the general assembly two years and is employed a large 
share of his time in settling estates. 

Leroy A. White, born in 1853, is a son of George W. and Eunice 
L. White. He married in 1886 Alice M., daughter of John Bentley of 
Providence. They have two daughters: Claribel E., born in 1886, and 
Alice M., born 1889. Mr. White has been in the town council and 
highway surveyor. 

Alfred A. Williams, born in Providence in 1834, son of Earned and 
Sarah A. Williams, came to Johnston in 1856 and married Sarah 
Hendrick in 1855. They have five children: Alfred H., Sarah A., 
Hattie C, Olney H. and Earned. Mr. Williams is a market gardener. 
He has been member of the general assembly several times as a re- 
publican. 

Anson P. Winsor, born April 20th, 1845, in Johnston, is a son of 
Ephraim and Rhoda T. (Brown) Winsor. Ephraim had four children, 
of whom Anson P. was the youngest. Anson married Georgiana, 
daughter of Nelson and Martha Ballou, in 1882. They have no 
children. 

Henry A. Winsor, son of Elisha and Lucy Winsor, was born in 
Glocester in 1848. Elisha was born in 1821. He had six children, 
of whom Henry A. is the eldest. Elisha was a son of Isaac. Henry A. 
married Emma C, daughter of Martin Winsor in 1871. They have 
six children: Edith F., Bertley T., Lucy B., Jennie E., Chester P. and 
Isabel A. 



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